Tolerance, harmony, respect, human dignity, justice and    fair and equitable dealing in all circumstances are the    values of a civilised and educated society. And no doubt, these values are the backbone of the progress and success of any society. A society, barred from these fundamental qualities, cannot remain prosperous and competitive. And a brief analysis of the current developed and under-developed countries’ position will make it absolutely clear that those who abide by these values are progressing rapidly, and those who do not practise these qualities are barred from all sorts of progress and achievements.

Pakistan is also amongst those countries where intolerance is increasing rapidly and all the stakeholders of the country as politicians, lawmakers, the judiciary, the police and mostly the religious clerics and leaders are responsible for that. The latter have diverted their priorities from teaching religion and moral values, towards spreading hatred, issuing fatwas (religious edicts) against mankind, and promoting violence and bloodshed. Very sad!!!

A few days ago, just because of one single statement by a minister, which was totally impolite and provocative, against a political party, people of that political party came out in the streets protesting and many innocent people were killed and dozens of cars and buses were set on fire, buildings and infrastructures were destroyed. The result was a huge loss to the economy of the country. If one commits a mistake, others try to correct it by making another mistake, and even a bigger one.

One major aspect of this increasing intolerance is that all the main stakeholders of the country are only working for their interests and motives, preaching hatred and intolerance to their people, prioritising personal agendas and neglecting the national interests and are not showing broadmindedness. They exploit the people’s ignorance and vulnerability, they toy with the sentiments of people of other faiths and all sorts of intolerance is preached openly and loudly and the government turns a blind eye to what is happening so as not to lose its votes.

The result is that many people have started deciding their matters in streets, on the crime spots by themselves. And they try to take the law into their own hands neglecting the best interests of their country. The country therefore is facing disorder and lack of rule of law.

Let me give you an example by telling you of an incident, which is too terrible to be seen or to be narrated, as it was so heinous and was a grave insult to mankind. However, that directly relates to my subject and that is one clear example for this intolerance. A few days ago a drug addict entered a mosque and tried to steal a water pump and the imam of the mosque saw him and together with other people arrested the thief and they took the law into their own hands and punished the thief on the spot. The extrajudicial punishment they decided is a clear example of an intolerant and violent attitude of the ordinary people as well as the religious clerics. And that punishment is considered one of the worst and grave humiliations in Asian societies. They took the thief and cut the hair of one side of the head, shaved part of his moustache and the eye brows, coloured his face black, hung many torn shoes around his neck, they rode him on a donkey (which is a symbol of grave humiliation) and finally they marched him around the town with a crowd of people chanting slogans and raising voices against him. They humiliated him as much as they could and left him dying out of humiliation every day. This incident was shown on television, believe me, it was hard to see and I turned my eyes away from the TV screen and only listened to what had happened.

And this was not the first incident of this kind, but, similar incidents take place on a regularly basis but mostly remain unreported.

How nice it would have been if the state had provided security and easy justice to all the citizens so that such incidents could be avoided. And also, how nice and civilized it would have been if the people and the imam of the mosque would have handed over the thief to the police and he would have been brought to justice.

By the sheer grace of Allah the Almighty Ramadan has come once again in our lives to strengthen our relationship with God the Almighty and to serve His people.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta wish you all a very happy and blessed Ramadan.

Please find the schedule of Ramadan, for further information please contact: amjmalta@gmail.com

Source/Credit: The Times of Malta: Thursday, July 28, 2011 , by 

Death is as real as life and death is an integral part of life. The life of a human being is limited on this earth and everyone has to leave this world to join the hereafter. It is true that death physically separates a person from its dear and loved ones but those who live in hearts cannot ever be separated from them.

Mary Fenech Adami, a great person, highly respected and loved, was a real example of this, because she was a person who lived and no doubt lives in the hearts of thousands.

The former First Lady lived her life with great determination, passion for serving others, feeling others’ pain and helping the needy. She dealt perfectly with her public as well as family life.

She brought up five children, giving them all the attention they needed, and at the same time meeting with people, asking about their problems, offering them help and support, listening to the ordinary people and giving them proper attention. She was a courageous and strong person. She was an example of honour and dignity for the country. She was a woman Malta should be proud of.

A few months ago I read the news about a head of state who went to the US with his delegation to demand aid and help for the country as the country was suffering from a bad economy. But I was astonished to read that the rent of the hotel he was staying at was $5,000 a night.

Isn’t it very strange? Begging for help and staying in such a luxurious hotel!?

What a great and positive example we have in the shape of Mrs Fenech Adami. Peppi Azzopardi wrote that when she went to visit Maltese patients in the UK, she instructed staff to keep expenses to a minimum: “Mrs Fenech Adami, sitting on a bench in the centre of London, making sandwiches for us to eat. When I saw passers-by looking at us, I said to myself: ‘They would never believe that she is Malta’s First Lady’!” Because of deeds such as this she will live forever in the hearts of people.

She was a great but humble lady, who was loved by all. Her death is a great loss to this country.

We want to show our sincerest condolences to President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami, her son Beppe Fenech Adami, member of Parliament, her daughter, sons and her friends and to all her dear ones. May God bless them with the strength to deal with this tragedy.

We pray that her beautiful soul will rest in peace forever and may God bless her with His everlasting love and pleasure. Amen.

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Mrs. Michelle Muscat, wife of the Leader of the Opposition in Malta, delivering speech in the “Seminar about Women”, organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, on Friday 17th June 2011 at the Waterfront Hotel Gzira.

 Source: The Malta Independent, Wednesday, 20 July 2011.

BY GODFREY MAGRI – Attard MALTA

The annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was held in Karlsruhe, Germany, between 24 and 26 June. Over 30,000 members participated and prayed in a great community spirit.

The Leader of the Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, made two inspiring speeches. In the first speech he emphasised the loyalty to one’s nation, explained that suicide was against Islam, warned that terrorism only creates disorder and leaves behind it bloodshed, widows and orphans and that we must pray God for guidance and protection. The message of the Quran is a message of peace, love and respect.

In the concluding speech and the message for the future, the Head of the Community, spoke about Satan’s free hand. However, we must pray God to help us, as His Messengers have suggested, and God will respond. We must have fear of God and obedience to His laws. The modern electronic devices, if badly used, can be poison. We must distance ourselves from evil and misdeeds. Our journey in this world has to be justified; there must be fear of God in both letter and spirit. God wants love and brotherhood. Fasting is not enough, one must lead by examples and by the way one lives.

Piety and soft hands do more good than violence. He finally concluded by reminding us that our prayers to God will help us to remove our weaknesses and to reform ourselves.

Although these speeches were made to the members of the Ahmadiyya Community, they also appeal to all humanity.

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Source/Credit: The Times of Malta: Friday, July 15, 2011 , by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Human beings have explored more civilisations with the passage of time and we are now in the 21st century. But, in some countries and societies that is merely a technicality and nothing more. The archaic and often criminal notions of justice and honour, particularly the treatment meted out to women, speak of a society that remains mired in a mediaeval mindset. This is evident judging by news from different countries and societies and because the world has emerged as a global village such news and stories are easily accessible.

Respect and tolerance towards each other is one of the great human values. It is said that “love creates love”. I also believe that “respect creates respect”. And when everyone tries to respect one another and when men and women are equally respected in a society, then the social and family system will become stronger and healthier.

Women constitute almost half of the world population and are one of the main stakeholders of a society. Women play a great role in the social and family system. Sometimes, a woman appears as a mother, sometimes as a wife and sometimes as a daughter. All these roles are respected and dignified.

But, most unfortunately, we sometimes find that women are not treated well and are dishonoured and, in some countries, the situation is even worse. A recent survey by the Guardian indicated that Afghanistan is the worst place in the world for women to live and that the Congo, Pakistan, India and Somalia also fail females, with rape, poverty and infanticide being rife.

Violence against women is rampant in all corners of the world. Such violence is a human rights violation that manifests itself in a number of ways, including: violence against women in custody, women trafficking, forced and unwilling marriages, acid burning, dowry and inheritance deaths, genital mutilation, domestic violence, stoning to death and so-called honour killing.

Also, it is a bitter reality that, every year, thousands of women become victims of these crimes. According to Amnesty International, at least one woman in every three has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime around the world. Every year, violence in the home and the community devastates the lives of millions of women. Gender-based violence kills and disables as many women between the ages of 15 and 44 as cancer.

Here, I strongly and categorically condemn and share a recent story of a middle-aged woman who was pulled out of her house by at least four men, stripped naked and dragged through the streets in Neelor Bala village in Haripur district, Pakistan. Reportedly, the entire village witnessed the ugly and inhuman spectacle but no one dared intervene because the assailants were armed and declared that if anyone came forward to help the woman, they will be shot. One wonders what her crime was. Why was she dishonoured and became the victim of a heinous crime? It is reported that one of the offenders accused her son of having illicit relations with his wife but there were no accusations against her.

This continued for a full hour and those ill-natured people paraded her naked and kept beating her in front of the entire village. The woman says: “Through­-out I was asking myself why this curse had befallen me from nowhere. What had I done? I was begging them to stop. But they didn’t listen.”

And, finally, after all the humiliation, when they released her, she ran to her home, covered herself with clothes and went to a forest and spent the whole night there with her younger son because she couldn’t face her family members. She describes her position saying: “Before all this, I was poor but I had a respectable life, I was happy. But after something like this, my life is finished.”

This incident and the words of that woman are indeed saddening and every sane and sensible person would certainly feel pain at this barbaric act. This act was beyond humanity. Even animals show more respect than these people. This act and every similar act of mistreatment of women are condemnable. Women deserve more respect and dignity because they are as equal as men in respect and honour.

Sadly, the underlying issue remains a barbaric and heinous mindset in which an innocent woman is held for personal interests. It was a case in which people took the law into their own hands and, with the power of a gun, abused the dignity of a woman. The police investigated the case and arrested some of the suspects. But different questions arise: Will the culprits be punished? Will justice be done? Will such humiliation and violence against women end? Will that woman regain her honour and dignity?

amjmalta@gmail.com; The author is president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

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Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta in ‘Lenti’ programme on TVM. Programme was presented by Mr. Albert Marshall.

Download the English Translation of this leaflet:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta strongly condemns the Human Rights situation in Pakistan. In recent weeks media has reported many incidents of human rights violation and provocative acts in Pakistan; and so-called religious clerics and extremists are spreading hatred throughout the country, which already has caused thousands deaths of innocent people. Some clerics and hardliners are demanding the banning of the Holy Bible[i], in the country. Infamous blasphemy laws are being misused and innocent people are becoming the victims of those laws. Tolerance, freedom of religion and speech is lacking rapidly and extremists are fulfilling their agenda. Provocative and hate campaigns are started against minorities and people of other faiths.

Most recently, a hard-line Islamist “Khatme Nabuwwat” Organization (organization Prophet Hood Seal) in Pakistan has launched a campaign in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, in order to kill Ahmadi Muslims (the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat). They have been distributing leaflets calling for the murder of Ahmadi Muslims and calling it a real Jihad; and orchestrating a boycott of Ahmadi businesses, doctors, teachers and all prominent members of the community. And they are repeatedly calling the Ahmadi Muslims “Wajib-ul-Qatal” means “liable for death”.

The brochure promotes the open murder of Ahmadis and explains that this is a meritorious act, protective spirit of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) with honor and reward in paradise[ii].

The Asian Human Rights Commission issued a press release under the title “Extremists are planning openly to kill hundreds of Ahmadiyys, the government turns a blind eye”, on Saturday, 11^th June 2011[iii].

The organization has issued an open letter and published a list of the elite among Ahmadiyya Muslims, ie doctors, teachers and businessmen in Faisalabad. It has motivated, inspired and manipulated the society with the message:

“Wake your conscience! And be fearless, holy warriors of Khatme Nabuwwat, kill the followers of the Ahmadiyya doctrine and get martyr status.”

In Faisalabad, the situation is very unstable and dangerous. No Ahmadi is guaranteed safety or security. Nor the Pakistani government, police or judicial system have issued any official statements on the announcement of the open message that is causing this tremendous fear. Children are afraid to go to school and businessmen are afraid to open their daily businesses.

A few months ago four Ahmadi Muslims were shot dead in Faisalabad because of these types of statements.

The federal government has not taken any effective action to halt and eliminate the extremist activity that continues to undermine the values ​​on which Pakistan was founded on.

Political parties in Pakistan have not shown any signs of confronting religious fanaticism, extremism and violence that has shattered the social and economic fabric of society.

Human Right situation in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the situation of human right is not different from Pakistan. Few months ago some members of the Ahmadiyya Community were killed very brutally[iv]. The government is not taking any positive steps to assure its citizens the freedom of faith and religion; also their safety is not assured[v].

We would like to draw attention to this serious matter, to make it substantially clear to the Pakistani government that this is against the basic human rights, and all the citizens must be given their all basic human rights and depriving them from these rights is clearly against the United Nations Rules and Regulations to which Pakistan is a member state.  So, we can avoid any new massacre of the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as it happened on 28^th May 2010, where 86 innocent Ahmadis were killed in Lahore Pakistan, on the basis of their faith.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta is very sad on the death of our former first lady, Mrs. Mary Fenech Adami.

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, personally phoned Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami, President Emeritus of Malta, to express his condolences following the death of his wife Mrs. Fenech Adami. He also expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Malta. And offered support and help at this difficult time to His Excellency. And said:

“We pray for her, may God bless her with His eternal heavens and may her soul rest in peace, may God be with her family. Amen”

During her time in hospital for treatment, Mr. Atif regularly contacted Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami and Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami MP, and expressed his sympathies and help.

Mrs. Mary Fenech Adami was a great but very humble woman of this country. She was very dedicated and determined to her work. She had a great passion to serve others. Her services as the Head of the Community Chest Fund, are bear witness to her support to those in need.

We are united in expressing our grief to His Excellency, Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami and his family.

Part: 2

Women in Islam, speech delivered by by Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, in the ‘Seminar about Women’, on Friday 17th June 2011. This especial event was organised to commemorate the “International Women’s Day Centenary 1911-2011”, by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

BY: Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Malta

We live in an age of competition, threats and challenges; surviving between problems, material as well as spiritual.

At different times, there were different problems; there were always hurdles to be overcome and threatening dangers to be conquered. But, the peaceful and secure life on earth has never been such a great challenge as today.

One of the distinctive characteristics of the times we live in is the overwhelming presence of violence and aggressiveness in some societies and countries around the world. Sometimes bombs explode in markets, sometimes in schools, sometimes hotels are attacked and sometimes people are under attack during their prayer time. The hijackings of aircrafts where people are held at ransom for someone to achieve his personal and political ends are also among the sad aspects of the recent human history. We live in an age where the manipulation and loss of innocent lives has become commonplace.

In recent years thousands of innocent men, women and children have been killed very brutally. Thousands of families have been destroyed, thousands of women became widows, thousands of children have been made orphans and millions have lost all their belongings. So many buildings were destroyed and the world witnessed huge economic loss. This is one of the main reasons for the increase of poverty in many parts of the world. In these attacks many talented persons have been killed, thus a huge loss had happened to the national and international talent. Moreover, these terrorist and suicide attacks have destroyed the world peace.

Terrorism, the extreme of violence and aggressiveness, is considered one of the prime threats to the peace and security of our societies. If we look back towards human history, we can easily find that the word “terrorism” came into wide use a few decades ago.

What do the words ‘terrorist’ and ‘terrorism’ mean? Dictionaries will define a terrorist as one who systematically uses violence and intimidation to achieve political ends – or one who controls or forces others to do something by violence, fear or threats. ‘Terrorism’ means the use of violent action in order to achieve political aims or to force a government to act accordingly.

These definitions show that the use of every sort of aggressiveness, intolerance and violence for gaining political or personal ends is terrorism. Those who do not believe in tolerance, harmony and dialogue and try to get whatever they want by using force are to be called terrorists. Those who have lost every shred of human decency are the ones who will eventually resort to terrorising others, forcing them into complying with their demands.

Difference of opinions and ideology always existed in the world, and it is good and healthy for the improvements. However, it becomes unacceptable when it is translated into violence and intolerance. And some people become violent to gain their personal interests, and to spread their ideology, they rely on violence and extremism. An evident example to that is of the Al-Qaeda and its late chief bin Laden. The killing of bin Laden obviously has huge symbolic implications; his death was a cold breath for all those who stand against his terrorist and extremist ideology.

Although, the death of the chief left a psychological effect and the backbone of the organisation was considered to be shaken, it is also a reality that he left his legacy and ideology behind. Al-Qaeda has appointed Zawahiri as its new leader, who will carry this legacy. Terrorist attacks on Karachi Naval base, attacks in Peshawar, a suicide attack in Hangu, a suicide attack by a female on a police station in Pakistan; and an attack on a wedding, on a hospital and on a hotel in Afghanistan, just to name a few, are clear examples of this legacy.

To change the whole scenario, all the stakeholders of a society should work together hand in hand as we say in Maltese ‘id f’id’. Especially in those countries where this phenomenon is getting shape, all the stake holders should shoulder this responsibility of fostering love and kindness instead of hatred and malice.

I think, as these people are using religion in support of their ideology, it is the duty and responsibility of religious leaders to denounce this legacy and ideology, categorically and unreservedly. They should distance themselves from such violent phenomena through their words and more importantly, practically. It is also their duty to guide and teach their people affection, tolerance and harmony to eliminate this terror ideology and legacy from the world.

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Mrs. Catherine Gonzi, the wife of the Prime Minister of Malta, delivering speech in the “Seminar about Women”, organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

Mr Atif, Mrs Muscat, Respected speakers, Ladies and Gentleman

It is a pleasure for me to share with you this opportunity to take stock of women’s issues. I thank all the previous speakers for their extremely informative and enlightening interventions about women and their roles and relations from various perspectives.

We are marking a 100 year old quest for respect towards women, which is represented by Women’s Day – an international observance introduced at a time when women in America and in Europe were struggling to secure for themselves more civil and economic rights, and for a better quality of life.

At the time, social circumstances had rendered women to be considered as inferior and subordinate to men. Back then in the early 20th century, Governments embarked on a process to endorse women’s quest for recognition. This process – officiated 100 years ago, and which is still ongoing today- actually represents an issue which is as old as humankind, disguised in a myriad of representations.

As the previous speakers have so aptly referred, respect for women features strongly in the main religions, as it also does in mythology and in history.

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His Holiness, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community delivered his keynote address to the German and Foreign guests, at the Annual Convention on Saturday 25th June, 2011.

His Holiness elaborated different subjects such as, loyalty to the country, separation of religion and state, terrorism, suicide bombing and freedom of faith. His Holiness also presented the True Teachings of Islam in these matters; and highlighted the beauties of the Islamic teachings.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta recently participated in a tree-planting event at Selmun Family Park, Mellieħa. Ahmadiyya president Laiq Ahmed Atif (left) planted an olive tree together with Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino (right) to initiate the event. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community planted 33 olive trees, one of which is dedicated to women, in commemoration of Woman’s Day.

 : Sunday, June 26, 2011 : Read original post:

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta organised a historic event titled “Seminar about women”, in commemoration of “International Women’s Day Centenary 1911-2011”; on Friday 17^thJune at the Waterfront Hotel Gzira, Malta.

In this respectful gathering Mrs. Catherine Gonzi, the spouse of the Prime Minister of Malta and Mrs. Michelle Muscat, the spouse of the Leader of the Opposition of Malta also delivered their talks together with other speakers. Mrs. Nadya Anne Mangion, the vice president of the National Women’s Council Malta, introduced the council and also shared the work and services of the council. Rev. Lawrence Attard, delivered his talk on the topic of “Women in Christianity”.

“Women in Islam” was the topic of the presentation of Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. In his presentation he addressed the situation of women before the advent of Islam, and then showed the beautiful teachings of Islam about the dignity and honour of women. Through Verses of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, he spoke about the role of women as wives, daughters and mothers. He concluded his speech with the message of:

“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, as moderate and the most dynamic denomination of Islam in modern history, immensely believes in respect for women, and continues to advocate for the equality, education, and empowerment of women.”

In this programme more than fifty people from different denominations and backgrounds participated, spouses of four Members of Parliament also attended the event; and press gave coverage to this event. Find original post: 

Maltreatment of women ‘misinterpretation’ of Islam

The treatment of women in “so-called Islamic states” is not according to the spirit of Islam, the president of the Ahmadiyya Mulslim Jamaat in Malta said today.

Speaking in a seminar organised by the Islamic denomination to commemorate 100 years of Women’s Day, Laiq Ahmed Atif said that Islam favoured equality between both sexes and that the subjugation and cruelty to some women in the Arab world was “a misrepresentation of Islam”. Find details reported in The Times:

The treatment of women in “so-called Islamic states” is not according to the spirit of Islam, the president of the Ahmadiyya Mulslim Jamaat in Malta said today.

Speaking in a seminar organised by the Islamic denomination to commemorate 100 years of Women’s Day, Laiq Ahmed Atif said that Islam favoured equality between both sexes and that the subjugation and cruelty to some women in the Arab world was “a misrepresentation of Islam”.

Opening the conference, Michelle Muscat, wife of the opposition leader, said the current state of affairs made it difficult – if not impossible – for women to aspire to a career or politics and raise a family.

The point was also raised by Kate Gonzi, who said that the government and political parties, “made up mostly of men” “need to appreciate the different, albeit complementary contribution that women can make, and embrace female participation”.

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“Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you.” (The Holy Quran)

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta will be hosting a seminar to commemorate the centenary of International Woman’s Day, at the Waterfront Hotel, Gżira, on Friday 17^th June at 5 p.m. Respected Mrs. Catherine Gonzi, the wife of the Hon. Prime Minister of Malta and respected Mrs. Michelle Muscat, the wife of the Leader of the Opposition in Malta together with other speakers will be participating in the event. The programme will be presented by Ms. Valerie Vella. Refreshments will be served at the end of the seminar. Entrance is free and everyone is invited. To confirm attendance, call 7932 0139 or send an e-mail to amjmalta@gmail.com.

A policy debate on the rise of extremism internationally and its impact on Britain, House of Commons, 18 May 2011. The event was co-hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK and the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Community. Speakers were:

The Attorney General, The Rt Hon DOMINIC GRIEVE QC MP; Writer, broadcaster and cultural critic ZIAUDDIN SARDAR; Co-Director of the International Centre for the Study of radicalisation DR JOHN BEW; Director of Asia Pacific at Amnesty International SAM ZARIFI; and daughter of assassinated Governor of Punjab Pakistan Salman Taseer SHEHRBANO TASEER. In the absence of Siobhain McDonagh MP (Chair APPG), Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP chaired the event.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, was Rahmatullil Almeen – mercy for all the worlds, his entire life is manifestation of great love and mercy towards all mankind as well as animals. Few examples of his mercy towards animals are presented below.

“He warned people against cruelty to animals and enjoined kind treatment to them. He used to relate the instance of a Jewish woman who was punished by God for having starved her cat to death. He also used to relate the story of a woman who found a dog suffering from thirst near a deep well. She took off her shoe and lowered it into the well and thus drew up some water. She gave the water to the thirsty dog to drink. This good deed earned her God’s forgiveness for all her previous sins.

‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud ra relates: “While we were in the course of a journey along with the Holy Prophet sa we saw two young doves in a nest and we caught them. They were still very small. When their mother returned to the nest, not finding her little ones in it, she began to fly wildly round and round. When the Holy Prophet sa arrived at the spot he observed the dove and said,  ‘If any one of you has caught its young ones he must release them at once to comfort it’ ” (Abu Dawud).  ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud ra also relates that on one occasion they observed an ant-hill and, placing some straw on top of it, they set fire to it; whereupon they were rebuked by the Holy Prophet sa.

On one occasion the Prophet sa observed a donkey being branded on the face. He inquired the reason for this and was told that the Romans had recourse to this practice for the purpose of identifying high-bred animals. The Prophet (saw) said that as the face was a very sensitive part of the body, an animal should not be branded on the face and that if it had to be done the branding should be done on its haunches (Abu Dawud  and Tirmidhi). Since then Muslims always brand animals on their haunches and, following this Muslim practice, Europeans also do the same.” (Life of Muhammad sa; p 372-373)

(From the archives: On May 28, 2010 in Lahore Pakistan two mosques of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat were attacked by terrorists which resulted the death of 86 innocent worshippers who were gathered to perform their Friday Prayers. The following article was written after the attacks about the ‘history of religious persecution’, is reposted below for the readers.)

The history of persecution is as old as human life on this earth. The religious history is full of examples of force and violence used in the name of religion by people who had no religion. People were tortured because of their love for God by those who had not the faintest clue about God. Every prophet and messenger of God and their people suffered from persecution and violence. And their enemies always raised the voices against them.

God gives the example of the prophet Shuaib, peace be on him, when the persecutors told him: “Assuredly we will drive you out and the believers with you from our town or you shall have to return to our religion.” (7:89)

Shuaib’s reply to the threats typifies the attitude of all God’s prophets. He said: “Even though we be unwilling?” (7:89).

Is it possible to change hearts by force? Can a man be reconverted to a religion he has discarded after discovering the truth of a new religion?

No dictator has ever been able to escape this logic. The historical fact is that the sword has never ruled and will never rule men’s hearts. If the human body can be subdued by force, then the soul cannot. Belief is a thing of the heart.

The history of religious persecution, as told by the Quran, clearly shows that followers of true religion are the victims of violence. The Quran gives the examples of Noah, Abraham, Lot, Shuaib, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, peace be on them all, who called the people to God by using love, sympathy and humility.

The Holy Quran narrates the story of the people of the cave, the Christians who were persecuted for 300 years. They used to be kept in the places for torture, the amphitheatres intended for gladiatorial combat with bulls and lions. It was in these places that naked Christians were thrown to hungry wild animals. The animals howled and made short shrift of the defenceless Christians. Sometimes these “apostates” were thrown to bulls which had been starved for several days. The starving creatures bellowed and snorted and, with hissing screeches, attacked. The Christians were gored or trampled to death.

The history of persecution repeated itself when early Muslims were laid out in the blazing sun. Burning stones were put on their chests; they were dragged through the streets of Mecca like dead animals. They were shunned and kept hungry and thirsty. They were thrown into dungeons, their belongings were seized and their families were broken up. Pregnant women were thrown off camels, their inevitable deaths the cause of merriment. Their dead bodies were cut asunder; the liver of the Prophet’s uncle was even eaten. They were pierced by arrows and cut down with swords.

The Prophet was stoned by ruffians and vagabonds and was chased and pelted by urchins till the cobblestones of Taif ran red with his blood. This bloodshed and persecution took place in the name of religion.

The painful history of persecution still continues today. In many countries, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, which is a peace-loving community that believes in love, peace, respect, harmony, tolerance and universal brotherhood, is suffering through violence and persecution. On May 28, in Lahore, Pakistan, two mosques of an Ahmadiyya community were attacked during Friday prayer. More than 95 innocent Ahmadis were killed and 125 were injured in these barbaric and inhuman attacks.

This persecution has been going on for a long time. Ahmadis are being persecuted in many countries; even certain governments and authorities are involved in this violence and persecution and laws have been made against Ahmadis.

In many cities of Pakistan, every day conferences are being held where speeches are made, banners are displayed, discussions are held and printed posters carry the message that Ahmadis ”wajibul katl” – they should be killed. They should be taken out of Pakistan, given three days to repent and change their ways and faith or else put into a firing line. Posters in this sense have been printed and are on record.

All of this is happening under the eyes and nose of the authorities.

A glance at the history of religions would more than prove that true religion does not cause hatred, persecution, repression or the suppression of thought. It is their enemies who are persecuting and using violence against the followers of that true religion.

When will man understand and stop persecution and violence against others?

(By Laiq Ahmed Atif, president AMJ-Malta) Photo: Google-images

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The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta has participated in the tree planting event on Sunday 22^nd May at Selmun Family Park Mellieha. The Hon George Pullicino Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs attended the event; also the Prime Minister visited the tree planting area.

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta planted an olive tree together with Hon. Minister George Pullicino to initiate the event, and said that tree planting was important to effectively change the environment into a better place.

In this activity the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community planted 33 olive trees as a contribution in the environmental section; it has also dedicated one tree to women to commemorate “International Women’s Day Centenary 1911 – 2011”. This was the second tree planting event by the Ahmadiyya Community.

The community believes to contribute in every social, charitable, humanitarian and welfare activity. And as there is a big climate change and pollution is on the increase, so there cannot be any better gift than to planting trees for the nation and this beautiful country, Malta. Planting olive trees is also to extend the message of peace, love and brotherhood to the entire nation; and to extend our motto, “Love for all – Hatred for none”.

Fid-dinja kontemporanja tal-lum, in-nies qed jibbenifikaw mill-invenzjonijiet xjentifiċi, li bidlu l-ħajja tagħna kompletament. Dawn l-invenzjonijiet xjentifiċi huma  ta’ benefiċċju kbir għalina lkoll. U issa ma naħsbux li nistgħu ngħixu mingħajrhom. U minħabba dawn l-invenzjonijiet naraw bidla kbira fil-klima u t-tniġġis qed jiżdied kuljum. 

Kif nafu, dawn l-invenzjonijiet għandhom effetti negattivi għal saħħitna wkoll, kif ukoll mard ta’ tip differenti qed jaffetwa n-nies. Ħafna nies qed ibatu minn allerġiji, kanċers, problemi tan-nifs, problemi ta’ ġilda, eċċ. In-numru tan-nies li jużaw inhalers qed jiżdied.

Naraw ħafa laqgħat dwar l-ambjent fil-pajjiż kif ukoll madwar id-dinja, sabiex naslu li nsalvaw il-problemi dwar l-ambjent. Ħafna diskuzzjonijiet qed jiġu organizzati biex insibu s-soluzzjonijiet ta’ kif nistgħu nagħmlu l-ambjent aħjar.

Waħda mis-soluzzjonijiet hi li nibdew inħawlu ħafna siġar kemm nistgħu f’kull pajjiż tad-dinja. Il-mistoqsija hi, għaliex is-siġra hija ta’ importanza kbira? X’inhuma l-benefiċċji tas-siġra?

Meta naqraw dwar is-siġra insibu li siġra hi vera importanti għall-ambjent kif ukoll għal saħħitna. Is-siġra tagħtina frott, kenn, injam, arja friska kif ukoll l-ossiġnu li huwa importanti ħafna għall-ħajja tagħna fuq l-art.

Hawn irrid nikteb l-istorja li qrajt ħafna snin ilu, iżda l-messaġġ tagħha huwa importanti l-istess illum kif kien qabel, anki aktar minn qatt qabel.

Qrajt li darba waħda r-re ta’ xi pajjiż kien għaddej minn qalb għelieqi u ra raġel li kien xiħ ħafna u li kien qed ħawwel siġra. Ir-re kien sorpriż u mar ħdejh u qallu:

‘‘Għalxiex inti qed tħawwel din is-siġra?’’

Ir-raġel qal: ‘‘Għall-frott, għall-kenn, għall-ossiġnu u għall-arja safja.’’

Ir-re qal: ‘‘Int taf li inti raġel xiħ ħafna u ma tafx kemm se tgħix aktar, hu possibbli li tmut qabel din is-siġra tikber, issir siġra kbira u tibda tagħti l-frott u l-kenn.’’

Ir-raġel qal: ‘‘Maestà! Din is-siġra mhux għalija. Naf li aktarx immut fil-futur qrib iżda rrid li nħalli xi ħaġa tajba lill-ġenerazzjonijiet ta’ warajja u nagħti rigal ta’ valur kbir lin-nies li ġejjin warajja.’’

U kompla jgħid li: ‘‘Din se tkun karità u rigal minni għas-snin li ġejjin, u se nirċievi l-barkiet ta’ Alla sa dak iż-żmien li din is-siġra se tibqa’ tagħti benefiċċji lin-nies.’’

Din l-istorja għandha messaġġ sabiħ ħafna; li wara l-mewt in-nies jispiċċaw imma l-affarijiet u l-għemil tajbin tagħhom jibqgħu għal dejjem. Is-siġar li jagħtu l-frott, il-kenn u l-arja safja huma wkoll wieħed mill-għemejjel tajbin li se jibqa’ għal dejjem. Għalhekk, jekk aħna rridu li n-nies jitkellmu tajjeb dwarna, wara l-mewt tagħna, allura hija importanti li aħna nħawlu ħafna siġar, kemm nistgħu.

Jekk aħna rridu li ngħixu ħajja tajba, jekk rridu li uliedna jgħixu ħajja kuntenta, jekk irridu li nħallu xi ħaġa tajba warajna għall-ġenerazzjonijiet li ġejjini, hu wisq importanti li nħawlu ħafna siġar kemm nistgħu. U nagħtu importanza kbira lil dan il-pjan.

Wasal il-ħin, li kull wieħed minna jipprova iħawwel is-siġar f’pajjiżna, li hi gżira daqstant ċkejkna iżda ħafna għażiż għalina, sabiex inħallu warajna pajjiż sabiħ, ambjent aħjar u uliedna ferħanin. Ejjew niddedikaw ruħna sabiex insalvaw l-umanità mill-problemi tal-ambjent u nagħtu dan ir-rigal prezzjuż lill-ġenerazzjonijiet li ġejjin.

Islam is a universal religion. Islam is the religion that provides true understanding of God and prescribes His true worship. Islam is inherent in human nature and humans are created in accord with Islam.

Islam is a very comprehensive religion. It presents a way of life and gives guidance under all possible situations. Islam covers the entire sphere of human activities. Furthermore, in Islam, the beliefs must be reflected in actions. Islam delivers a message of peace to its adherents in their relationship to fellow human beings as well as in their relationship to God. Islam condemns discrimination based on nationality, colour or social class. There can be no master-race or aristocracy. The Holy Quran states:

O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. (The Holy Quran: 49:14)

But, very unfortunately, there is one huge misconception about Islam as a large number of people believe that Islam does not give any right to women, and women are considered inferior, and they have often regarded Islamic women as being backward in a male-dominated world.

On the contrary, Islam was the first religion to formally grant the women a status never known before. In the Holy Quran hundreds of teachings which both apply to men and women are explained. The moral, spiritual and economic equality of men and women as ruled by Islam is unquestionable. The study of the Holy Quran shows that the divine scheme of regulation of the relationship between men and women, Islam has assigned a position of dignity and honour to women. Such beneficent regulation is essential for peace, comfort, happiness, and the continuation of the species and progress.

Before the advent of Islam, women were considered as a worthless creature. Women were not given any rights, they were considered as the property of man. Men had a full right and authority over women, and women had no authority whatsoever. Before Islam, women were sold as personal commodities, people used to marry their mothers, women were being divided as inheritance and people used to marry as many women as they liked.

The birth of a girl was considered to be a matter of disgrace and extreme shame. In Arab many tribes used to bury their newborn daughters alive and some ‘proud’ Arabs are even reported to have buried their newborn daughters with their own hands to escape this ignominy.

The role which women play in the Islamic social system is certainly not of concubines in harems nor of a society imprisoned in the four walls of their homes, barred from progress and deprived of the four walls of the light of knowledge. This ugly picture of the Islamic social system is only painted by internal or external enemies of Islam or by scholars who grossly misunderstand the Islamic way of life.

The only thing, which Islam would not endorse, would be to turn women into playthings, to be exploited or left at the mercy of male vulgarity. Islam does not promote such attitudes towards women.

In Islam, the status of women was simultaneously raised to such high standards that they could no longer be treated as helpless commodities. They were given an equal share in the affairs of life. Whereas previously they were distributed as chattels of inheritance, now they could inherit not only the estate of their fathers but also of their husbands, children and next of kin.

They could now stand up to their husbands and talk back to them. They could reason with them and, of course, had the full right to disagree. They could not only be divorced but they had equal rights to divorce their husbands if they so pleased.

As mothers, they were treated with such profound respect in Islam as is hard to find a similar example in other societies of the world. It was the Holy Founder (peace be on him) of Islam who was to stand for the rights of women by declaring under Divine instructions, that, ‘Paradise lies under the feet of your mothers.’

What a great tribute and honour has given to women as mothers. Can human history present any similar example to this?

The Holy Prophet has admonished:

The best amongst you is he who treats his wife best.

He who brings up his daughters well, and makes no distinction between them and his sons, will be close to me in Paradise.

These sayings alone refute the misconception that women are inferior to men in Islam, and in particular it demonstrates how much importance Islam gives to the respect for women. May the world realise the beauty of Islamic teachings and make these teachings their guide. Ameen

(By: Laiq Ahmed Atif, President AMJ – MALTA)

Imħabba għal Kulħadd Mibegħda għal Ħadd 

Il-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana, temmen fil-Messija u l-Maħdi mwiegħed ta’ dan iż-żmien. Aħna, bħala komunità mnissla mill-Messija nnifsu, nemmnu fil-lealtà, fil-ħelsien, fir-rispett, l-ugwaljanza u l-paċi bla ebda kundizzjoni. Nikkundannaw kategorikament kull forma ta’ terroriżmu u azzjonijiet oħra ta’ terroriżmu li jmorru kontra l-għan tal-komunità.

Il-Koran Imqaddes jisħaq li “min joqtol bniedem, ikun bħallikieku qatel il-bnedmin kollha”. Id-dinjità tal-bniedem, għalina hija missjoni li għaliha ngħixu kuljum sabiex insaħħu. L-emmna tagħna ma tistrieħx biss fuq dan it-tagħlim sabiħ, iżda nfittxu l-okkażjoni li ngħixuh fil-ħajja tagħna ta’ kuljum. Għal din ir-raġuni, il-komunità f’Malta qiegħda xxerred dan il-messaġġ ta’ imħabba u paċi lil kulħadd; hu min hu, hi min hi.

Is-simpatija għall-umanità hija parti integrali tal-fidi tagħna. Għalhekk, il-komunità Aħmadija dejjem iżżomm ħaj it-tifsir veru tal-umanità billi tippromwovi l-motto tagħha: Imħabba għal kulħadd, mibegħda għal ħadd. Dan huwa l-prinċipju li għalih il-komunità taħdem sabiex twessa’ l-messaġġ li l-Messija Mwiegħed ta lill-umanità.

Għal iktar informazzjoni: www.ahmadija.org.mt  ;  Call: +356-79320139

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has initiated a Peace Message campaign worldwide. The Ahmadiyya Community in Malta is also spreading the message of Loyalty, Freedom, Respect, Equality and Peace throughout the country, and recently a campaign of distributing of leaflets has longed.

The situation in the Middle East and in the African countries is worsening day by day. Since, the problems are increasing and people are dramatically being affected, it is but natural to have grave concerns about it. Although at present the entire world feels deep pain and there is an extreme restless feeling among the people.

The current uprisings have shaken all the Middle East and African Arab countries. The leaders, who are ruling these countries for decades, have not given proper attention to the problems of people, but, monarchs have used the opportunities to divert people’s attention to rob their own national wealth and expand grip over people.

I feel that this is my moral duty, as belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is free of all kinds of politics and is exclusively dedicated to serve humanity all over the world, and we are experiencing the greatest agony on the situation of contemporary world, to show my absolute sincerity at this time of great pain and to write some sincere words with the hope that they may be a guiding-line for the Arab world to get rid out of this massacre.

These problems first sparked in Tunisia, moved to Egypt and then translated into Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and indeed Syria, and seem to be domino affects sweeping across the Middle East. As human beings how grieved we are on the current situation in these countries, and the havoc and the difficulties that are been created for the ordinary men and women on the streets and their children, are the heart rending. And we see the news and come to know what is happening there, our hearts bleed for the innocent people. And we pray that their suffering would come to an end and peace would be promoted.

The rulers of these countries are there for decades, and also their families have been closely associated with their rule of power, they all ignored the rights of their people and have taken their eyes off the sufferings of their nations. They have not ruled the country with justice, they have not thought about what the best is for their citizens, and how wealth should be distributed amongst those citizens and how their welfare should be looked after. They did not utilize the national talent; they did not provide them standard education, jobs and medical facilities. They had their own interests at their hearts which they tried to fulfil during their long years in power.

The prophet Muhammad, peace be with him, has mentioned something very beautiful, very touching, he says that: “Each one of you is a ruler and will be answerable in respect of his subjects”; “A true leader of a nation is the one who serves the nation”. And he further emphasised on this matter and said: “Your best leader is the one whom you love and who loves you, and whom you pray for and who prays for you. And the worst leader is the one you hate and who hates you, and whom you curse and who curses you.”

I believe that these few sayings are enough for the leaders of the Arab world to judge their position, where they stand today. Are they the true servants of the nation? Do the people love and pray for them? I think all the problems have cropped up in these countries by neglecting these beautiful principles.

The real solution to this horrible situation in the Arab world is clearly mentioned in the Holy Quran and that is to observe absolute justice, equally enforced from top to bottom, leaders and ordinary people and kings and beggars, no one should be superior or excluded from the justice:  “Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred”; “Verily, Allah commands you to give over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice”; “O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred.”

Thus, the rulers and kings of the Arab countries should do justice to the offices they hold. And the people too should realize their responsibility and not allow their countries to fall into the hands of extremists or fundamentalists. And the rulers should not arrogantly cause disorder in the land, and not be unjust, not to ignore the rights of the people, and not to allow the gap between the rich and poor to increase so much that it causes unease and paves the way for rebellion. The only path is that of righteousness and absolute justice and if both the people and rulers adhere to it, they will all prosper. 

It is my fervent prayer, and that is the greatest weapon I believe, that may God make the leaders to recognise their responsibilities and obligations; they should fulfil their duties with righteousness and establish absolute justice in their countries. And may peace prevail. Amen 

It is extremely unfortunate that there are many people and scholars, including, some Muslims, who believe that the punishment for apostasy in Islam is a death penalty. In some Muslim countries they practise this and punish the apostate with killing.

As I have mentioned above that Islam declares that “There is no compulsion in religion”, it clearly gives the commandment that under no circumstances may force be resorted to for the purpose of converting non-Muslims to Islam. It makes no difference whether non-belief was before or after one’s acceptance of Islam. Compelling a person to believe in Islam and to punish a person for leaving and disbelieving Islam is absolutely forbidden. The non-believers and apostates are free to accept any religion, and there is no punishment in Islam.

The Holy Quran says:

Those who believe, then disbelieve, then again believe, then disbelieve, and then increase in disbelief, Allah will never forgive them nor will He guide them to the way. (4:138)

Just ponder over this verse and think that if it had been the punishment of apostasy a death, then how can a person who disbelieved Islam come back into the fold of Islam for the second time? In this verse it is not mentioned once, but for three times, that if a person disbelieves for three times still there is no worldly punishment for him. Not even a lesser punishment is mentioned.

Religion is a matter of choice, and everybody can believe or disbelieve any religion.

The Holy Quran says:
O ye who believe, whoso from among you turns back from his religion let him remember that in place of such a person, Allah will soon bring a people whom He will love and who will love Him, who will be kind and considerate towards the believers and firm and unyielding towards the disbelievers. They will strive hard in the cause of Allah and will not at all take to heart the reproaches of fault finders. That is Allah’s grace; He bestows it upon whosoever He pleases. Allah is the Lord of vast bounty, All-Knowing. (5.55)

Whoso disbelieves in Allah after he has believed — save him who is forced thereto while his heart finds peace in the faith — but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is Allah’s wrath; and they shall have a severe punishment. [16:107]

And Muhammad is only a Messenger. Verily, all Messengers have passed away before him. If then he die or be slain, will you turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels shall not harm Allah at all. And Allah will certainly reward the grateful. [3:145]

No corporal punishment can be understood to have been mentioned by any stretch of imagination in these verses of the Holy Quran.

“To conclude, apostasy is the clear repudiation of a faith by a person who formerly held it. Doctrinal differences, however grave, cannot be deemed to be apostasy. The punishment for apostasy lies in the hand of God Almighty, against whom the offence has been committed.” (Murder in the name of Allah, page 92, revised edition 1990)