Islam condemns all forms of terrorism

From the Archives | Laiq Ahmed Atif, president, Ahmadiyya Malta | Times Of Malta

Today the world is facing great threats of terrorism. Thousands of innocent people have been killed and still there seems to be no end to this cruelty. Some blame Islam as a religion of grave terror and bloodshed. But, in reality, there is no connection between Islam and terrorism at all; Islam is as closely related to terrorism as light is to darkness or life is to death or peace is to war. Islam very strongly condemns terrorism and encourages establishing peace and order in the land.

However, one cannot deny that on many occasions some Muslims are found involved in terrorist activities either individually, on behalf of a group or on behalf of a country with a predominately Muslim population.

And very recently, a similar attempt of bombing was planned in Times Square, New York. But, still, there are plenty of others who are also involved in such barbaric actions, who are not Muslims.

But let it be very clear that we do not justify terrorism of any kind whatsoever, whatever the colour, religion, sentiment or objective the terrorist may claim to represent. Islam does not approve of disorder in any form. Islam does far from teach terrorism. It teaches rule of law, obedience to the authorities and does not let anyone take the law into his own hands. The Holy Quran states:

“O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority over you.’ (Ch.4: V.60)

The word “obey”, which has been repeated before the words “Allah” and “Messenger” has been omitted before the words, those who are in authority, in order to point out that obedience to the authority properly constituted by law is in reality obedience to God and His Messenger.

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 Holy Prophet as well as his sayings make it clear that in secular matters Muslims should obey even such of their rulers as are not Muslims. And if some people say that it is not necessary for a Muslim to follow any non-Islamic government, this is utterly false and against Islamic teachings as mentioned above.

The Holy Quran further states that “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”. Such words and phrases are found in the Holy Quran repeatedly.

After this clear teaching such terrorist actions of some Muslim individuals or groups have no cover or justification at all, and they must be condemned widely. And those who are involved must be brought in front of justice.

As far as Islam is concerned, it 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, a group or a government.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is a peace loving and law abiding community, strongly condemns the attempted bombing in New York City and all acts of terrorism anywhere in the world. The Ahmadiyya Community very boldly and loudly, without any fear, speaks against terrorism. We also call on all Muslims in the world to join us in condemning all actions of violence and terror caused or carried out by anyone whoever he or she may be. We call on all of them to boldly claim and express with their tongue and action that they are loyal and law-abiding and obedient citizens, and join us in spreading a message of peace, love, harmony, tolerance and brotherhood.

We reject and condemn all acts and forms of violence and terrorism unreservedly and totally, because it is our deeply rooted belief that not only Islam but also no true religion, whatever its name, can sanction violence and the bloodshed of innocent men, women and children in the name of God.

God is love, God is peace!

Love can never beget hatred, and peace can never lead to war.

[The Times: Monday, 24th May 2010] :

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100524/letters/islam-condemns-all-forms-of-terrorism

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Donazzjoni mill-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana

Donazzjoni mill-Komunità Aħmadija

Laiq Aħmed Atif, President tal-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana f’Malta ppreżenta għotja ta’ 13-il pakketti ta’ ikel bħala għajnuna għad-Dar tal-Providenza lil Fr. Martin Micallef, Direttur tad-Dar tal-Providenza.

Il-Komunità Aħmadija hi organizzazzjoni internazzjonali reliġjuża, mhux politika u mhux settarja, li taħdem biex ittejjeb il-kwalità ta’ ħajja tan-nies l-iktar foqra u l-iktar vulnerabbli tad-dinja.

Il-Komunità Aħmadija hija denominazzjoni moderna b’fergħat f’aktar minn 195 pajjiż tad-dinja, li tinkoraġġixxi d-djalogu bejn reliġjonijiet differenti. Hi tħaddan il-prinċipji tal-paċi, tat-tolleranza, tal-imħabba u r-rispett bejn segwaċi ta’ twemmin differenti. Hija żżomm sod ukoll u taġixxi fuq it-tagħlim Koraniku: “Mhemmx sfurzar fir-reliġjon” u tipprattika l-motto tagħha “Imħabba għal kulħadd, mibegħda għal ħadd”.

(illum , il-Ħadd 11 ta’ Lulju 2010)

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Honouring human liberty and freedom

The Times, Friday, 16th July 2010

Honouring human liberty and freedom

Laiq Ahmed Atif, The author is president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

One common and most cherished fruit of life is liberty and freedom. Freedom is a basic right of all living things, man being no exception. Man is the embodiment of liberty, which is deeply rooted in him.

But, very amazingly, we find that certain man-made laws are against the liberty and freedom of man in the final analysis and such laws deprive a man of his fundamental human rights.

Sometimes, laws are made against displaying Christian crucifixes; sometimes against building minarets on mosques; and sometimes we find that some countries stand against building places of worship, such as synagogues, churches or mosques. And, most recently, laws are being introduced against the hijab or veil in certain countries.

Is this a definition of modern democratic governments that claim to safeguard the rights of their peoples? Is this the way to bring together people of different nations? Is this the way to foster love and affection among people? Most certainly, every just-minded person will oppose this because these things will build the walls of hatred ever higher and destroy the peace of the world.

These issues, thus, have become a source of sarcasm. However, there are some sober-minded people in whose hands are the reins of the Executive and Legislature who should not interfere with such matters. Should legislation be passed against Christians and Jewish ladies who also adopt religious attire? If bans are imposed against the Muslims, then Muslim countries may impose restrictions on some forms of Western dress in response. This issue has the potential to snowball and it will affect the peace of the world.

Let me make it very clear, the Ahmadiyya community does not support any such motion against human rights, whether in Muslim countries or in Christian countries or anywhere else in the world. We support and believe in full freedom and liberty for all human beings.

By all means, if there is any covering that hides the identity of a person and it is necessary to remove it to identify a person, then the governments or the authorities have the right to do so.

But what a travesty that a woman may be deprived from travelling simply because she is wearing the hijab!

Or a human life may be deprived of care in a hospital and left in the jaws of death because she was wearing a veil. Or to deprive a girl of education, however intelligent she may be, thus losing a national talent of a country only because she chooses to observe hijab or veil (a religious duty) not out of any compulsion but out of her own free will.

It is true that some Muslim women observe these teachings of Islam in such a manner that they have put on themselves some burdens that Islam did not prescribe. The purpose of the veil is to give women respect, honour and peace and not to burden them.

And Islam speaks in terms of a very moderate veil to provide protection to women and it does not say that women should be kept only at home or that they should wear those kinds of garments that even cover their eyes, hands, feet etc. and cause problems for them even to walk easily in the streets. Islam says you must remain moderate in the way you talk and behave.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat believes that a person’s choice of dress is a personal matter and a basic human right as are other rights. It believes that every human being must be given full liberty and freedom to practise his or her faith in every country, be it a Christian or a Muslim country. Islam teaches modesty for both men and women but underlying all Islamic injunctions is the Qur’anic principle that “There is no compulsion in religion”. Thus, if a woman, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, chooses not to cover her head then that is her right but, on the other hand, if a woman, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, chooses to cover her head or face then that too is her right and ought never to be interfered with.

amjmalta@gmail.com http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100716/opinion/honouring-human-liberty-and-freedom

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Donation to Dar tal-Providenza

Dar tal-Providenza donation

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta president and director Laiq Ahmed Atif recently donated 13 packets of food items to Dar tal-Providenza director Fr Martin Micallef. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat helps people in need, irrespective of faith, colour, creed or nationality.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100718/social/dar-tal-providenza-donation

http://www.dartalprovidenza.org/News.aspx?newsid=70&lid=1

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Murder in the name of Religion

Laiq Ahmed Atif

The history of man is full of killing and bloodshed. Since the first murder on this earth, so much blood has been spilled throughout history that the whole world could be painted red with it – with plenty to spare. When will man stop killing his fellow men? When will his thirst for blood ever be quenched?

Throughout human history man has remained thirsty for the blood of others. His aggressiveness has remained unchanged. Assassination of individuals and the annihilation of whole groups of peoples are a repetitive theme of history. States have attacked states; countries have fought against their neighbours and against nations far from their borders. Hordes of people living in the steppes and deserts conquered nations with ancient civilisations.

Sometimes blood was spilled in the name of honour, sometimes in the name of revenge for supposed wrongs. Sometimes angry hordes overran peaceful lands in search of food, sometimes in search of world domination. But more often the blood of man – created in God’s image – was shed in the name of his creator. Religion was used as an excuse for mass murder.

In the last few months we have seen some painful and heart-breaking incidents of killing in the name of religion. On May 28, 86 members of Ahmadiyya Community were brutally killed in Lahore, Pakistan and are being severely persecuted and sentenced for years only because of their religion.

This is happening in many other countries. Seven Christians were killed in Gojra and two other were killed in Faisalabad, Pakistan and eight Christians were put to death in a village in Nigeria only because of their faith.

The history of religion in any part of the world at any time is the history of torture, repression, execution and crucifixion. It is disappointing indeed to find that religion, which is supposed to be the last refuge of peace in a world of war and conflict, is a cause of destruction and bloodshed. Religion itself is not the real cause of mass murder, however, and it is a great mistake to think it is. Religion was not given to man to encourage killing.

The Holy Quran points out very clearly why a cursory glance at history can lead one to such a conclusion. It cites the past to show that those who perpetuate brutality in religion’s name are either anti-religious or people whose religion has been corrupted. There are also religious leaders who have no warmth, compassion, mercy or piety. To be honest, they are hypocrites with a lust for power – cruelty is their ruling passion. It would be a great mistake to associate religion with the misdeeds of such men. The real truth is that God – the fountainhead of mercy – does not allow the followers of any religion to oppress His people.

The purpose of any religion is the spread of peace, tolerance and understanding. And the future of mankind depends on the intrinsic values of love, tolerance and freedom of conscience and of belief. A few months ago in a programme about peace organised by Ahmadiyya Community Malta, Prof. Guido de Marco, President Emeritus, spoke very beautiful words to describe religion: “Religions are a great weapon for peace”.

All religions have taught peace, respect and love towards all human beings, and discouraged the killing of men. The Holy Quran gives absolute honour and respect to human life and states very clearly: “Whosoever killed a person – unless it be for killing a person or for creating disorder in the land – 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.” (Ch. 5: V.33)

After this great teaching, if someone sheds the blood of innocent people in the name of religion, he has no protection in religion, his actions must be strongly condemned and he should be brought to justice and be punished according to the law.

Thus, this is a very beautiful teaching of Islam – that the unlawful killing or the shedding of innocent blood of someone is like the killing of the entire human race, that is to say, the taking of a single life is like the massacre of thousands of innocent lives; and saving a single human life is like the saving of thousands of lives. This is the beautiful teaching of religion and it truly proves that religion is not the weapon of disorder, killing or bloodshed but is the most powerful weapon of love, respect and peace.

amjmalta@gmail.com

The author is president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

The Times: Tuesday, 10th August 2010

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100810/opinion/murder-in-the-name-of-religion

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75th Anniversary of The Times

75th anniversary of a wonderful paper

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ta’ Xbiex

I would like to congratulate the management and staff of The Times on its 75th anniversary. The Times is one of the leading newspapers of this island, keeping the nation very well informed.

Once I read a report of a survey in which it was shown that everyday more than 75,000 people read The Times and on Sunday this number goes up to more than 125,000. This figure is enough to show the quality and popularity of this wonderful and remarkable newspaper.

This newspaper is providing very well-balanced journalism. Its staff is really working very hard and sincerely, with full devotion and dedication and they deserve to be shown great appreciation.

Congratulations. Keep up the wonderful work. May God bless you all.

Prosit tassew!

The Times: Saturday, 7th August 2010

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100807/letters/75th-anniversary-of-a-wonderful-paper

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Dear Guido de Marco rest in peace

Dear Prof. Guido de Marco rest in peace

An ingrained love for humanity

The first time I met Prof. Guido de Marco was last January at his office in Ħamrun. I was there to ask him to deliver a speech in the “Peace Conference” which was to be organised by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. He very kindly accepted and told me that his health was not very good but he would do his best to attend.

In the few minutes we had for the meeting, I also introduced him to Ahmadiyya Jamaat and told him that we were promoting inter-faith dialogue so that people of different faiths could share their teachings and ideas with each other, so that a better atmosphere of love, respect and understanding could be developed.

I told him that we believe every human being has the right to accept and practise the religion of his own choice and there should be no compulsion and force in religion. He replied: “That’s what I believe too.”

When I was preparing his brief introduction to present it before his speech, I found his very detailed biography. It was very difficult for me to summarise it because he had worked so much in very prestigious capacities, nationally and internationally. On February 27 he gave a wonderful speech in the Peace Conference which was liked and very much appreciated by all. In this speech he spoke very beautiful words to describe religion: “Religions are a great weapon for peace”.

During these two meetings with him I found him very humble, sincere, wise, intelligent, courageous, hard working, always ready to face challenges, always ready to contribute and a person of great respect for others. He was always willing to share smiles with others. He had a great love for humanity which was ingrained in him.

Prof. de Marco has contributed so much to this beautiful island and to the world in general which will be remembered for ages. The death of His Excellency is a great loss for the country.

We want to show our sincerest condolences to his wife, his son Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, daughters, and his friends and to all his dear ones. May God bless them with the strength to deal with this tragedy. We pray that his soul will rest in peace forever and may God bless him with His everlasting love and pleasure. Amen

Laiq Ahmed AtifMr Atif is president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. 17/08/2010  

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100817/opinion/an-ingrained-love-for-humanity

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Let us all plant a tree

In the contemporary world, man, as a whole, is benefiting from scientific inventions that have considerably changed human life. These inventions are very useful and have now become an important part of our lives, and no doubt their benefits are huge. But we also suffer negative effects.

Among the problems of today’s world are climate change, global warming and increasing pollution. Many conferences are being held, nationally and internationally, to discuss solutions to this environmental issue. Many solutions have been proposed. One is to plant as many trees as possible.

What is a tree? How can we benefit from it? How can it play an important role in the environment?

A tree is commonly described as a perennial woody plant. It is most often defined as a woody plant that has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem or trunk with clear apical dominance. …Compared with most other plants, trees are long-lived, some reaching several thousand years old and growing to up to 115 m high.

Trees are an important component of the natural landscape because of their prevention of erosion and the provision of a weather-sheltered ecosystem in and under their foliage. They also play an important role in producing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as well as moderating ground temperatures.

They are also elements in landscaping and agriculture, both for their aesthetic appeal and their orchard crops (such as apples). Wood from trees is a building material, as well as a primary energy source in many developing countries. Trees also play a role in many of the world’s mythologies.

Alfred Joyce Kilmer, American journalist, lecturer and poet, wrote a beautiful poem about a tree:

“I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me

But only God can make a tree.”

The following is a story about how important it is to plant a tree:

Once upon a time a king was passing through fields and was surprised to see a very old man planting a tree. The king stood nearby and asked him, ‘‘Why are you planting this tree?’’

He replied: “For fruit, shade and fresh air.”

The king said, “You are very old, and maybe your health is not very good too, so before it starts giving fruit, shade and fresh air you may pass away. So why do you want to plant this tree?”

The man replied: “Your majesty, I know I am very old and I may not benefit from this tree, but I am not planting it only for myself; I want to plant it for generations to come. I want to give a long-lasting gift to the people who will come after me.

“I believe this tree will be beneficial to mankind. It will be a charity that will last for ages. And as long as people will benefit out of this tree, it will be considered a gift, a good deed and a charity from me to the people and future generations.’’

This story really has a great message – that we should pass something valuable and everlasting for generations to come. We should leave behind us something beneficial, so that when we are remembered people may speak well of us.

Now that the problems of climate change and pollution are increasing sharply, planting trees is more important than ever in human history.

On September 16, Resources Minister George Pullicino attended a tree-planting event held by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat at Salina national park whereby 30 trees were planted, including some olive trees. The olive branch is a symbol of peace and love.

A tree is a gift for life, a gift for generations, a gift liked by all, a gift which has nothing harmful. We can benefit greatly from a tree – from its leaves, fruit, shade and wood. Moreover it gives us oxygen, without which we cannot live.

During its lifetime a tree can absorb 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide. If we have enough trees, it will be a great step forward for our environment.

So, let us all plant a tree, let us take care of trees, and let us save trees, which are a source of life. Let us also serve humanity by planting trees on this beautiful planet.

The Sunday Times: Sunday, 10th October 2010

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101010/environment/let-us-all-plant-a-tree

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Everybody’s right to use religious terms

Word Allah

In recent days, a Malaysian court permitted Roman Catholics to use the word Allah as translation for God.

Many Malaysian Muslims are outraged at this decision, claiming that Allah is a religious word that only Muslims can use. Since the court ruling, many comments based on hatred and intolerance and a large number of threats against Christians have been posted widely and, finally, such threats took the shape of physical violence and three churches were attacked and set on fire.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which believes and acts on the true teachings of Islam and promotes peace, love, tolerance and mutual respect towards all mankind, strongly rejects and condemns this violence towards the Malaysian Christian Community. The very idea that Allah or any other religious term should be reserved only for Muslims is absurd.

The Ahmadiyya Community also strongly supports the court’s decision to grant Christians the right to use the word Allah to refer to God.

There are verses in the Holy Quran in which people identified by the Holy Quran as being Jews and Christians used this word to refer to God prior to the advent of Islam.

The concept of reserving the religious terminology as a patent of someone is totally based on illogic. In the very beginning of the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds” (Holy Quran: 1:2). As Allah is the Lord of all the worlds then the word Allah is also for all the worlds and for all the people. Every human being has the right to say Allah.

The words Allah, God, Il-Mulej, Bhagwan and Alla, as we say in Maltese, are to describe the Creator and Lord of all the creatures. The Holy Quran states: “Say, ‘call upon Allah or call upon Rahman (the Gracious); by which ever name you call Him, His are the most beautiful names” (17:111).

It further elaborates and expresses the need of building bridges that unite us, not walls that separate us, and says: “Say, ‘O people of the Book! Come to a word, equal between us and you” (3:65).

How beautiful the idea to share the good values and work for the common good is! We invite you to those values that are common between you and us; in those let us cooperate and collaborate with one another. This is the vastness of Islamic teachings and there is no meanness of sight here, nor straitened (false) hearts. The bounties of God are there, open for all to benefit from. There is no idea that Allah or any religious term is reserved for Muslims only, but the idea of common good and sharing such values is absolutely clear here.

Almighty Allah

Regarding force and violent actions against Christians after the court’s ruling, these are also completely against Islamic teachings. How can Islam permit such actions against the freedom of a man when it made absolutely clear that: “There should be no compulsion in religion” (2:257)?

Addressing the Holy Founder of Islam, God clearly warns him of entertaining any idea of force in an attempt to reform society. Allah says: “Admonish, therefore, for thou art but an admonisher; thou hast no authority to compel them” (88:22-23).

The Ahmadiyya Community believes in absolute freedom of faith and condemns any sort of force in religion because swords can only win territories but not hearts, force can only bend heads but not minds.

Force against religious freedom of people can only create disruption, but the words of respect and love can give all sorts of peace to the world. The time requires from us to live by “Love for all – hatred for none”.

Laiq Ahmed Atif | Times of Malta | 01 February 2010 | READ ORIGINAL POST: 

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

Ahmadis are loyal to their countries

“Religious extremism has no place in society” – Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad the Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Community

The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has repeated his call for Muslims the world over to show loyalty to their respective countries. In a speech delivered before thousands of Ahmadi Muslims in London he said that love and loyalty to one’s country was a fundamental principle of Islam. His Holiness also spoke with regret about the widespread problems faced by Pakistan. He said the fundamental cause for its current state was a failure to maintain a separation of religion and State. In particular, extremist elements had permeated all segments of society.

Speaking about the current situation in Pakistan, His Holiness said that every day there was news of killings, protests and strife. The entire country had become engulfed in discord. He said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat had always counselled the Pakistani leaders to maintain a distance from extremist elements. However out of a fear of losing their grip on power the majority of leaders had failed to heed such warnings and had involved themselves with various forms of negotiation and deals with the extremist religious right. He said that any system that bowed down to such religious elements was bound to fail and lead to turmoil and despair.

It was the duty of every Ahmadi Muslim to profess love to his chosen country. Each Ahmadi Muslim had an obligation towards working for a better future for his country and his fellow citizens. Citing Pakistan as an example he said Ahmadis were treated as inferior citizens and had suffered the most barbaric cruelty, however this had never stopped them from being utterly loyal to the nation. He said that Pakistan had been founded upon the sacrifice of thousands of lives and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat would always do its utmost to make sure that those lost lives were not taken in vain. He said:

“As citizens of any country, we Ahmadi Muslims will always show absolute love and loyalty to the State. Every Ahmadi Muslim has a desire for his chosen country to excel and should always endeavour towards this objective. Whenever a country requires its citizens to make sacrifices the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will always be ready to bear such sacrifices for the sake of the nation.”

His Holiness continued:

“We feel pain and distress when any nation suffers and we share the grief and pain of others. Thus whenever any country faces difficulty we try our utmost to alleviate their suffering. That is what the founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, taught us. It was the Holy Prophet who counselled that you should put your own pain to one side in an effort to alleviate the suffering of all of mankind. It is thus that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is involved in spreading humility, love and kindness.”

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Quran burning plan in Florida September 2010

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, The Holy Quran - A Guidance for all mankind | Leave a comment

Plan of burning the Holy Quran

Today the world is riddled with problems; East to West, North to South, everywhere there are countless troubles and difficulties; in brief, every part of this planet is surrounded with huge discomfort. Human beings are suffering through poverty, fighting, killing, unrest, disorder, as well as with social and economical crisis. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, rains, famine, lack of food, etc. are also seen in large numbers and on a huge scale.

But, unfortunately, and very amazingly, for man who is already riddled with endless problems, there are certain powers, certain organisations, and certain groups of people who are building walls of hatred. And these walls are getting higher nowadays, even more now than ever before in the history of mankind.

Now there are reports in the media that the members of the ‘Dove World Outreach Centre’, based in the United States, are planning to burn copies of the Holy Quran on 11 September, on the occasion of the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. They claim that “Islam is a danger” and “are using this act to warn about the teaching and ideology of Islam, which we do hate as it is hateful”.

Aren’t the walls of hatred already too high; is there any need to make them even higher? Aren’t the bridges, which can unite us, already lacking? Isn’t the world already full of unrest, instability and uncertainty? Aren’t these walls of hatred already causing so many troubles on this planet?

In these circumstances such actions will only help in destroying world peace. This would be a most provocative act and would achieve nothing but to cause distress and anger to millions of peace-loving persons worldwide. Burning any religious scripture is a horrific act and is directly contrary to the teachings of all the world’s major religions.

The Holy Quran and the Holy Bible are both sacred books and were revealed by the Almighty God for the guidance of mankind, and they both deserve to be respected and shown great honour.They are sacred to the people so we should not offend them. I think tolerance and respect for each other is very important.

But, I am afraid, if however the burning of the Holy Quran will take place maybe some Muslims in return may try to harm or burn the Holy Bible, thus more troubles may occupy the world.

Here, let me make it very clear that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat condemns in the strongest terms any such action done by Muslims, Christian, Jews or anyone else. And strongly discourages any plan to burn or damage any sacred book or scripture of any religion, for any reason whatsoever. If someone tries to burn the Holy Quran still there is no reason why any Muslim should burn the Holy Bible or any sacred book of any other religion; because Islam like other religions teaches to respect and honour all the sacred books and scriptures. Two of the six articles of faith of a Muslim are, to believe in the Prophets of God and to believe in the Divine Scriptures. So, how can a true Muslim harm or disrespect any sacred book or divine scripture? And if someone does so, truly he is not following the true teachings of Islam.

These actions are not a service to humanity or to any religion, but they will surely destroy the peace, tranquility and serenity of the world. We have to show great respect to all the sacred books of all the religions, whatever the name is.

However, it is true that there are some differences in the teachings of every religion, but this is also a reality that there are hundreds commonalities among them; we have so much in common. How nice and decent it would be if believers of all the religions would focus on commonalities rather than on differences, to create the atmosphere of harmony and tolerance.

But, if someone wants to discuss and to get answers to his questions, still this is not the way to disrespect the Sacred and Holy Books and to play with the sentiments of their believers. These discussions, exchange of ideas, experiences and teachings can take place; and I think they must take place, so we come to know more about each other, but in a very decent and respectful way, with the aim of knowledge and establishing harmony amongst believers of different faiths.

There is nothing wrong with intellectual or theological debate but this should be conducted with the bounds of decency and tolerance. These discussions should take place in a peaceful and respectful environment.

Today the world needs peace, love and brotherhood. The world needs an end to wars. Instead of walls of hatred being erected we need peace to prevail and for this to occur people of all faiths must join together.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat with great sympathy and sincerity appeals to the world that this is not a time to sow the seed of hatred, malice, disrespect and intolerance because they will ultimately destroy the peace of our societies and will create disorder on this beautiful planet. But, please, let us sow the seed of love, harmony, tolerance and universal brotherhood, because these values will grow fruitful trees and gardens of peace, tranquility and serenity for the whole mankind.

It also appeals to different schools of thought and people of different religions and faiths to join together in building bridges which will unite us, and let us demolish all the walls of hatred and malice which separate us from each other. Let us all carry the message of peace and brotherhood to everyone, and let us spread the message of love for all and hatred for none to all corners of the world so we can all enjoy security and peace of mind, and pass something valuable to our children and generations to come, and let us save humanity.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, The Holy Quran - A Guidance for all mankind | Leave a comment

Local Islamic society condemns Koran burning

By Vanessa Macdonald – editorial@di-ve.com [www.di-ve.com]

The local branch of an Islamic society, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, has strongly condemned plans to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of September 11.

On the 9th anniversary of the attacks, the Dove World Outreach Center, a Chris¬tian church in America, is planning to hold a “Burn a Koran Day,” citing Islam as an evil religion and claiming that “Islam is of the devil.”

The centre is defending its plans with a Biblical reference from The Acts of the Apostles, the only reference in the New Testament to “book burning”.

“For verse 19:19 to be used in support of Christians gathering together to burn the scriptures of other faiths publicly is not logical and is unsupported by any other Christian teaching. The scrolls that are burnt in this verse are burnt by their owners them¬selves, the implication being that they are aware that what is contained within is not truthful and they fear being dis¬graced as those who had been using Jesus’ name to drive out demons were disgraced. They openly confess their actions and then burn the scrolls to show they are putting an end to such practices in the future.

“This is a completely different scenario from the one being presented by the Dove Center to justify burning the Qur’an,” the society said.

“In light of these clear teachings, we urge the Dove World Outreach Center to reflect upon the peaceful message of Jesus (peace be upon him) which is clearly a message of peace, not hatred,” it said.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat said the burnings would be a most provocative act which would achieve nothing but to cause distress and anger for millions of peace loving persons worldwide.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said it had always expressed deep concern that some so-called Muslims tarnished Islam’s name with their cruel and hate-filled acts.

“Those who perpetrate such acts fail to realise the true teachings of Islam,” it said, stressing that Islam categorically rejects and condemns every form of terrorism.

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=43&Action=1&NewsId=76284

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A Message of Peace

A Message of Peace

The Founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as, calls the world towards peace and writes a golden principle for the establishment of peace. In his book ‘A Message of Peace’ he writes:

O Dear Ones! Age-old experience and repeated trials have established, without question, that to insult and abuse the Prophets and Messengers of different countries and peoples is such a deadly poison which not only destroys the body but also kills the soul, thereby ruining the worldly prospects as well as the spiritual. A country whose inhabitants are always after finding faults in the leaders of others, and constantly assassinate their characters, can never rest in peace themselves. Such people can never achieve true unity who, individually or mutually, refer to each other’s Prophets or saints or divines with malice or foul language. Who would not be outraged at the insults hurled at their Prophet or leader? In particular, Muslims are such people who, although they do not believe their Prophet to be God or the son of God, do regard him sa to be the most revered of all the holy men born of a human mother. To make peace with a sincere Muslim is not possible unless during discussion, their Holy Prophet sa is mentioned with respect and refined language.

“As for us [The Muslims – Publisher], we never use indecent language with regard to the Prophets of other peoples. In fact, we believe that for all the Prophets who have come to different peoples of the world and have been accepted by millions of people in all parts of the world, and love for them and their greatness has been firmly established in any one part of the world, and further that this state of devotion and love for them has endured the test of time, is evidence enough of their truthfulness. Had they not been from God, they could not have been accepted on such a wide scale by millions upon millions of hearts. God does not bestow such honour upon those whom He favours not. If an imposter aspires to occupy their position, he is soon brought to ruin. (A Message of peace 22-23)

My dear ones, there is nothing like peace and compromise. Let us unite with the blessing of this treaty and be one nation. You know full well that denial [i.e. denial of each other’s holy personages. publisher] on both sides has thrown us apart and that our country is suffering greatly. Visualise how blessed it could prove to testify to each other’s truth. Come, give this a try now. This is the best course for achieving peace. Pursuing any other course would be like ignoring a dangerous abscess merely because it looks clear and shiny, while, in reality, it contains rotten and putrid matter. (A Message of peace 27)

Here, I do not wish to censure any particular people nor do I intend to hurt anyone’s feelings. But, with a deep sense of mortification, I observe that Islam, being a religion of peace, never attacked the founder of any religion. The Qur’an is that revered book which laid the foundation of peace between nations and acknowledged the truth of all Prophets belonging to all the different nations. It is the Holy Qur’an which enjoys the unique distinction of teaching us with regards to the Prophets of the entire world that:‏ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ اَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ

[We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we submit. Al-e-‘Imran, 3:85] Therefore, O Muslims, you should declare: We believe in all the Prophets of God belonging to this world and we do not discriminate between them as to reject one and accept the others.

“Name one book like the Holy Qur’an which is so dedicated for the cause of peace. The universal beneficence of God has not been confined by the Qur’an to any specific House. It acknowledges the Prophets of the House of Israel, one and all, be they Jacob as, Isaac as, Moses as, David as or Jesus as. And it acknowledges the Prophets of other nations regardless of whether they dwelt in India or Persia. None of them have been labeled as deceitful or imposters. On the contrary, it clearly proclaims that Prophets appeared in every nation and in every township and laid the foundation of peace between all the peoples. Alas, this Messenger of Peace is abused and treated with contempt by all peoples alike.

O my dear countrymen, I have not expressed this view to offend you or to hurt your sensibilities in any way. But I do desire to submit, in all sincerity, that those who have made it their second nature to vilify the Prophets of other faiths and consider this unjustified behaviour to be a part of their faith commit an act of unwarranted interference in others’ affairs. They not only sin against God, but they are also guilty of sowing the seed of discord and enmity among mankind. Now answer me with hand on heart: if someone abuses another’s father or accuses another’s mother of unchaste conduct, will this not be tantamount to assailing the honour of his father himself? If anyone retaliates with similar abuses, will it not be appropriate to say that in reality the blame lies with the person who initiated it? In that case he himself would be the offender of his parents’ honour.

God, through the Holy Qur’an, has cultivated refined and respectful etiquettes. He admonishes: 

وَلَا تَسُبُّوْا الَّذِيْنَ يَدْعُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ فَيَسُبُّوا اللّٰهَ عَدْوًۢا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ‌

In other words, do not even abuse the idols of the nonbelievers lest they abuse your God out of ignorance. (Surah al-An‘am, al-juzw, 7) (A Message of peace 31-32)

(A Message of Peace: by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat)

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The importance of tolerance in the contemporary world

In an age where the electronic media has drawn us closer together into what is called a global village, or a global society, its benefits will only be felt when mutual goodness prevails, when mutual respect and understanding prevail. If, instead of good feelings, hatred emerges, if restlessness usurps heartfelt peace, then we must accept that this is not progress, but is something that will take us towards unexpected results.

In this globalization where people of different backgrounds, cultures and religions are living together, and where the world has become multi-cultural and full of diversity, establishing tolerance and harmony has become very crucial and important, and fostering mutual love and affection has become vital. Without tolerance and harmony the lasting peace of societies cannot be maintained, and loyalty for each other cannot be established.

Loyalty is borne from feelings of love and affection. At a personal level the feelings of love strengthens the feelings of loyalty. When a citizen loves his country then he exhibits loyalty and devotion and makes sacrifices for the sake of the nation. If sentiments of love do not exist, then the spirit of sacrifice cannot be formed. Unless a person loves another he can never have good feelings in his heart towards him and he cannot faithfully fulfil the rights due to that person.

Lack of tolerance leads to fighting, violence and finally it destroys the peace and security of society. When people fail in their arguments they become intolerant, and then they use force and aggression for the support of their point of view. We have seen considerable incidents in recent history where because of lack of tolerance people have attacked the people of other faiths, their places of worship, their communities etc. How nice it would be if everyone tries to express himself in a decent and respectful way with tolerance.

The world is full of diversity and that is the beauty of our universe, if there had not been any diversity, the world would appear so boring and unattractive, and without any competition.

On 16th November we celebrate worldwide ‘The International Day for Tolerance’ – an annual observance declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance, and to help people understand the importance of tolerance. The annual celebration of this day reminds us that how important and crucial these values are. And it does not mean that we only observe tolerance on this day, but this day is just a reminder, so we carry on these values all around the year.

The word tolerance means the willingness to accept or to tolerate sb/sth, especially opinions or behaviour that you may not agree with or to behave sensibly with those who are not like you. It means showing respect for the race, gender, opinions, religion and ideologies of other people or groups, and to admire the good qualities and good work of others. And to express one’s point of view in a decent and respectful way while respecting the sentiments of others.

Tolerance can be shown in many ways, on different occasions and at different times. A person might fully disagree with others on any issue from religion to politics, while at the same time honouring and respecting those with different ideas and opinions and treating them with full dignity and honour. Tolerance is needed in all spheres of life, and on every level and on every stage, because it plays a vital role to establish peace and love from the smallest unit up to the highest unit of society.

Tolerance does not mean that only one person or party shows tolerance and the others do not. When some people disagree on a certain issue they must advocate and express their opinion in a respectful manner and hateful and provocative words should not be used. Tolerance must be shown from both sides on issues, in order for tolerance to be effective.

Here, let it be clear that showing respect and tolerance to the opinions of others does not necessarily mean that you have to compromise your principles or you have to embrace or accept others’ ideas. It is simply a matter of fundamental human right. The right of every human being that his sensibilities and sentiments shall not be violated and offended must be recognised. And every human person has the right to have an opinion and to express it.

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Fasting a commonality among religions

Laiq Ahmed Atif: The author is president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

When we study the history of religions we find plenty of commonalities among different religions of the world. One commonality is fasting for the sake of the Almighty God, the Creator and Lord of the entire universe.

Remembrance of God the Almighty and pondering over His attributes helps man in refining his spirit, bringing it more into harmony with the nature of God. Man who was created on the image of his Lord and he must ever strive to gain closeness to Him. Man is supposed to adopt the attributes of God and he should reflect them in his personality and in everyday life. If we think about it we can see that those who develop a close relationship with God, those who think according to His will and try their best to act like Him within the limitations of the human sphere constantly improve in their relations with all other human beings and even other forms of life.

Fasting is a great form of worship found universally in the world religions. Although there are vast differences regarding the mode of fasting and the conditions applied to it, the central idea of fasting is present everywhere. Where it is not mentioned clearly, it is likely that it may gradually have either been discontinued or petered out through gradual decay in practice.

The people of all the religions of the world give great importance to this worship because, on the one hand, this worship will bring man close to his Lord and, on the other, it will provide an opportunity for him to think about the vulnerable and needy human beings and, thus, establish a great relationship with God and mankind.

The institution of fasting is extremely important because it cultivates the believer in almost every area of his spiritual life. Among other things, he learns through personal experience about what hunger, poverty, loneliness and discomfort mean to the less fortunate sections of society. Abstention from even such practices during the month of Ramadan as are permissible in everyday life plays a constructive role in refining the human character.

Muslims are going through the month of Ramadan when they fast each day from dawn to the sunset. The Quran states: “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil.”

The very basic and primary essence of the fast is not to experience hunger and thirst but the main purpose is to get closer to God and better oneself as human beings.

Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, said: “Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness.”

It means that just being hungry and thirsty is not enough. One must spend all the days of Ramadan observing all the conditions in both letter and spirit. One has to struggle a lot, make sacrifices that go much beyond hunger and thirst, worship one’s Creator and serve and help His people.

During the fast, apart from resisting food and water, Muslims are required to abstain from all evils, vain and immoral talks, abuse, fights, quarrels, causing harms to others and from committing any such action unbecoming the dignity and honour of a true believer in God.

They are required to spend as much time as possible in prayers, worship, seeking the everlasting paradise of His pleasure, asking for His forgiveness and begging for His blessings and bounties. Fasting is a spiritual practice to attain the love of God. Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him said: “If a person does not eschew falsehood and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from food and drink.”

Alms-giving and care for the destitute is also one great objective of fasting and Islam gives a lot of importance to it. Zakat (charity) is one of the five pillars of Muslim faith but in Ramadan Muslims are expected to spend even more on charity.

They are required to double their spending in aid of the poor, the vulnerable and those in need.

In brief, Ramadan is a month of self purification, attaining everlasting pleasure of the Almighty God, establishing a close relationship with the Creator, helping and serving humanity and enhancing sincerity for mankind.

This is the month which gives us the opportunity to seek peace with God, to spread peace in the world and to take care of society.

This is the time to find real peace of mind, which lies in the remembrance of Allah the Almighty and in the service of humanity.

The Times: Saturday, 28th August 2010

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100828/opinion/fasting-a-commonality-among-religions

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The concept of devil in Islam

Click Here:

http://public.di-ve.com/streaming/on_demand_media_streamer.aspx?id=4266&encoding=8&backUrl=streaming/on_demand_event_encoding.aspx%3fid%3d4266

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The burning of churches and Islam

Worship is common to all religions. What differs is only the manner and style of worship. Some people pray to God in a standing posture and some in a sitting posture. In some religions people remember God by kneeling to Him, while others bow down to Him. Some stand before Him with folded arms and others with arms hanging at their sides.

Churches, synagogues, temples and mosques are the places purposely built for worship. Whatever the way people worship, it is common that they worship God, thus, all the places of worship are holy and sacred, irrespective of the denomination they belong to. And people of every religion are free to worship in those places according to their religious beliefs.

All the major religions of the world believe in religious freedom; Islam also stresses religious freedom in such unambiguous terms. In Islam, compulsion is incompatible with religion. Faith is an individual concern and commitment; it is a voluntary act born out of conviction and freedom. Islam commands that believing Muslims should not compel another to believe in Islam because they have earned no such right. There should be no compulsion in the matters of religion and all people must be permitted to find the truth through their own path and free will.

God says: “And if your Lord had enforced His will, surely, all who are on the earth would have believed together. Will you, then, force men to become believers?” [Quran: 10:100]

This verse demonstrates that religious freedom is part of Allah’s design. Indeed, Allah admonishes Muslims not to use force in matters of faith. Forced faith is no faith at all. And when God Himself did not use force, then, no one else has the right to do so with His people. But, unfortunately, we see that some Muslim countries, organisations or individuals force others to comply with their ideas; and for imposing their ideas on others they even use violence.

Recently I read that some churches were attacked in some Muslim countries. In September there was an attack on Christians at their congregation from HKBP church in Bekasi, Indonesia, by some hard-line Muslims. On September 12, a church in Mardan, north-western Pakistan was bombed and two Christians were injured, one of them seriously.

And on 18th September a Pentecostal church in Karachi was attacked and vandalized by unidentified men at around midnight; nine copies of the Bible, three hymn books and three wooden crosses were found burnt on the spot. Some musical instruments were also found damaged; hurting the sentiments of the local Christians.

These all are very sad and heinous attacks, they all are against the freedom of faith and against basic human rights. We condemn these attacks categorically, with the strongest terms. These attacks are completely against Islamic teachings, and Islam does not provide any cover or justification to such inhuman and uncivilized attacks, but, on the contrary Islam teaches Muslims to protect and defend places of worship which belong to other religions. The Quran mentions that Muslims are to defend churches and synagogues if they are attacked, even before defending their own mosques.

‘‘Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly, only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ – And if Allah had not repelled some people by means of others, cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft remembered, would surely have been destroyed.’’ (Quran: 22:41)

Most clearly, the permission to fight back is not to destroy the churches, temples or synagogues. On the contrary, the Quran makes clear that it is to protect them along with protecting the mosques. In other words, it is to protect religious freedom for all those who worship God in accordance with their own faith traditions.

And during battles Muslims were commanded not to attack and demolish religious places. In the charter addressed to all Christians living as citizens in Muslim countries, the Holy Founder of Islam, states:

“None of their churches and other places of worship will be desolated or destroyed or demolished. No material of their churches will be used to build mosques or houses for the Muslims; any Muslim doing so will be regarded as recalcitrant to Allah and His Prophet.

“Every help shall be given them in the repair of their churches. They shall be absolved of wearing arms. They shall be protected by the Muslims. Let this document not be disobeyed till Judgment Day.”

This is the clear message of showing great respect and honour to the religious places and of religious freedom. Let us reject and condemn all those violent attacks on the places of worship; and let us enjoy and let others enjoy the freedom of faith which is gifted by God to all mankind.

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Donation to NFCAM by Ahmadiyya Jamaat

Donation from International Muslim Association

The National Foster Care Association has been presented a donation of €1,000 by Laiq Ahmed Atif, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Malta.

The funds will help provide continued support for foster carers, explained Jason Zerafa, president of NFCAM. He added that NFCAM organised monthly support group meetings and training seminars for foster carers and children in their care.

John Role, a member of the committee and social worker with Appoġġ who leads the team on foster care, spoke of traumas these children have gone through by being exposed to family violence and neglect. He explained that the road to recovery from such psychological injury can be through foster care experience and continued support.

Mr Zerafa said that the organisation was committed to raise awareness about the need for fostering in Malta and helping all children assert their right to a family.

(The Sunday Times, June 15, 2008)

The committee members of the National Foster Care Association, Malta [NFCAM] met Laiq Ahmed Atif, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Malta, who presented them with a donation of EUR 1,000.

These funds, Jason Zerafa, president of NFCAM, said would contribute greatly to its work in providing continued support for foster carers. He explained that NFCAM organised monthly support group meetings and training seminars for foster carers and the children in their care. This supplemented the professional care and support these families received through the contact with social workers and care professionals.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious organisation, with branches in over 190 countries in Africa, America, Asia, Australia and Europe with worldwide membership exceeding tens of millions.

Mr. Atif explained the true meaning of Islam as peace, universal brotherhood and submission to the Will of God. The Ahmadiyya Muslim encourages interfaith dialogue, and establishes the true message of Islam and tries to correct misunderstandings about Islam in the world. It advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths.

The Ahmadiyya Community is serving the mankind all over the world because the service to humanity is one of the major parts of its faith. The services they provide do not discriminate on basis of faith, colour, religion or language.

Humanity First is a charitable trust established by the Ahmadiyya Community to promote and safeguard the preservation of human life and dignity. It is a non-political, non-sectarian international relief, which works to improve the quality of life for some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.

Mr. Atif went on to congratulate the generosity and commitment of families that have taken children from troubled backgrounds into their care. The committee members, who are themselves foster carers share the joys and challenges of bringing children into their care.

(The Malta Independent on Sunday, 6th July 2008)

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The history of religious persecution

Laiq Ahmed Atif

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?

The author is president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Malta.

amjmalta@gmail.com

The Times: Saturday, 19th June 2010

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100619/opinion/the-history-of-religious-persecution

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Ahmadiyya a small community with a big heart

Aħmadija….komunità żgħira b’qalb kbira

Komunità integrata li tgħin lill-batut

“Tmur biex tikri appartament u ssib li ma jridux jikrulek għax tkun Afrikan jew Musulman. Kien hemm min qalilna li ma ridx jikrilna appartament għax nispiċċaw nagħmluh moskea.”

“Fuq il-karozzi tal-linja u anke fit-toroq ikun hemm min jgħaddi kummenti razzisti. Ħdejn iċ-ċentru fejn noqogħdu u anke fuq il-punt tal-Marsa, kitbulna kemm il-darba ‘Blacks out’.

Immigrant Somalu qalilna li “diffiċli li tintegra ruħek f’Malta. Problema kbira biex issib xogħol. Kif tista’ tgħix mingħajr ma taħdem?”

Matul is-sena 2009, minn rapport maħruġ mill-European Network Against Racism (ENAR), irriżulta li kienu l-immigranti irregolari l-aktar involuti f’każi ta’ diskriminazzjoni li ġew rappurtati lill-awtoritajiet. Iżjed minn nofs l-immigranti irregolari li jgħixu f’pajjiżna jgħidu li kemm ilhom hawn esperjenzaw livelli għoljin ta’ trattament diskriminatorju fil-konfront tagħhom mill-Pulizija Maltija.

Imma l-integrazzjoni ta’ persuni Afrikani jew Musulmani tista’ sseħħ f’pajjiżna. Hawn diversi vuċijiet li qegħdin imexxu l-idea li l-integrazzjoni hi xi ħaġa impossibbli. Lil hinn minn dawn il-vuċijiet, jirriżulta li f’pajjiżna għandna komunitajiet ta’ persuni barranin, Afrikani u Musulmani, li integraw bi sħiħ fis-soċjetà tagħna. Qegħdin naraw ukoll li immigranti Afrikani, irnexxielhom jikru djar u bdew jgħixu fil-qalba tal-irħula u integraw sew maċ-ċittadini tal-post. Il-Komunità Aħmadija f’Malta hi waħda mill-komunitajiet li mhux biss ma tesperjenzax ir-razziżmu u d-diskriminazzjoni, imma hi komunità integrata tant li anke torganizza attivitajiet biex tgħin lil dawk li huma fil-bżonn.

Qatt ma ffaċċjajna diskriminazzjoni

Laiq Ahmed Atif, li jmexxi l-komunità ta’ Aħmadija f’Malta, qalilna li: “Malta tirrispetta r-reliġjonijiet kollha u teżisti l-libertà sħiħa biex dak li jkun jipprattika r-reliġjon li jħaddan. Għall-grazzja t’Alla, sal-lum bħala komunità qatt ma esperjenzajna diskriminazzjoni jew razziżmu. Nitolbu u nittamaw li dan il-valur ta’ rispett jibqa’.”

“Irrid ngħid li sa issa ħadd mill-komunità tagħna ma esperjenza xi kummenti dispreġġjattivi. Kull post li mmur jien, jew xi ħadd mill-komunità tagħna, dan dejjem ikun milqugħ. Nintlaqgħu minn kulħadd ibda mill-politiċi sal-Arċisqof.”

Inħossu li għandna ngħinu biex inservu l-komunità

Lil Laiq Aħmed ma tistax ma tistaqsiehx x’inhi r-raġuni li għalkemm huma komunità żgħira, huma involuti ħafna f’dik li hi għajnuna lill-għaqdiet u gruppi vulnerabbli.

Jgħidilna li: “F’Malta għandna madwar 20 membru fil-komunità. Għandna ukoll tfal żgħar li bdew imorru l-iskejjel u ma ltaqgħux ma’ problemi. Irrid ngħid li aħna noffru ħafna għajnuna lill-komunità. Bħala A#madija nemmnu li s-servizz lill-umanità għandu jkun parti mit-twemmin tagħna. Bħala komunità aħna integrati ħafna fis-soċjetà Maltija. Nemmnu li l-valuri li nħaddnu aħna, għandhom ukoll ikunu integrati fis-soċjetà Maltija – fosthom il-valur għall-imħabba lejn Alla, l-imħabba u s-servizz lejn l-umanità, il-lealtà tagħna lejn pajjiż bħal Malta li laqagħna, il-valur tagħna għall-paċi u l-ubbidjenza tal-liġijiet u l-ġlieda tagħna għall-paċi u l-prosperità fis-soċjetà. Iċ-ċittadini Maltin, mill-mod kif naġixxu aħna, jistgħu faċilment jaraw li aħna ma nippossjedu l-ebda forma ta’problema għalihom. Nemmnu li meta tirrispetta, inti tirċievi r-rispett lura. Bħala komunità grati ħafna lejn Malta u lejn il-poplu Malti, għall-ħbiberija li wera magħna.

L-għajnuniet tal-Aħmadija lill-għaqdiet Maltin

Meta wieħed jara l-ħidma volontarja tal-komunità Aħmadija f’Malta, u dak li tat lura lis-soċjetà, wieħed jista’ faċilment jasal għall-konklużjoni li din hi komunità attiva ħafna u li bis-serjetà temmen li għandha tgħin b’kull mezz lil dawn inqas ixxurtjati.

Fl-aħħar sentejn ippreżentaw għadd ta’ għotijiet fosthom kienu €2,000 lill-Community Chest Fund, €1,000 lin-National Foster Care Association u anke marru jagħmlu xogħol ta’ karità fiċ-ċentru miftuħ ta’ Ħal Far, li fih hemm mijiet ta’ immigranti Afrikani li waslu Malta abbord dgħajjes mil-Libja. Fix-xogħol ta’ karità li wettqet il-komunità Aħmadija tqassmu pakketti ta’ ikel lil dawn ir-residenti. Fost dawk l-aktar li gawdew minn dawn l-għotijiet kienu l-familji.

Il-komunità tħoss li għandha tgħin anke lis-soċjetà Maltija b’mod inġenerali. B’dan il-ħsieb f’moħħhom ippreżentaw donazzjoni ta’ kotba lill-Librerija tal-Università fl-Imsida. Ippreżentaw ukoll għotja ta’ €1,000 lid-Dar tal-Providenza, għotja ta’ kotba lill-Kunsill lokali ta’ Ta’Xbiex u għotja ta’ €300 lil Vladislava Kravchenko biex tikkura lilha nnfisha fis-sinsla ta’ daharha bit-tama li terġa’ tibda timxi.

M’għandhomx post fejn jitolbu

Il-komunità Aħmadija f’Malta sa issa għad m’għandhiex post fejn titlob u tipprattika r-reliġjon tagħha. Laiq jgħidilna li: “sa issa f’Malta m’għandniex post speċjali fejn nitolbu. L-Iżlam jippermetti lill-Musulmani li jistgħu jitolbu kullimkien jiġifieri f’uffiċini, djar u postijiet oħra. Moskea hi l-aħjar post fejn titlob.”

Jippromwovu d-djalogu bejn ir-reliġjonijiet

Il-komunità Aħmadija mhux biss hi involuta f’xogħol volontarju u għajnuniet, iżda taħdem biex tippromwovi d-djalogu intensiv u kontinwu bejn ir-reliġjonijiet differenti.

Fil-fatt din il-komunità ħadet l-inkarigu biex torganizazza konferenza bejn ir-reliġjonijiet. Din saret għax jemmnu li d-djalogu bejn ir-reliġjonijiet differenti hu ingredjent importanti biex jippromwovu l-paċi u l-armonija fis-soċjetà. Għan ieħor ta’ din il-konferenza hu dik li tinqasam informazzjoni u esperjenzi dwar ix-xogħol u l-ħajja ta’ personalitajiet li taw kontribut deċiżiv fl-istorja tar-reliġjonijiet. Interessanti hu l-fatt li l-komunità Aħmadija torganizza regolarment “Il-Jum tal-Fundaturi tar-Reliġjojijiet”.

Sfortunatament il-komunità Aħmadija, sofriet minn persekuzzjonijiet f’xi pajjiżi, fosthom fil-Pakistan. Fit-28 ta’ Mejju żewġ moskej li jintużaw mill-Aħmadija f’Lahore, fil-Pakistan, kienu l-mira ta’ terroristi. Dakinhar mietu 88 persuna u weġġgħu 125. Dawn l-attakki huma parti minn sensiela ta’ attakki li seħħew fl-aħħar snin. Fl-1974 kienet għaddiet leġiżlazzjoni li ddikjarat li l-membri tal-Aħmadija mhumiex Musulmani.

Il-komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam hi organizazzjoni reliġjuża, b’fergħat f’aktar minn 195 pajjiż. Hi l-aktar denominazzjoni dinamika fl-Iżlam fl-istorja moderna; is-sħubija hi stmata li tlaħħaq il-mija u sebgħin miljun persuna.

Twaqqfet minn Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad fl-1889, f’raħal żgħir u remot jismu Kadjan, fil-Punġab, fl-Indja. Hu afferma li hu r-riformatur mistenni tal-aħħar żminijiet u dak li hu mistenni li jiġi mill-komunità dinjija tar-reliġjonijiet. Il-komunità li beda hi l-inkorporazzjoi tal-messaġġ benevolenti tal-Iżlam u l-purità oriġinali tiegħu li jippromwovi l-paċi u l-fraternità universali mibnija fuq twemmin f’Alla, Ħanin u li Dejjem Jaħfer.

Musulmani u Kattoliċi jgħixu flimkien

Il-Komunità Aħmadija hi eżempju ċar ta’ kif Kattoliċi u Musulmani jistgħu faċilment jgħixu flimkien, jgħinu lil xulxin u fuq kollox jiltaqgħu bejniethom biex jiddiskutu r-reliġjonijiet tagħhom, kif itejbu d-djalogu u jifhmu aktar lil xulxin.

Eżempju ċar ieħor ta’ immigranti Kattoliċi u Musulmani jgħixu flimkien – u li għalhekk iwaqqa’ għal kollox id-dikjarazzjoijiet ta’ dawk li jgħidu li dawn ma jistgħux jgħixu flimkien, hu dak li qed jiġri fil-Laboratorju tal-Paċi, immexxi min Patri Dijonisju Mintoff. Fil-Laboratorju tal-Paċi tara immigranti li huma Musulmani u Kattoliċi jitolbu fil-postijiet rispettivi tagħhom ftit metri biss bogħod minn xulxin. F’ċerti okkażjonijiet anke jieħdu sehem fl-attivitajiet reliġjużi ta’ xulxin. Ftit tal-ġimgħat spikkat is-solidarjetà bejniethom meta wieħed minn sħabhom tatu puplesija u kienu jmorru jarawh b’mod regolari l-isptar u jitolbu għalih flimkien.

victorvella2002@yahoo.com

It-Torċa : 27 ta’ Ġunju 2010.

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Plan of burning the Holy Quran

The world need an end to wars 25 August 2010

Today the world is riddled with problems; East to West, North to South, everywhere there are countless troubles and difficulties; in brief, every part of this planet is surrounded with huge discomfort. Human beings are suffering through poverty, fighting, killing, unrest, disorder, as well as with social and economical crisis. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, rains, famine, lack of food, etc. are also seen in large numbers and on a huge scale.

But, unfortunately, and very amazingly, for man who is already riddled with endless problems, there are certain powers, certain organisations, and certain groups of people who are building walls of hatred. And these walls are getting higher nowadays, even more now than ever before in the history of mankind.

Now there are reports in the media that the members of the ‘Dove World Outreach Centre’, based in the United States, are planning to burn copies of the Holy Quran on 11 September, on the occasion of the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. They claim that “Islam is a danger” and “are using this act to warn about the teaching and ideology of Islam, which we do hate as it is hateful”.

Aren’t the walls of hatred already too high; is there any need to make them even higher? Aren’t the bridges, which can unite us, already lacking? Isn’t the world already full of unrest, instability and uncertainty? Aren’t these walls of hatred already causing so many troubles on this planet?

In these circumstances such actions will only help in destroying world peace. This would be a most provocative act and would achieve nothing but to cause distress and anger to millions of peace-loving persons worldwide. Burning any religious scripture is a horrific act and is directly contrary to the teachings of all the world’s major religions.

The Holy Quran and the Holy Bible are both sacred books and were revealed by the Almighty God for the guidance of mankind, and they both deserve to be respected and shown great honour.They are sacred to the people so we should not offend them. I think tolerance and respect for each other is very important.

But, I am afraid, if however the burning of the Holy Quran will take place maybe some Muslims in return may try to harm or burn the Holy Bible, thus more troubles may occupy the world.

Here, let me make it very clear that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat condemns in the strongest terms any such action done by Muslims, Christian, Jews or anyone else. And strongly discourages any plan to burn or damage any sacred book or scripture of any religion, for any reason whatsoever. If someone tries to burn the Holy Quran still there is no reason why any Muslim should burn the Holy Bible or any sacred book of any other religion; because Islam like other religions teaches to respect and honour all the sacred books and scriptures. Two of the six articles of faith of a Muslim are, to believe in the Prophets of God and to believe in the Divine Scriptures. So, how can a true Muslim harm or disrespect any sacred book or divine scripture? And if someone does so, truly he is not following the true teachings of Islam.

These actions are not a service to humanity or to any religion, but they will surely destroy the peace, tranquility and serenity of the world. We have to show great respect to all the sacred books of all the religions, whatever the name is.

However, it is true that there are some differences in the teachings of every religion, but this is also a reality that there are hundreds commonalities among them; we have so much in common. How nice and decent it would be if believers of all the religions would focus on commonalities rather than on differences, to create the atmosphere of harmony and tolerance.

But, if someone wants to discuss and to get answers to his questions, still this is not the way to disrespect the Sacred and Holy Books and to play with the sentiments of their believers. These discussions, exchange of ideas, experiences and teachings can take place; and I think they must take place, so we come to know more about each other, but in a very decent and respectful way, with the aim of knowledge and establishing harmony amongst believers of different faiths.

There is nothing wrong with intellectual or theological debate but this should be conducted with the bounds of decency and tolerance. These discussions should take place in a peaceful and respectful environment.

Today the world needs peace, love and brotherhood. The world needs an end to wars. Instead of walls of hatred being erected we need peace to prevail and for this to occur people of all faiths must join together.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat with great sympathy and sincerity appeals to the world that this is not a time to sow the seed of hatred, malice, disrespect and intolerance because they will ultimately destroy the peace of our societies and will create disorder on this beautiful planet. But, please, let us sow the seed of love, harmony, tolerance and universal brotherhood, because these values will grow fruitful trees and gardens of peace, tranquility and serenity for the whole mankind.

It also appeals to different schools of thought and people of different religions and faiths to join together in building bridges which will unite us, and let us demolish all the walls of hatred and malice which separate us from each other. Let us all carry the message of peace and brotherhood to everyone, and let us spread the message of love for all and hatred for none to all corners of the world so we can all enjoy security and peace of mind, and pass something valuable to our children and generations to come, and let us save humanity.

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Ejjew nirbħu l-pjaċir ta’ Alla

Illum il-ġurnata nsibu faqar kbir imxerred ma’ kullimkien fid-dinja. Hemm ammont kbir ta’ nies li huma inqas fortunati fil-pajjiżi kollha tad-dinja – fil-pajjiżi foqra kif ukoll fil-pajjiżi sinjuri. U b’xorti ħażina dan-numru ta’ nies li huma foqra qed jiżdied kuljum. Fis-snin riċenti rajna żieda kbira minħabba kriżijiet ekonomiċi li jdawru d-dinja kollha, mil-lemin għax-xellug u minn fuq għal isfel.

Issa, il-mistoqsija hi li kif nistgħu neliminaw din il-problema tal-faqar mis-soċjetajiet tagħna kif ukoll mid-dinja kollha inġenerali?

Ħafna drabi nsibu li n-nies għandhom klejms kbar; għandhom pjanijiet ambizzjużi li, iva se nibnu l-sptar fil-parti l-fqira tad-dinja, iva se niftħu skola għan-nies li huma inqas edukattivi meta jkollna flus bil-miljuni, ukoll se nipprovdu l-ilma safi fil-pajjiżi l-foqra ta’ din il-pjaneta li aħna ngħixu fiha.

Imma huma jinsew li l-ġrien tagħhom huma bil-ġuħ; huma jinsew li l-qraba tagħhom huma f’ pożizzjoni ħażina; huma jinsew li kemm hemm nies bla djar fil-belt jew fir-raħal tagħhom stess.

Hemm ukoll nies li jgħixu fid-djar tax-xjuħ u m’hemm ħadd li jitkellem magħhom imqar ftit kliem. Xi drabi inti tmur għandhom u tgħid ftit kliem ħanin u sabiħ u tara t-tbissima u d-dawl tal-ferħ fuq wiċċhom. U għal dan m’għandniex il-bżonn tal-miljuni, imma għandna l-bżonn tal-imħabba għall-umanità.

Ir-reliġjonijiet differenti wkoll jgħallmuna dwar il-ħidma għall-umanità. Meta nistudjaw ir-reliġjonijiet il-kbar tad-dinja nsibu żewġ punti komuni ħafna fit-tagħlim tagħhom; l-imħabba u l-qima lil Alla u s-servizz għall-umanità. Dan is-servizz huwa wieħed mill-iktar kwalitajiet importanti ta’ kull reliġjon. Dik ir-reliġjon mhijiex reliġjon vera jekk m’għandhiex is-simpatija, bħalma lanqas dak ir-raġel ma jistħoqqlu jitqies bi bniedem jekk m’għandux is-simpatija u l-imħabba fih innifsu.

Hawn niftakar tradizzjoni tal-Profeta Muħammad, il-paċi miegħu. Għalkemm kien qed jitkellem ma’ sħabu xorta waħda din il-lezzjoni hija tajba ħafna u kulħadd jista’ jgawdi minnha. Hu qal li f’ Jum il-Ħaqq Alla se jikkonfrontakom u jgħidilkom li: “Kont marid u inti ma staqsejtx dwar saħħti”. Il-bniedem se jgħid: “O Alla Inti s-Sid tad-dinja kollha, u qatt ma timrad, u ma kellekx bżonn tal-għajnuna tagħna”. Alla se jgħid: “Le, wieħed mill-qaddeja Tiegħi kien marid u kellek tistaqsi dwar saħħtu u kont issibni hemm”. U wara dan se jkompli jafferma u se jgħid: “Kelli l-ġuħ u ma tajtnix ikel, kelli l-għatx u ma tajtnix ilma, ma kellix libsa u ma libbistnix”. U kuldarba l-bniedem se jgħid: “O Alla Inti s-Sid tad-dinja kollha, għandek kollox, u ma kellekx bżonn tal-għajnuna tagħna”. Alla se jgħid: “Wieħed mill-qaddeja Tiegħi kellu bżonn ta’ dak”. U kuldarba se jgħid: “Li kieku inti għamilt dan kollu, kont issibni hemm”.

Din it-tradizzjoni turi biċ-ċar, li jekk aħna rridu li nsibu l-Alla, il-Ħalieq tagħna u rridu relazzjoni personali miegħU, allura huwa importanti li aħna mmorru għand il-foqra u ngħinuhom, immorru għand xi ħadd li hu fil-bżonn u nieħdu ħsiebu, immorru għand xi ħadd li hu marid u nwennsuh. Jekk trid tiltaqa’ ma’ Alla tiegħek u wkoll trid tirbaħ l-imħabba tiegħU, mur għand in-nies li għandhom bżonnok u għinhom.

Għeżiż ħuti, jekk għandna klejms kbar u pjanijiet ambizzjużi għas-servizz tal-umanità dawn kollha huma tajbin. Imma, dan hu wkoll importanti ħafna li nħarsu madwarna u ngħinu n-nies li qed jgħixu fis-soċjetajiet tagħna. Jekk aħna ġenituri u ma niħdux ħsieb tajjeb tat-tfal tagħna, jekk aħna tfal u ma nurux rispett kbir lejn il-ġenituri tagħna, jekk ma nittrattawx lin-nisa tagħna bil-ħniena, jekk il-ġrien tagħna mhumiex fil-paċi minħabba fina, jekk għandna l-flus u ma rridux naqsmu mal-foqra u ma’ dawk li huma fil-bżonn u mal-orfnijiet u mar-romol, u jekk għandna l-ħobż u m’aħniex lesti li nagħtu nofs lill-fqir jew lil dak li hu fil-bżonn, allura, jiena nibża’ li ma nistgħux inservu ‘l-umanità kif suppost. U ma nistgħux nagħmlu l-klejms u l-pjanijiet tagħna realtà. Il-karità tibda mid-dar, kif ngħidu bl-Ingliż “Charity begins at home”. Jekk maħniex ngħinu n-nies li huma qrib tagħna, li huma jgħixu madwarna, u li huma fis-soċjetajiet tagħna kif jista’ jkun possibbli li ngħinu ‘l dawk li huma ‘l bogħod minna.

Għalhekk huwa importanti li l-ewwelnett nibdew servizz għall-umanità mis-soċjetajiet tagħna u mbgħad nespandu din il-ħidma fid-dinja kollha, f’kull naħa tad-dinja, f’kull pajjiż li hu fqir.

Il-ħidma għall-umanità hija xi ħaġa sabiħa ħafna. Meta ngħinu lil xi ħadd u naraw il-ferħ kbir fuq wiċċu, żgur inħossu sodisfazzjon liema bħalu. U meta dawk in-nies se jkunu ferħana, jiena nemmen li Alla li jista’ kollox se jkun ferħan ukoll. Jista’ jkun hemm xi ħaġa isbaħ fid-dinja mill-ferħ ta’ Alla? Le, żgur le, qatt ma jista’ jkun hemm xi ħaġa isbaħ mill-ferħ ta’ Alla.

Allura, ejjew, aħna kollha naħdmu flimkien biex inbiddlu l-ħajja tan-nies li huma inqas fortunati. Ejjew inservu ‘l-umanità kollha u biex neħilsu ‘l-umanità maħqura mill-uġigħ u l-mard tagħha. Ejjew nagħmlu s-servizz għall-umanità l-mira u l-oġġettiv mixtieq u mitlub tagħna. Ejjew niddedikaw lilna nfusna għall-ħidma u għas-servizz tal-umanità biex nirbħu l-pjaċir ta’ Alla.

Laiq Ahmed Atif

IT-TORĊA: Sunday, September 5, 2010

http://www.it-torca.com/news.asp?newsitemid=10218

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Ahmadiyya donates at Refugee Camp

Xogħol ta’ karità fil-Kamp tar-Refuġjati

Laiq Aħmed Atif, president u direttur tal-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana f’Malta, qassam pakketti ta’ ikel lill-familji tal-Kamp tar-Refuġjati, f’Ħal Far fl-4 ta’ Settembru 2010.

Il-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam hi organizzazzjoni reliġjuża, b’fergħat f’aktar minn 198 pajjiż, ġiet imwaqqfa minn Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad (1835-1908) fl-1889 ġewwa raħal żgħir remot jismu Kadjan fil-Punġab, l-Indja. Hu afferma li hu r-riformatur mistenni tal-aħħar żminijiet. Il-Komunità li beda hi l-inkorporazzjoni tal-messaġġ benevolenti tal-Iżlam u l-purità oriġinali tiegħu li jippromwovi l-paċi u l-fraternità universali bbażata fuq twemmin f’Alla, Ħanin u li Dejjem Jaħfer.

B’din il-konvinzjoni, fi żmien seklu, il-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam kibrat globalment u taħdem biex tippratitika t-tagħlim tal-paċi tal-Iżlam billi tiġbor mijiet ta’ eluf ta’ Ewro għall-karitajiet, bini ta’ skejjel u sptarjiet miftuħin għal kulħadd u billi tinkoraġġixxi t-tagħlim permezz ta’ djalogu fost ir-reliġjonijiet.

Il-Komunità Aħmadija taħdem biex ittejjeb il-kwalità ta’ ħajja tan-nies l-iktar foqra u l-iktar vulnerabbli tad-dinja. Hija tħaddan il-prinċipji tal-paċi, tat-tolleranza, tal-imħabba u r-rispett bejn segwaċi ta’ twemmin differenti. Hija żżomm sod u taġixxi fuq it-tagħlim Koraniku: “Mhemmx sfurzar fir-reliġjon”; u tipprattika l-motto tagħha “Imħabba għal kulħadd, mibegħda għal ħadd”.

Illum : Sunday, September 12 , 2010 ; http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100919/social/ahmadiyya-donates

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The need for true justice

Il-bżonn ta’ ġustizzja vera

Illum il-ġurnata kelma waħda tidher iktar sabiħa minn qatt qabel. Kelma żgħira li kull wieħed minna jrid jisma’ u jrid jara madwaru l-atmosfera tagħha. Din il-kelma hi “paċi”. Kemm hi żgħira però waħda mill-iktar kelmiet importanti taż-żmien li aħna ngħixu fih. Il-paċi tagħtina l-garanzija tar-relazzjonijiet it-tajba fil-familiji tagħna li huma importanti għat-titjib tas-soċjetajiet tagħna, u l-paċi tiggwidana għal triq is-sewwa biex niksbu suċċess kbir fil-ħajja tagħna.


Imma l-mistoqsija hi: kif nistgħu nistabbilixxu l-paċi fis-soċjetajiet tagħna kif ukoll madwar id-dinja? Jekk aħna bħala bnedmin irridu li nistabbilixxu l-paċi fid-dinja, allura hu importanti li kull wieħed minna jifhem li dan hu d-dmir tagħna, ta’ kull wieħed minna, raġel jew mara, żagħżugħ jew anzjan, sinjur jew fqir u nissagrifikaw lilna nfusna u naħdmu b’qawwa kbira u mingħajr għajja biex nilħqu dan l-għan.


Issa llum meta d-dinja qed issir raħal globali hu importanti li nippruvaw inwasslu l-messaġġ tal-paċi lil kulħadd, bla differenza ta’ reliġjon, ta’ razza jew ta’ nazzjonalità.


Jekk irridu li l-paċi tiġi stabbilita allura hu meħtieġ li nistabbilixxu l-ġustizzja vera f’kull qasam tal-ħajja u nagħtu l-ġustizzja ndaqs lil kulħadd, lil kull pajjiż u lil kull nazzjon.


Kif għandna nistabbilixxu l-ġustizzja u nippromwovu l-paċi, l-imħabba u l-ħbiberija bejn l-aħwa fis-soċjetà? Alla jgħid: “U meta titkellmu osservaw il-ġustizzja, ukoll jekk il-persuna kkonċernata tkun tiġi minnek, u ssodisfa l-patt ta’ Alla.” (Kap 6 : Vers 153)


Il-ġustizzja teħtieġ li anke jekk ikollok tixhed kontra l-għeżież tiegħek, allura agħmel hekk. Illum meta nħarsu aktar fil-qrib madwarna, nosservaw li ħafna mit-tilwim u kawżi ta’ nuqqas ta’ ftehim fost il-bnedmin huma għax ma josservawx il-ġustizzja kif jixraq. Aħna naħsbu biss fl-interessi personali tagħna biex nakkwistaw xi ħaġa, jew f’dawk tal-għeżież tagħna, mingħajr ma nqisu l-fatt li oħrajn jistgħu jweġġgħu bl-azzjonijiet tagħna u ladarba l-motivi ta’ lmenti tagħna jiżviluppaw ikun diffiċli ħafna biex neliminawhom.


Il-paċi vera titlob minna li aħna nuru rispett kbir lil xulxin bl-imħabba u nirrispettaw is-sentimenti tal-oħrajn. Ftit snin ilu xi gazzetti ppubblikaw l-karikaturi tal-Profeta tal-Iżlam u weġġgħu s-sentimenti tal-Musulmani li jgħixu madwar id-dinja. F’April rajna wkoll kif ftit nies ivvandalizaw il-billboards taż-żjara tal-Papa, il-mexxej dinji tal-Knisja Kattolika u weġġgħu is-sentimenti tal-poplu Malti u kattoliċi oħrajn.


Aħna nikkundannaw dawn l-għemejjel bil-qawwa u nemmnu fir-rispett lejn kulħadd speċjalment lill-persuni reliġjużi għax dan hu valur sabiħ tal-umanità. Ir-rispett għandu pożizzjoni ċara u importanti għall-promozzjoni tal-paċi.


Fid-dinja u fis-soċjetajiet tagħna jgħixu nies ta’ razez u ta’ reliġjonijiet differenti u għas-sopravivenza tal-paċi hu meħtieġ li aħna nirrispettaw il-ħsus u s-sentimenti ta’ xulxin.


Jekk aħna rridu li nies oħrajn juru r-rispett lejna, allura hu meħtieġ li aħna wkoll nuru rispett kbir lejhom.


Kif ngħidu bl-Ingliż li “love creates love”, jiġifieri imħabba toħloq imħabba, l-istess nistgħu ngħidu li “ir-rispett joħloq ir-rispett”.


Punt ieħor biex nistabbilixxu l-paċi hu li aħna nżommu nfusna ’l bogħod mir-regħba għax ir-regħba u l-għira għall-ġid tal-oħrajn huma l-kawża ta’ aktar inkwiet fid-dinja. Kompetizzjoni ta’ regħba fuq bażi nazzjonali bdiet u ħaditna lejn il-qerda tal-paċi fid-dinja.


Dan hu ppruvat bl-istorja u kull bniedem sensibbli jista’ jassessja li x-xenqa għall-ġid tal-oħrajn tikkawża nvidja u regħba biex jikbru u din hi s-sors ta’ telf tal-paċi.


Jekk nixtiequ li aħna naraw l-paċi vera fis-soċjetajiet tagħna kif ukoll fid-dinja kollha hu importanti li nistabbilixxu l-ġustizzja vera, nirrispettaw is-sentimenti tal-oħrajn, nuru rispett kbir lil xulxin, noħolqu l-imħabba bejnietna, nagħtu d-drittijiet lill-oħrajn, u naħdmu biex nippromwovu t-tajjeb u s-sewwa fis-soċjetajiet tagħna biex id-dinja ssir kenn ta’ paċi.

Laiq Ahmed Atif hu l-President ta’ Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

{Illum: Il-Punt | 23 ta’ Mejju 2010 • Nr 187} http://www.illum.com.mt/2010/05/23/ilpunt.html

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Poverty and basic human rights

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ta’ Xbiex

“The Gracious God will be merciful to those who show mercy to others. You show mercy to the dwellers of the earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy on you.”

Throughout recorded history, philosophers and thinkers have sought to solve the problem of how to establish a balance between the rights and obligations of man. The European Union has dedicated 2010 as a year to fight poverty.

Poverty, the condition where human beings lack the basic necessities to sustain life, is a pervasive reality in our world. Poverty is generally defined as a situation where individuals lack essential resources to meet not only their material or economic, but also social, physiological and even spiritual needs.

Poverty is increasing all over the world; nearly all the continents are facing this problem and the current economic crisis and credit crunch have added fuel to this problem.

When we keenly examine the problems of the world, we find that poverty is a base to many problems. When poverty arises and rights of poor and needy people are ignored, people start committing crimes to fulfill their needs. Sometimes poverty even forces people to commit suicides, terrorism, killings and thefts etc.

So, it is very important to examine very deeply the reasons for this increasing poverty and to find out the remedies and solutions to this worldwide problem.

To solve this problem the basic principle of justice should be practised in every section of society. The Islamic concept of absolute justice is all-prevailing and all-pervading. It covers every aspect of Islamic teaching. But that is not all; it goes one step further and attempts to create an attitude whereby the governments and the wealthy are constantly reminded that it is in their own ultimate interest to establish an equitable economic system. They are also constantly exhorted to be on the lookout for the rights of others.

The weak and poor should not be denied their fundamental economic rights such as freedom to choose one’s profession, equal access to opportunities and the basic requirements of life. The lack of this very special attitude has already caused much misery, pain and disorder in the history of human struggle for survival.

There is thus greater emphasis on giving than on taking or keeping. The governments and the wealthy must constantly be on the lookout lest there be a section of society which is deprived of the fundamental human right to live decently.

A truly dedicated state would have felt the need and taken appropriate measures for its fulfilment. Before grief turns into cries and protest and before the need threatens peace and order, the cause of grief must be removed and the need fulfilled.

Among other things, Islam creates an atmosphere where the demand for one’s own rights gives way to regard for the rights of others. The level of consciousness and sensitivity to the suffering of fellow human beings is raised to a degree whereby members of society as a whole are concerned more about what they owe to society than what society owes to them.

In brief, to alleviate poverty from the world we must discharge the rights of others with full generosity and dedication. We must try to be the one who gives and not the one who takes. Everyone should be encouraged to spend money, and to present charity and voluntary services for mankind. Justice shall not be compromised at any cost. And we must develop the love for humanity, kindness and generosity in our hearts, and a great passion to serve the suffering mankind, only for the sake of God.

May Allah the Almighty shower His great bounties and blessings on humanity, and may all mankind enjoy the paradise in this life and the life to come. Amen.

The Times: Thursday, 22nd April 2010

http://www.timesofmalta.com.mt/articles/view/20100422/letters/poverty-and-basic-human-rights

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Respecting religious feelings and freedom

Laiq Ahmed Atif, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ta’ Xbiex


Freedom is a prerogative of all living things, man being no exception. Liberty is the most cherished fruit of life.

Man is the epitome of liberty which is ingrained in him. His very texture is woven with the yarn of liberty.

And man enjoys at most, his freedom of faith, because every human being has this right to choose and practise a religion of his own choice. All the main religions of the world believe in freedom of faith. The Holy Quran makes it absolutely clear that “there is no compulsion in religion” (2:257). As long as that principle is adhered to, harmony, love and peace will be maintained in the society.

Yet, amazingly, we find all man-made institutions shaped to work against the liberty of man in the final analysis. A careful study of the history of progressive growth of traditions, customs and legislation is sufficient to prove this assertion.

Over the last few years, we have seen a considerable amount of adverse reaction to the wearing or display of religious symbols. The recent days have witnessed two more of this series as banning Christian crucifixes and minarets of Muslim mosques. Traditionally the main purpose of a minaret has been to provide a vantage point for the Muslim call to prayer.

The call to prayer can be compared to the ringing of bells from a church tower because both signify the time for worship. However, out of respect for the local indigenous population, in most Ahmadi mosques in the Western countries this does not occur and the call to prayer is instead performed from inside the mosque to minimise disturbance to non-Muslims.

Nonetheless, the minaret continues to play a role as a key architectural feature of the Islamic faith. In all Ahmadi mosques the true Islamic principles of love, peace and tolerance are continually exhorted and practised.

How can the religious symbols be a means of offence, when they are only the symbols of respect and love towards religion and God?

Practising the faith of one’s own choice is a fundamental human right and we cannot exclude the wearing or display of religious symbols from this fundamental human right.

And just because a symbol is shown somewhere in the modern age does not mean that someone is compelled to adopt that religion, or to accept the views represented by that symbol.

Respecting religious symbols of all the faiths and respecting sentiments of the people of different religions will lead to international peace. And according to the Islamic teachings, Ahmadiyya Community is always committed to show great respect to all the religions, their founders, symbols and holy places.

Therefore, if peace is to be established, we will have to respect the sentiments of each other and safeguard the rights of society. It is easy to spread hatred but very difficult to sow the seeds of love.

Modern man can find the whole world before him at the touch of a button while seated on his sofa in his drawing room. Were all the efforts to achieve that nearness of a global village aimed at kindling the fire of hatred or were they to witness the evergreen fruit-bearing trees of love and sympathy for mankind? Everyone will certainly agree that our goal should be to acquire and promote love.

The Times: Friday, 18th December 2009 http://www.timesofmalta.com.mt/articles/view/20091218/letters/respecting-religious-feelings-and-freedom

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Let us build bridges not walls

Today the world is riddled with problems; East to West, North to South, everywhere there are countless troubles and difficulties; in brief, every part of this planet is surrounded with huge discomfort. Human beings are suffering through poverty, fighting, killing, unrest, disorder, as well as with social and economical crisis. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, rains, famine, lack of food, etc. are also seen in large numbers and on a huge scale.

But, unfortunately, and very amazingly, for man who is already riddled with endless problems, there are certain powers, certain organisations, and certain groups of people who are building walls of hatred. And these walls are getting higher nowadays, even more now than ever before in the history of mankind.

In recent days the plan of burning the Quran was a hot issue, and in response demonstrators were burning the flags of some countries and were raising the slogans of hatred and malice.

Aren’t the walls of hatred already too high; is there any need to make them even higher? Aren’t the bridges, which can unite us, already lacking? Isn’t the world already full of unrest, instability and uncertainty? Aren’t these walls of hatred already causing so many troubles on this planet?

In these circumstances such plans and actions, and such demonstrations and protests only help in destroying world peace. These provocative acts achieve nothing but to cause distress and anger to millions of peace-loving persons worldwide. Burning any religious scripture is a horrific act and is directly contrary to the teachings of all the world’s major religions. And such demonstrations and protests in which they burn flags, which are the symbols and honours of countries, raise slogans of hatred, use violence and damage properties are also categorically condemnable.

These actions are not a service to humanity or to any religion, but they surely destroy the peace, tranquility and serenity of the world. We have to show great respect to all the sacred books of all the religions, whatever the name is.

This plan was condemned by many political and religious leaders of the world. The Vatican condemned the plan saying it would be ‘‘an outrageous and grave gesture’’. The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for International Dialogue said in a statement that: ‘‘each religion, with its respective sacred books, places of worship and symbols, has the right to respect and protection’’.

The Holy Bible and the Holy Quran are both sacred books and were revealed by the same Almighty God for the guidance of mankind, and they both deserve to be respected and shown great honour. They are sacred to the people so we should not offend them. I think tolerance and respect for each other is very important.

I am very pleased that this plan was cancelled and did not take place; and cancellation statement was issued saying: “Not today, not ever”. I pray that we never see any such plan in future which may cause anger to the peace-loving persons and may good prevail always.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat always condemned such acts of hatred; weather against Judaism, Christianity, and Islam or against any other religion. And always promotes tolerance, harmony, universal brotherhood and inter-faith dialogues so that the respect and love among religions can be established.

However, it is true that there are some differences in the teachings of every religion, but this is also a reality that there are hundreds commonalities among them; we have so much in common. How nice and decent it would be if believers of all the religions would focus on commonalities rather than on differences, to create the atmosphere of harmony and tolerance.

But, if someone wants to discuss and to get answers to his questions, still this is not the way to disrespect the Sacred and Holy Books and to play with the sentiments of their believers. These discussions, exchange of ideas, experiences and teachings can take place; and I think they must take place, so we come to know more about each other, but in a very decent and respectful way, with the aim of knowledge and establishing harmony among believers of different faiths.

There is nothing wrong with intellectual or theological debate but this should be conducted with the bounds of decency and tolerance. These discussions should take place in a peaceful and respectful environment.

Today the world needs peace, love and brotherhood. The world needs an end to wars. Instead of walls of hatred being erected we need peace to prevail and for this to occur people of all faiths must join together.

As the Jesus Christ said: ‘‘blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:9-10). We all must try to be the peacemakers so we can benefit from this glad-tiding and be called the real children of God to whom He loves.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat with great sympathy and sincerity appeals to the world that this is not a time to sow the seed of hatred, malice, disrespect and intolerance because they will ultimately destroy the peace of our societies and will create disorder on this beautiful planet. But, please, let us sow the seeds of love, harmony, tolerance and universal brotherhood, because these values will grow fruitful trees and gardens of peace, tranquility and serenity for the whole mankind.

It also appeals to different schools of thought and people of different religions and faiths to join together in building bridges which will unite us, and let us demolish all the walls of hatred and malice which separate us from each other. Let us all carry the message of peace and brotherhood to everyone, and let us spread the message of love for all and hatred for none to all corners of the world so we can all enjoy security and peace of mind, and pass something valuable to our children and generations to come, and let us save humanity.

14 September 2010

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The greatest Jihad

L-ikbar Ġiħad huwa r-riforma ta’ dak li jkun

Illum il-ġurnata aħna ngħixu fid-dinja fejn għandna problemi u sfidi kbar madwarna. Ngħixu fid-dinja materjalistiku fejn kulħadd irid iktar mill-ieħor, fejn kulħadd irid jaqla’ iktar flus mill-oħrajn. Għandna iktar affarijiet tal-kumdità min-nies ta’ qabel, għandna iktar invenzjonijiet sbieħ tal-istorja tal-bniedem, pero, aħna bħala bnedmin m’aħniex ferħanin u kuntenti.

Din ukoll hija r-realtà tal-lum, li hemm nies li ma jridux li l-bnedmin jgħixu fil-paċi u l-kumdità. Hemm ukoll nies li dejjem jipprovaw jagħmlu ħsara kbira lill-paċi tad-dinja. Hemm nies li fil-vera sens tal-kelma huma l-għedewwa tal-umanità.

Illum il-ġurnata huwa importanti ħafna li nxerrdu tbissima fuq uċuħ in-nies u ngħinu lil dawk li huma fil-bżonn, imma, sfortunatament hemm nies li qed joqtlu nies innoċenti. Xi wħud jinvolvu ruħhom fl-attakki terroristiċi u l-attakki suwiċidji.

Jiena nistaqsi lil dawk in-nies li huma terroristiċi u lil dawk li jinvolvu ruħhom fl-attakki suwiċidji: Għaliex tagħmlu dawn l-affarijiet ħżiena? U għaliex ma tagħmlux għemejjel tajbin? Għaliex it-terroriżmu? Għaliex magħandniex il-paċi? Għaliex l-attakki suwiċidji? Għaliex magħandniex l-imħabba?

Ħafna drabi nsibu xi Musulmani jew xi gruppi Musulmani nvoluti f’attakki terroristiċi u suwiċidji. U jgħidu li huma jagħmlu dawn f’isem Alla u f’isem l-Iżlam. U jgħidu li dan mhux it-terroriżmuu pero huwa l-Ġiħad.

Ngħid is-sewwa dan mhux il-Ġiħad, dan hu t-terrorżmu. U aħna nikkundanaw dawn l-attakki kollha kategorikament. Il-mistoqsija hi li jekk dan mhux il-Ġiħad, allura, x’inhu l-Ġiħad?

Il-kunċett veru tal-Ġiħad Iżlamiku?

L-ewwelnett, irid nispjega li battalja li ssir minħabba reliġjon hija wkoll forma waħda tal-Ġiħad, iżda battalja difensiva biss, imma, dan mhuwiex il-Ġiħad ta’ prijorità. L-ikbar Ġiħad huwa r-riforma ta’ dak li jkun. Fiż-żmien tal-Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, il-gwerra li ssemmet ‘‘il-Ġiħad’’, ma kinitx gwerra politika, pero, kienet gwerra difensiva u saret għax il-Musulmani kienu taħt l-attakki tal-għedewwa minħabba r-reliġjon tagħhom.

Meta nidħlu fid-dettall, insibu li l-Musulmani ma kellhomx il-permess li jattakkaw l-ewwel, imma meta l-għedewwa attakkawhom Alla tahom permess biex jġġieldu kontrihom sabiex jiddefendu lilhom infushom u r-reliġjon tagħhom. Imma ma kellhomx ixerrdu d-demm ta’ nies innocċenti. Pero, sfortunatament, illum il-ġurnata hemm Musulmani li jemmnu fil-Ġiħad fejn jistgħu jxerrdu d-demm tal-bnedmin.

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmadija, mitt sena ilu spjega l-kunċett veru tal-Ġiħad iżlamiku hekk:

“Xi Musulmani slavaġ isemmu t-tixrid tad-demm krudil Ġiħad, u ma jafux li meta tikkonfronta ħakkiem ġust, hu ribelljoni u mhux Ġiħad. Aktar minn hekk, persuna li ma żżommx wegħda, u min jikkommetti att ħażin minflok att tajjeb u min jikkastiga l-innoċenti huwa tirann u mhux ġeneral rebbieħ.”

‘‘It-tixrid tal-idea fost il-Musulmani li jattakkaw nies li jħaddnu reliġjonijiet oħra u li huma jsejħulha Ġiħad, mhijiex gwerra legali għaliex huwa ċar li qed tmur kontra l-kmandament ta’ Alla u l-Profeta Muħammad (il-paċi tkun miegħu) u dan hu dnub kbir.’’

Allura, dan huwa t-tagħlim veru tal-Iżlam kif imfisser lilna mill-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmadija, li jrid jistabbilixxi fis-sod il-paċi u jagħni d-dinja b’atmosfera ta’ mħabba u affezzjoni.

Illum il-ġurnata naraw attakki suwiċida minn dawk li jsejħu lilhom infushom Ġiħadi sabiex iweġġgħu s-suldati tal-għadu biss, imma fil-fatt Musulmani sħabhom qegħdin jinqatlu wkoll f’dawn l-attakki. Dan huwa ħażin. Huwa fid-dmir tal-gvernijiet li jassiguraw il-paċi. Kull att li tikkommetti xi persuna li ma tagħmilx parti minn armata huwa ribell u mhux Ġiħad.

Il-mistoqsija li qajjimt kienet is-sinifikat tal-Ġiħad, u t-tweġiba hi li f’dan iż-żmien, il-Ġiħad li temmen fih il-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana, huwa r-riforma ta’ dak li jkun.

Din mhijiex idea riċenti; kienet imsemmija 1400 sena ilu mill-Fundatur tal-Iżlam wara li rritorna minn battalja meta qal li aħna, minn Ġiħad minuri resqin għal Ġiħad akbar, u dan il-Ġiħad akbar huwa l-Ġiħad li wieħed jirriforma lilu nnifsu; u li huwa dejjiemi u bla tmiem. L-istat tal-gwerra ma jibqax jeżisti għal dejjem.

Il-Ġiħad veru huwa r-riforma tal-ħażen li jitwieled fi żminijiet ta’ paċi u kumdità. Il-qadi tal-umanità huwa Ġiħad veru u l-120 sena ta’ storja tagħna, jiġifieri l-Komunità Aħmadija, tixhed dan kollu. Aħna marbutin ma’ dan il-Ġiħad.

Filwaqt li aħna qegħdin nippruvaw irressqu l-umanità aktar lejn il-Ħallieq, l-iskejjel u l-isptarijiet tagħna, il-pjanijiet tagħna għall-bjar u l-pompi tal-ilma fil-pajjiżi tal-Afrika, l-Asja u f’pajjiżi foqra oħra mxerrda ’l hawn u ’l hinn fid-dinja, qegħdin ikomplu. Qegħdin ngħinu wkoll lil dawk li ġew affettwati minn diżastri naturali. L-għaqda ‘‘l-Umanità l-Ewwel (www.humanityfirst.org )’’ għamlet xogħol tremend u meraviljuż f’dan ir-rigward billi għenet foqra u orfni, ħaffret il-bjar u pprovdiet l-elettriku. Filwaqt li jiggwidana f’din id-direzzjoni, il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmadija jgħid:

‘‘Jiena, għalhekk, inwiddibkom: Oqogħdu ’l bogħod mill-ħażen u uru l-ħniena, lejn l-umanità. Naddfu qalbkom mill-ħjiena u l-inkejja, u intom issiru bħal anġli b’dawn l-atteġġjamenti. Hija reliġjon maħmuġa u mhix qaddisa dik li hi nieqsa mis-simpatija lejn l-umanità u mniġġes hawn l-passaġġ mimli bl-egoiżmu tagħha u mimli mibegħda. Uru l-ħniena lejn kulħadd għall-imħabba ta’ Alla sabiex magħkom issir il-ħniena fil-ġenna. Ejjew u jien ngħallimkom mod kif id-dawl tagħkom jista’ jdawwal fuq dwal oħra. Warrbu kull mibegħda u għira u uru l-ħniena lejn l-umanità, u ntilfu f’Alla.’’

‘‘Ġejt għandkom b’ordni: il-Ġiħad bis-sejf spiċċa mil-lum ’il quddiem, imma l-Ġiħad li jsaffi l-erwieħ għandu jkompli. Dan mhux qiegħed ngħidu minn żniedi. Din hija r-rieda ta’ Alla. U hu semma t-tradizzjoni tal-Profeta Qaddis tal-Iżlam, li meta jiġi, il-Messija (fl-Iżlam) jxejjen u jtemm kull gwerra reliġjuża. Minħabba f’hekk, allura jiena nikkmanda lil dawk li ngħaqdu miegħi sabiex iwarrbu kull ħsieb dwar dan, inaddfu qlubhom, jinkoraġġixxu s-simpatija u juru ħniena lejn il-batut.’’

Din hija tifsira vera tal-Ġiħad Iżlamiku. U fl-aħħar, jiena nappella lil dawk in-nies li huma involuti fit-tixrid tad-demm tal-umanità: Ejjew nifformaw infusna; ejjew nagħmlu l-għemmejjel tajbin li Alla jixtieq; ejjew nispiċċaw il-Ġiħad bis-sejf mil-lum ’il quddiem; ejjew neħilsu l-umanità maħqura mill-uġigħ u l-mard tagħha u ejjew nagħmlu wkoll il-Ġiħad tas-servizz tal-umanità. Dan jistà jitqies bħala l-Ġiħad veru!

http://www.it-torca.com/ il-Ħadd 24 ta’ Ottubru 2010

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The True Concept of Islamic Jihad

L-ikbar Ġiħad huwa r-riforma ta’ dak li jkun

Illum il-ġurnata aħna ngħixu fid-dinja fejn għandna problemi u sfidi kbar madwarna. Ngħixu fid-dinja materjalistiku fejn kulħadd irid iktar mill-ieħor, fejn kulħadd irid jaqla’ iktar flus mill-oħrajn. Għandna iktar affarijiet tal-kumdità min-nies ta’ qabel, għandna iktar invenzjonijiet sbieħ tal-istorja tal-bniedem, pero, aħna bħala bnedmin m’aħniex ferħanin u kuntenti.

Din ukoll hija r-realtà tal-lum, li hemm nies li ma jridux li l-bnedmin jgħixu fil-paċi u l-kumdità. Hemm ukoll nies li dejjem jipprovaw jagħmlu ħsara kbira lill-paċi tad-dinja. Hemm nies li fil-vera sens tal-kelma huma l-għedewwa tal-umanità.

Illum il-ġurnata huwa importanti ħafna li nxerrdu tbissima fuq uċuħ in-nies u ngħinu lil dawk li huma fil-bżonn, imma, sfortunatament hemm nies li qed joqtlu nies innoċenti. Xi wħud jinvolvu ruħhom fl-attakki terroristiċi u l-attakki suwiċidji.

Jiena nistaqsi lil dawk in-nies li huma terroristiċi u lil dawk li jinvolvu ruħhom fl-attakki suwiċidji: Għaliex tagħmlu dawn l-affarijiet ħżiena? U għaliex ma tagħmlux għemejjel tajbin? Għaliex it-terroriżmu? Għaliex magħandniex il-paċi? Għaliex l-attakki suwiċidji? Għaliex magħandniex l-imħabba?

Ħafna drabi nsibu xi Musulmani jew xi gruppi Musulmani nvoluti f’attakki terroristiċi u suwiċidji. U jgħidu li huma jagħmlu dawn f’isem Alla u f’isem l-Iżlam. U jgħidu li dan mhux it-terroriżmuu pero huwa l-Ġiħad.

Ngħid is-sewwa dan mhux il-Ġiħad, dan hu t-terrorżmu. U aħna nikkundanaw dawn l-attakki kollha kategorikament. Il-mistoqsija hi li jekk dan mhux il-Ġiħad, allura, x’inhu l-Ġiħad?

Il-kunċett veru tal-Ġiħad Iżlamiku?

L-ewwelnett, irid nispjega li battalja li ssir minħabba reliġjon hija wkoll forma waħda tal-Ġiħad, iżda battalja difensiva biss, imma, dan mhuwiex il-Ġiħad ta’ prijorità. L-ikbar Ġiħad huwa r-riforma ta’ dak li jkun. Fiż-żmien tal-Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, il-gwerra li ssemmet ‘‘il-Ġiħad’’, ma kinitx gwerra politika, pero, kienet gwerra difensiva u saret għax il-Musulmani kienu taħt l-attakki tal-għedewwa minħabba r-reliġjon tagħhom.

Meta nidħlu fid-dettall, insibu li l-Musulmani ma kellhomx il-permess li jattakkaw l-ewwel, imma meta l-għedewwa attakkawhom Alla tahom permess biex jġġieldu kontrihom sabiex jiddefendu lilhom infushom u r-reliġjon tagħhom. Imma ma kellhomx ixerrdu d-demm ta’ nies innocċenti. Pero, sfortunatament, illum il-ġurnata hemm Musulmani li jemmnu fil-Ġiħad fejn jistgħu jxerrdu d-demm tal-bnedmin.

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmadija, mitt sena ilu spjega l-kunċett veru tal-Ġiħad iżlamiku hekk:

“Xi Musulmani slavaġ isemmu t-tixrid tad-demm krudil Ġiħad, u ma jafux li meta tikkonfronta ħakkiem ġust, hu ribelljoni u mhux Ġiħad. Aktar minn hekk, persuna li ma żżommx wegħda, u min jikkommetti att ħażin minflok att tajjeb u min jikkastiga l-innoċenti huwa tirann u mhux ġeneral rebbieħ.”

‘‘It-tixrid tal-idea fost il-Musulmani li jattakkaw nies li jħaddnu reliġjonijiet oħra u li huma jsejħulha Ġiħad, mhijiex gwerra legali għaliex huwa ċar li qed tmur kontra l-kmandament ta’ Alla u l-Profeta Muħammad (il-paċi tkun miegħu) u dan hu dnub kbir.’’

Allura, dan huwa t-tagħlim veru tal-Iżlam kif imfisser lilna mill-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmadija, li jrid jistabbilixxi fis-sod il-paċi u jagħni d-dinja b’atmosfera ta’ mħabba u affezzjoni.

Illum il-ġurnata naraw attakki suwiċida minn dawk li jsejħu lilhom infushom Ġiħadi sabiex iweġġgħu s-suldati tal-għadu biss, imma fil-fatt Musulmani sħabhom qegħdin jinqatlu wkoll f’dawn l-attakki. Dan huwa ħażin. Huwa fid-dmir tal-gvernijiet li jassiguraw il-paċi. Kull att li tikkommetti xi persuna li ma tagħmilx parti minn armata huwa ribell u mhux Ġiħad.

Il-mistoqsija li qajjimt kienet is-sinifikat tal-Ġiħad, u t-tweġiba hi li f’dan iż-żmien, il-Ġiħad li temmen fih il-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana, huwa r-riforma ta’ dak li jkun.

Din mhijiex idea riċenti; kienet imsemmija 1400 sena ilu mill-Fundatur tal-Iżlam wara li rritorna minn battalja meta qal li aħna, minn Ġiħad minuri resqin għal Ġiħad akbar, u dan il-Ġiħad akbar huwa l-Ġiħad li wieħed jirriforma lilu nnifsu; u li huwa dejjiemi u bla tmiem. L-istat tal-gwerra ma jibqax jeżisti għal dejjem.

Il-Ġiħad veru huwa r-riforma tal-ħażen li jitwieled fi żminijiet ta’ paċi u kumdità. Il-qadi tal-umanità huwa Ġiħad veru u l-120 sena ta’ storja tagħna, jiġifieri l-Komunità Aħmadija, tixhed dan kollu. Aħna marbutin ma’ dan il-Ġiħad.

Filwaqt li aħna qegħdin nippruvaw irressqu l-umanità aktar lejn il-Ħallieq, l-iskejjel u l-isptarijiet tagħna, il-pjanijiet tagħna għall-bjar u l-pompi tal-ilma fil-pajjiżi tal-Afrika, l-Asja u f’pajjiżi foqra oħra mxerrda ’l hawn u ’l hinn fid-dinja, qegħdin ikomplu. Qegħdin ngħinu wkoll lil dawk li ġew affettwati minn diżastri naturali. L-għaqda ‘‘l-Umanità l-Ewwel (www.humanityfirst.org )’’ għamlet xogħol tremend u meraviljuż f’dan ir-rigward billi għenet foqra u orfni, ħaffret il-bjar u pprovdiet l-elettriku. Filwaqt li jiggwidana f’din id-direzzjoni, il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmadija jgħid:

‘‘Jiena, għalhekk, inwiddibkom: Oqogħdu ’l bogħod mill-ħażen u uru l-ħniena, lejn l-umanità. Naddfu qalbkom mill-ħjiena u l-inkejja, u intom issiru bħal anġli b’dawn l-atteġġjamenti. Hija reliġjon maħmuġa u mhix qaddisa dik li hi nieqsa mis-simpatija lejn l-umanità u mniġġes hawn l-passaġġ mimli bl-egoiżmu tagħha u mimli mibegħda. Uru l-ħniena lejn kulħadd għall-imħabba ta’ Alla sabiex magħkom issir il-ħniena fil-ġenna. Ejjew u jien ngħallimkom mod kif id-dawl tagħkom jista’ jdawwal fuq dwal oħra. Warrbu kull mibegħda u għira u uru l-ħniena lejn l-umanità, u ntilfu f’Alla.’’

‘‘Ġejt għandkom b’ordni: il-Ġiħad bis-sejf spiċċa mil-lum ’il quddiem, imma l-Ġiħad li jsaffi l-erwieħ għandu jkompli. Dan mhux qiegħed ngħidu minn żniedi. Din hija r-rieda ta’ Alla. U hu semma t-tradizzjoni tal-Profeta Qaddis tal-Iżlam, li meta jiġi, il-Messija (fl-Iżlam) jxejjen u jtemm kull gwerra reliġjuża. Minħabba f’hekk, allura jiena nikkmanda lil dawk li ngħaqdu miegħi sabiex iwarrbu kull ħsieb dwar dan, inaddfu qlubhom, jinkoraġġixxu s-simpatija u juru ħniena lejn il-batut.’’

Din hija tifsira vera tal-Ġiħad Iżlamiku. U fl-aħħar, jiena nappella lil dawk in-nies li huma involuti fit-tixrid tad-demm tal-umanità: Ejjew nifformaw infusna; ejjew nagħmlu l-għemmejjel tajbin li Alla jixtieq; ejjew nispiċċaw il-Ġiħad bis-sejf mil-lum ’il quddiem; ejjew neħilsu l-umanità maħqura mill-uġigħ u l-mard tagħha u ejjew nagħmlu wkoll il-Ġiħad tas-servizz tal-umanità. Dan jistà jitqies bħala l-Ġiħad veru!

http://www.it-torca.com/ il-Ħadd 24 ta’ Ottubru 2010

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Malta: Small Island, great generosity

Laiq Ahmed Atif, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ta’ Xbiex

All human beings are the people of God and progeny of Adam. Allah Almighty says: He loves those who love His people and take care of them and feels mercy for them who feel mercy for His people.

Service to humanity has always been a central point of all the religions, and alms giving is addressed by all of them. Every religion teaches its believers to be of service through practical assistance, raising of funds and devotion of time and energy for those who are in need.

The generosity I saw on December 27 in L-Istrina made me appreciate this with the depth of my heart. The fact that more than €1.2 million were donated to the needy in just one day is really a thing to be widely appreciated. It shows the generosity of the Maltese people and their love of helping the poor and most vulnerable.

I would also like to express appreciation for the hosts of the programme, Peppi Azzopardi and Valerie Vella, who did a great job. They kept busy throughout the programme urging the audience to donate to charity and they did not rest. It showed their deep love and devotion towards this important charity programme.

I pray, may Allah Almighty bless us all and accept our donations and help us to perform a great service to humanity and may He enable us to provide assistance to our needy brothers.

The Times: Thursday, 1st January 2009

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Donation to MCCF

PRESIDNET WAS PRESENTED WITH A DONATION

President of Malta, H.E. Eddie Fenech Adami is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund by Mr Laiq Ahmed Atif on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, a religious organisation which promotes interfaith dialogue.

Department of Information – Malta | June 2008

http://www.doi.gov.mt/images/display_image.asp?ImageURL=’images/pressrelphotos2008/large/06/day17/ahmadiya.jpg’

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A fresh perspective

Sa mill-bidu tagħha fl-1889, il-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam ilha tmexxi sforz globali biex tarġa’ tqajjem mill-ġdid il-messaġġ veru u ta’ paċi tal-Iżlam kif mgħallem mill-Profeta Qaddis Muħammad (il-paċi u l-barka ta’ Alla jkunu miegħu).

Dan il-qawmien tat-tagħlim veru Iżlamiku nbeda mill-fundatur tal-komunità, Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad (il-paċi tkun miegħu) li qal:

“Il-missjoni li għaliha jien ġejt inkarigat hi li nneħħi dik il-qasma li qed tikber fir-relazzjoni bejn Alla u l-ħolqien Tiegħu u li nissostitwiha bir-relazzjoni ta’ mħabba u sinċerità, u billi nħalli l-verità turi lilha nnifisha bid-dieher, tgħin biex jieqfu l-gwerer reliġjużi u n-nuqqas ta’ armonija u b’hekk tqiegħed il-pedament għall-paċi.”

Hu sostna taħt it-tmexxija Divina li hu l-Messija Mwiegħed u l-Imam Maħdi (Gwida), li l-wasla tiegħu kienet mistennija għal dan iż-żmien.

B’dan ix-xewqa għall-paċi, il-komunità tagħna kibret sew u issa stabbilixxiet ruħha f’aktar minn 195 pajjiż b’160 miljun membru u fl-Ewropa aħna waħda mill-eqdem organizzazzjonijiet Musulmani.

Il-Mexxej spiritwali tagħna tal-lum (Kalif) jibqa’ leali lejn il-paċi u jfakkarna li:

“L-Iżlam jgħallimna li dejjem inkunu konxji lejn Alla li hu l-Ħallieq tagħna u li dejjem inżommu l-memorja Tiegħu friska f’qalbna u li nħarsu lejn il-ħolqien Tiegħu b’imħabba, affezzjoni, armonija u tolleranza.”

Fl-Ewropa l-komunità tagħna tkompli tiġbor mijiet ta’ eluf ta’ ewro għall-foqra fl-Ewropa – dan l-isforz żgħir hu parti żgħira tad-dmir tagħna li nservu l-umanità.

Bħala Aħmadin fl-Iżlam, aħna nemmnu li rridu nirrispettaw dawn il-valuri fil-ħajja tagħna ta’ kuljum u dawn jgħinuna nrabbu sens ta’ unità, koeżjoni, armonija u paċi fid-dinja kollha.

“…..Irrid ngħid li kull Aħmadi li jgħix fil-Gran Brittanja (u f’kull pajjiż ieħor madwar id-dinja) hu ċittadin estremament leali tal-pajjiż u jħobb lil pajjiżu; u dan grazzi għat-tagħlim tal-Profeta tagħna [Muħammad] (il-paċi u l-barka ta’ Alla jkunu miegħu) li għallimna li l-imħabba lejn pajjiżu hi parti integrali tal-fidi tiegħu.”

(Indirizz mogħti fil-House of Commons, f’Ottubru 2008 minn Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad – il-Kap dinji tal-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam).

Xi Prinċipji Essenzjali Iżlamiċi

● Fidi f’Alla Wieħed

Il-Profeti kollha u r-reliġjonijiet kollha ntbagħtu mill-istess għajn – l-Alla Wieħed li hu l-Ħallieq ta’ kollox u li jkompli jikkommunika mal-bniedem. Fl-Għarbi jissejjah Allah iżda nużaw liema terminu nużaw fir-reliġjonijiet diversi, skont l-Iżlam huma kollha jirreferu lejn l-istess Alla Wieħed.

● Fidi fil-Profeti kollha

Allah bagħat il-profeti Tiegħu biex jigwidaw il-bnedmin lejH u biex joħolqu paċi qalb il-bnedmin. L-Iżlam jitlob lill-Musulmani li jemmnu fil-profeti kollha mingħajr eċċezzjoni u li jirreferu għalihom b’rispett u ġieħ.

● Twemmin fit-tagħlim kollu Divin

Ir-reliġjonijiet kollha Divini kienu veri fil-bidu tagħhom. Madankollu, matul iż-żminijiet it-tagħlim tagħhom ittiekel jew intesa, iżda Alla kompla jibgħat profeti biex jigwidaw lill-bnedmin lejH.

● M’hemmx sfurzar fir-reliġjon

Kulħadd hu ħieles li jemmen, jipprattika, jgħallem jew isegwi kwalunkwe fidi tal-għażla tiegħu / tagħha.

● Drittijiet ugwali għal kulħadd

Irġiel, nisa u bnedmin ta’ kull razza huma ugwali quddiem Alla. Huma biss l-azzjonijiet moralment tajba li jelevaw bniedem ‘il fuq mill-ieħor u din l-opportunità li wieħed ikun itjeb mill-ieħor hi mifuħa għal kulħadd.

● Protezzjoni tal-qdusija tal-ħajja

L-Iżlam jenfasizza l-qdusija tal-ħajja u bla tlaqliq iwarrab il-vjolenza u t-terroriżmu f’kull forma tagħhom (inklużi dawk li jikkommetu suwiċidju billi jisplodu lilhom infushom) u għal kull raġuni oħra. Il-Musulmani kollha għandhom jippromwovu l-paċi f’kull livell u jaħarbu l-mibegħda u n-nuqqas ta’ armonija.

Il-Motto tagħna hu:

Imħabba għal Kulħadd, Mibegħda għal Ħadd

Aħna nservu l-umanità f’diversi modi inklużi firxa kbira ta’ attivitajiet li jipprovdu għajnuna f’diżastri, faċilitajiet mediċi, enerġija, edukazzjoni u programmi madwar id-dinja biex wieħed jgħin lilu nnifsu.

L-enfasi tal-Kalif fuq il-paċi u t-tolleranza tikkuntrasta sew ma’ dawk ir-radikali ħorox li jidhru fl-aħbarijiet fuq il-gazzetti. (The Times (ta’ Londra), Ġunju 2008)

Il-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam: Storja ta’ Għaqda u Paċi

Għal aktar minn mitt sena l-komunità Aħmadija Musulmana irnexxielha tmexxi qawmien paċifiku fl-Iżlam. Minn meta twaqqfet fl-Indja fl-1889 gawdiet rekord li m’hawnx bħalu għall-paċi u għall-isforzi biex tibni soċjetajiet magħquda.

Din il-komunità ilha stabbilita fir-Renju Unit mill-1913, u bnejna l-ewwel moskea fl-1926 (il-Moskea ta’ Londra f’Putney, tidher in-naħa ta’ fuq fuq il-lemin). Issa aħna għandna mitt fergħa mifruxa tul il-Gran Brittanja u ftaħna numru ta’ moskej inkluża l-moskea ta’ Baitul Futuħ fin-nofsinhar ta’ Londra, li hi l-ikbar fl-Ewropa tal-Punent.

Bħala komunità li taħdem għal edukazzjoni, integrazzjoni u paċi bejn ir-reliġjonijiet aħna nagħtu merħba lil kulħadd li jżur il-moskej tagħna kif ukoll li jattendi seminars u okkażjonijiet oħra li jressqu l-bnedmin ma’ xulxin biex jifhmu aktar lil xulxin.

Aħna mpenjati wkoll li ngħinu lill-oħrajn, niġbdu l-attenzjoni ta’ komunitajiet lokali u naħdmu għall-ġid komuni. Dwar dan għandna storja twila ta’ ġbir ta’ eluf ta’ mijiet ta’ ewro għall-karità fl-Ewropa.

Inġeddu l-Valuri Iżlamiċi Veri

Aħna nemmnu li l-Iżlam, li ġie mwaqqaf aktar minn l,400 sena ilu mill-Profeta Muħammad (il-paċi u l-barka ta’ Alla jkunu miegħu) hu reliġjon universali ta’ paċi, b’messaġġ sempliċi imma perfett għall-bnedmin biex jiżiluppa u jżomm relazzjoni ħajja ma’ Alla l-ħaj u biex il-bnedmin jgħixu f’armonija perfetta ma’ kulħadd.

Il-messaġġ kien imġedded mill-fundatur tal-Komunità tagħna, Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad (il-paċi tkun miegħu) u aħna l-unika komunità ta’ Musulmani li aċċettajnieh bħala l-Messija Mwiegħed u l-Maħdi li kien ipprofetizzat għal dan iż-żmien.

Mill-bidunett hu ripetutament enfasizzja l-bżonn li aħna nagħrfu d-dmir tagħna lejn Alla u l-ħolqien Tiegħu u biex nirriflettu l-impenn tagħna għall-paċi tul ħajjitna ta’ kuljum. Hu warrab il-kunċett ta’ ġiħad vjolenti, fakkarna fl-ugwaljanza fost il-bnedmin u d-dmir tagħna biex nieħdu ħsieb dawk li huma fil-bżonn. Hu wkoll enfasizza l-bżonn li nirrispettaw ir-reliġjonijiet kollha, biex inħarsu l-liġi tal-pajjiż u biex inkunu leali lejn il-gvern tal-pajjiż li fih ngħixu.

B’din ix-xewqa li nippromwovu l-paċi din il-komunità minn dak iż-żmien iffjorixxiet u issa hi moviment dinamiku globali stabbilit f’aktar minn 195 pajjiż.

Komunità waħda, Mexxej wieħed

Sa mill-mewt tal-fundatur tagħna fl-1908 aħna ġejna mmexxija minn serje ta’ Kalifi jew Mexxejja Spiritwali; il-mexxej preżenti hu l-Qdusija Tiegħu Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad; din il-forma ta’ tmexxija globali hi karatteristika distintiva oħra ta’ din il-komunità.

Hu jkompli jwassal il-messaġġ ta’ paċi sal-irkejjen tad-dinja, messaġġ li kien u qed jiġi rifless f’azzjoni mill-komunità bl-isforzi umanitarji mill-irġiel, min-nisa u miż-żgħażagħ tal-komunità.

Fil-fatt il-membri tal-komunità volontarjament jagħtu żmien u flus bħala għajnuna soċjali wkoll fl-ibgħad partijiet tad-dinja, biex jgħinu dawk fil-bżonn mingħajr ma jagħtu kas ta’ twemmin jew kulur.

Ftuħ u Trasparenza

Il-moskej u ċ-ċentri tagħna huma miftuħa għal kulħadd, biex iwaqqgħu l-barrieri u nibnu fiduċja, integrazzjoni u koeżjoni billi nagħmluha aktar possibbli biex kulħadd jifhem it-twemmin Iżlamiku u postu fil-ħajja tal-lum.

Aħna norganizzaw laggħat dwar il-paċi regolarment u nxandru ‘satellite channel MTA International’ li jidher fuq Sky 787’ b’xejn. Dan hu ddedikat għall-firxa t’armonija bejn il-popli mingħajr ma nħarsu lejn twemmin u l-ambjent ta’ ħajja soċjali, u b’hekk nenfasizzaw il-fatt li aħna mifuħin għal kulħadd bħala komunità li tippromwovi l-integrazzjoni bbażata fuq rispett reċiproku.

Aħna m’aħniex ipprovduti bi flus minn xi pajjiż, gvern jew organizzazzjoni. Hu t-twemmin tagħna li biex nagħmlu għemejjel tajba hu meħtieġ mingħandna li nagħmlu sagrifiċċji ta’ ħin u ta’ flus u hu għalhekk li l-komunità Aħmadija Musulmana tiffinanzja lilha nnifisha kompletament. Il-membri jikkontribwixxu volontarjament biex jissappportjaw ix-xogħol tal-komunità kif ukoll jiffinanzjaw numru ta’ attivitajiet umanitarji u ta’ karità li aħna nagħmlu – kważi kollox isir bil-għajnuna tal-voluntieri.

Fl-essenza tagħha “Imħabba għal kulħadd, Mibegħda għal ħadd” hi l-istendard uniku li jżomm il-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana u l-messaġġ li nemmnu hu l-bażi ta’ paċi dejjiema.

Premju għall-Paċi

Ta’ kull sena l-komunità tagħna qed tagħti premju għall-paċi li dik il-persuna fid-dinja li tiġi vvutata mill-membri tal-komunità bħala dik il-persuna li l-aktar tkun ħadmet għall-paċi.

Dan il-premju ta’ £10,000 flimkien ma’ trofew ta’ apprezzament jista’ jingħata lil dik il-persuna fid-dinja li tkun ħadmet għall-paċi mingħajr ma nħarsu lejn twemmin, kulur jew nazzjon. L-ewwel premju ngħata lil Lord Eric Avebury, mill-Ingilterra u li ħadem ħafna għall-paċi u d-drittijiet umani.

Dak juri l-imħabba tal-komunità lejn il-paċi u l-imħabba.

Fl-Għajnejn ta’ Mexxejja dinjija

1- “Membri tal-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana huma magħrufin madwar id-dinja għad-dedika tagħhom għall-paċi, għall-fraternità universali u għar-Rieda t’Alla, il-prinċipju ċentrali tal-Iżlam veru. L-Aħmadin huma wkoll magħrufin għax-xogħol tagħhom biex jagħtu servizz itjeb billi jagħtu għajnuniet soċjali u jagħmlu iniżjattivi edukattivi kif ukoll proġetti kbar. Kulfejn jgħixu l-Aħmadin fid-dinja, huma magħrufin għall-parteċipazzjoni entużjasta fis-sehem tagħhom fil-komunità ikbar.” (Rt. Hon Stephen Harper, Prim Ministru tal-Kanada)

2-“Kollha kemm aħna nammiraw immensament ix-xogħol tal-Komunità Aħmadija hawnhekk fir-Renju Unit kif nagħmlu wkoll madwar id-dinja.”

(Rt. Hon. Jack Straw MP – Ministru tal-Ġustizzja)

3- “Jien impressjonat bil-kbir u grat għas-sapport li intom ipprovdejtu lill-karitajiet fir-Renju Unit.”

“Hu wkoll unur kbir li naqsam magħkom ix-xogħol li inti u l-kollegi tiegħek qed tagħmlu biex tippromwovu l-paċi u l-armonija kemm hawnhekk kif ukoll madwar id-dinja. Hu pjaċir għalija li żort din il-moskea partikolari. M’hemmx dubju li mill-inawgurazzjoni tagħha mill-2003 saret bini prominenti importanti kif ukoll ċentru importanti għat-twemmin u għad-djalogu. Membri tat-twemmin tagħkom jagħmlu xogħol importanti umanitarju madwar id-dinja u hawn fir-Renju Unit. Jien impressjonat ħafna u grat għas-sapport li intom qed tipprovdu għall-karitajiet fir-Renju Unit.” (Chris Grayling MP – Shadow Home Secretary)

4- “Jien nemmen li l-Komunità Aħmadija għandha rwol immens importanti li twasslu l-valuri ta’ paċi, tolleranza u fehim lid-dinja. U jien naħseb li aħna fortunati immensament li aħna għandna l-kwartieri ta’ dak it-twemmin hawn ġewwa Londra u ħafna minna matul is-snin ibbenefikajna mill-għerf u l-parir intelliġenti li aħna rċevejna mingħandkom u li intom dejjem lesti li toffru. Aħna nirringrazzjaw il-komunità kollha għall-kontribuzzjoni eċċellenti li huma għamlu biex jagħnu s-soċjetajiet tagħna.” (Lord Eric Avebury)

5- “L-enfasi fuq il-paċi u t-tolleranza tal-Kalif jispikka f’kuntrast qawwi ma’ dawk ir-radikali li joħolqu inkwiet fis-soċjetà u li jidhru fil-gazzetti. Għal moviment li l-motto tiegħu hu “Imħabba għal kulħadd, Mibegħda għal ħadd”, velenu bħal tar-radikali jaħsdek.”

“Fil-Gran Brittanja, il-komunità ipproduċiet numru sabiħ ta’ nies professjonali. Fil-Pakistan, minkejja d-diskriminazzjoni, l-Aħmadi Musulmani irnexxielhom jilħqu l-ogħla postijiet fis-Servizz Ċivili u fl-Armata. Huma attivi fix-xogħol ta’ karità – skejjel u bjar għall-Afrika, għajnuna għall-vittmi ta’ diżastri mill-Pakistan sa New Orleans, u donazzjonijiet għall-kawżi internazzjonali, minn Save the Children għall-Great Ormond Street Hospital. L-aktar kwalità importanti li tkun Aħmadi Musulmani, il-mexxej spiritwali tagħhom jissuġġerixxi, hu relattivament sempliċi. “Dan hu dwar l-onestà”, hu jgħid “Li tħobb il-paċi. Xogħol iebes. U tkun ġenwin mal-Ħallieq.” (The Times UK, Ġunju 2008)

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