Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

At a time when conflicts rage and engulf certain areas of our world, the three hours spent at the Grand Hotel Excelsior a few weeks ago for a Peace Conference were an oasis of peace and tranquillity. This Peace Conference was organised for the third consecutive year by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Malta. Five illustrious speakers spoke about how peace could be achieved and maintained.

The first speaker was Dr Eddie Fenech Adami, President Emeritus and Former Prime Minister of Malta. He started by reminding us that the Ahmadiyya’s dictum, ‘Love for all – Hatred for none’, embraces the essential elements of peace. He went on to draw our attention to the fact that the threat of conflicts can be defeated by harmony.

Meena Vaswani traced the various powers and civilisations which affected India throughout the centuries. The third speaker was Mgr Joseph Farrugia, lecturer in theology at the University of Malta. He spoke about the three Monotheistic Religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – which knew their origins in the Mediterranean Basin. Senator of the World Nations Congress, Dr Iftikhar Ayaz OBE, in his enlightening speech, emphasised that peace comes from justice and benevolence; in other words real peace comes from the heart.

Dr Owen Bonnici, Member of Parliament and Labour Party spokesperson for higher education, university, research and culture, brought this very successful Peace Conference to an end. In a concise and meaningful speech, he explained how peace is positive; it is love and reconciliation.

The Peace Conference has become a yearly event, which all peace-loving people await and do their best not to miss. The organisation was impeccable and the large audience of distinguished guests prove how popular this Peace Conference has become.

Godfrey Magri, Attard, Malta (The Malta Independent, Monday 4.4.2011)

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=122997

Since times immemorial, man has, at the hand of man, been suffering all kinds of miseries and cruelties; his rights have been violated; he has become alienated from his own species.

Today, most of the evils humanity is confronted with are rooted in the violation and deprivation of human rights. No doubt in the dark corridors of history, we hear echoes reverberating protest against human sufferings and exploitation. No doubt in these very corridors sometimes we also see a chink of light of hope for man in the form of Charters, such as Magna Carta, English Petition of Rights, The Virginian Declaration of Rights, American Bill of Rights and so on and so forth. However, when we critically look at these various documents, we are a bit disappointed. We soon realise that they are not after all what humanity expected them to be. They disappoint not so much in what they say, but in what they leave out to say. They give no redeeming hope to man, or offer any source of perennial light for humanity.

(Lecture delivered by Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz, O.B.E. at: University of Malta)

For more please click on the links below: http://www.lakbimanews.lk/portal/news/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1045:letters-a-events&catid=39:lounge&Itemid=11

http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2011/03/28/human-rights-education-and/

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 a pastor together with few other people has burned the Quran.

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.

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.

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.

On Saturday 26th March 2011 the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, spoke at length upon the issue of achieving global peace whilst delivering the keynote address at the 8th Annual Peace symposium of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat UK, held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden. The event attracted an audience of over 1,000, including Government Ministers, MPs, senior Foreign Embassy officials and members of the British armed forces.

During the event the 2nd Ahmadiyya Peace Prize was presented to Abdul Sattar Eidhi, the founder of the Eidhi Foundation, in recognition of his continued efforts in terms of social welfare and humanitarian relief. The award was accepted by Mr. Eidhi via a video message due to him being otherwise engaged in facilitating the relief efforts for the Japan earthquake victims.

Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden, quoted a verse of the Holy Qur’an which advocates justice and fair dealing in all circumstances. She said that justice and tolerance were fundamental to a peaceful society. Lord Eric Avebury who last year won the inaugural Ahmadiyya Peace Prize for his continued efforts to promote human rights across the world said that the root cause of all the recent conflict in the world was intolerance. He said that existing UN mechanisms required reform and that he felt that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was very well placed to play a key role in that process. Ed Davey, MP for Surbiton and Kingston and Minister for Employment Relations, paid tribute to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for ‘championing the cause of peace of peace worldwide’. He said that the Jamaat’s motto of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ was a truly inspiring message.

During his keynote address Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke about the causes underpinning the current political turmoil sweeping through many Arab and North African countries; about Britain’s long term pursuit of tolerance and justice; the failure of the United Nations to fulfill its mandate, the restrictions placed upon Muslims in certain countries and the continued peaceful reaction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in the face of the bitterest persecution.

During his keynote address Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke about the causes underpinning the current political turmoil sweeping through many Arab and North African countries; about Britain’s long term pursuit of tolerance and justice; the failure of the United Nations to fulfil its mandate, the restrictions placed upon Muslims in certain countries and the continued peaceful reaction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in the face of the bitterest persecution.

The Malta Independent: Friday, 18th March 2011 By LAIQ AHMED ATIF

Extremism, fundamentalism, fanaticism and terrorism are being considered the grave threats for today’s world. Presence of these ‘isms’ in any society are highly dangerous. Unfortunately, these characteristics have occupied many countries and societies around the world, where even governments bend their knees in front of these powers.

Extremism and fundamentalism are great threats to those countries and societies where these exist. And if these are not eliminated completely and immediately from such places, I am afraid, they might bring to risk the existence, freedom, liberty and independence of such countries and societies.

For the better development of a country or a society, tolerance and harmony are very crucial and important. Without dialogues and without being ready to accept others’ point of view, societies and countries cannot prosper and cannot gain better achievements in any field.

We have seen the results of fundamentalism in the past, and we are even witnessing them now in some parts of the world. In recent weeks we have seen two high profile murders in Pakistan, where on 4 January, Salman Taseer the Governor of Punjab, and later Shahbaz Bhatti, a Catholic, Federal Minister for Minority affairs of Pakistan, were assassinated. The most painful and saddest aspect of these events is that the killer was presented rose petals and protests were carried out for his release. This is grave insensitiveness.

The death of Mr Bhatti and Mr Taseer is not a death of two persons, but this can be considered the death of liberalisation and openness, because the extremists have once again won against the liberal, secular, open-minded and tolerant persons. And they have hijacked the nation, and any voice against their violent ideology is put to silence by these extremists. This is extremely dangerous, and these are clear signs of intolerance and inharmoniousness.

Killing a person is a grave crime, and in the Holy Quran it is mentioned that “killing a single human life is like killing all humanity.” But very unfortunately we have seen people celebrating the death of innocent men, distributing sweets and presenting rose bouquets to the killer.

We believe that not only Islam, but all the major religions of the world preach respect and human dignity. Killing innocent people is completely forbidden and it is considered a grave sin in all the religions and civilised societies.

When we dig into the details, we do not come across any crime by those who were killed. So, why were they killed? The answer is very simple: Because they were speaking up for justice, they were speaking to repeal a law which was introduced to gain political favours and interests; this legislation was totally unacceptable, was being misused for the last 25 long years, was being used to gain personal and political ends and was totally against the Islamic teachings.

And I should say that they were killed for their outstanding stands on principles. They were killed because they said the truth. They were killed because they were trying to help the victims. They were killed because they raised their voices for innocent Asia Bibi, who is behind bars because of allegations of blasphemy against her, even though she is denying to all charges. The blasphemy law has been used against minorities e.g. Christians, Hindus and Ahmadis, and in the last 25 years dozens of people were brutally killed, injured, persecuted, sentenced and put to death because of the misuse of this infamous blasphemy law.

And the clerics and religious zealots are speaking in favour of this law, saying that in Islam there is only death penalty for such people. Please permit me to write a few lines to prove that this is not according to the Quran. This law is totally against Islamic teaching. The Holy Quran mentions nowhere that the punishment for blasphemy is death, nor even a lesser punishment. I admit that the religious clerics and zealots have misinterpreted the teachings.

I believe that respect is a basic human right for all, and religious personalities deserve even more respect from their followers and even from others; and to disrespect those noble personalities is really a grave crime. But, there is no worldly punishment mentioned, not at all. Nor did the prophet Muhammad punish anyone who blasphemed him during his time.

I thus appeal to such forces that let us build bridges, let us promote tolerance, harmony, love, respect and brotherhood in every part of the world and let us promote and establish the human dignity.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=121989

The Times: Saturday, 12th March 2011

Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Liberty is a prerogative of every single human being and it is considered one of the most cherished fruits of human life. Man in all ages and times remained fond of his liberty and freedom but, very amazingly, man is not ready to give this right to his fellow beings.

When we ponder over the contemporary situation of today’s world we find that two very important and crucial slogans are influencing the entire world. Their intensity and connotations may differ from one part to another but their influence is seen on every part of this planet. These two slogans have attracted the attention of all the world media and they are liberty and emancipation.

With the passage of time and civilisation, no doubt, man has gained greater awareness and consciousness in the importance and value of liberty and freedom. Man has become more sensitive and knowledgeable about the price and cost of his freedom and he knows how important his liberty is.

It is an undeniable reality of this age that there is a pressing need felt everywhere in the world for emancipation but from what? Is it from the yoke of foreign rule, dictatorship, fascism, theocratic or other regimes with totalitarian philosophies, oppressive democracies and corrupt bureaucracies, the economic stranglehold of the poor countries by the rich, ignorance, superstition or fetishism?

The recent days are great witness of this reality, where we have seen huge tsunamis of people in the streets holding placards with these slogans. But the question is: Why is all this happening?

When human beings are deprived of their basic human rights, when human dignity is not honoured, when people are not allowed to express themselves, when citizens of a country have no authority to have their own opinion, when human liberty and freedom of speech is dishonoured and when people are forced to obey and to bend their heads, when people’s voices are ignored, when people’s sufferings are not eliminated, when people face physical, mental and emotional oppression and when, instead of the rule of law, “might is right” prevails, the result is that these circumstances and challenges could create huge storms and bring great revolutions.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights assures freedom and liberty to every human being. Articles 18 to 20 of this declaration state: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. (2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.”

I believe freedom and liberty are basic human rights and there is no exception for anyone. So, these rights should be honoured and respected. Liberty and freedom of speech and expression are vital to make the voice of people heard as well as to restore human dignity. This time requires us to show solidarity with people and to condemn every sort of violence and bloodshed of innocent men, women and children while they are struggling for their human liberty and freedom.

And we all must remember that swords can win territories but not hearts and force can bend heads but not minds. And to win hearts it is important to respect human dignity and liberty.

It is my fervent prayer that all mankind enjoys its freedom and liberty; may we all find everlasting peace and may good prevail on this planet.

L-Orizzont: It-Tlieta 8 ta’ Marzu 2011:

LAIQ AHMED ATIF President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

Kull sena fit-8 ta’ Marzu niċċelebraw “Jum Internazzjonali tan-nisa” u f’Mejju niċċelebraw “Jum l-omm”. Dawn ijiem huma importanti ħafna għax jfakkruna dwar l-importanza u d-dinjità tal-mara fis-soċjetà.

Nemmen li n-nisa jistħoqilhom rispett kbir, għax il-mara hija l-omm, il-mara hija l-bint, il-mara hija l-oħt kif ukoll mart ir-raġel. Kull relazzjoni hija tant sabiħa u ta’ rispett kbir. Illum irrid nikteb xi ħaġa dwar mara bħala l-omm.

L-omm hija l-iktar persuna importanti fil-familja. L-omm hija barka kbira minn Alla, li jista’ kollox. L-omm hija bniedma tajba, sabiħa, sinċiera u l-aħjar fost in-nisa. Meta ngħinu lil ommijietna nistgħu nġibu l-imħabba ta’ Alla tagħna. Kulħadd jista’ jikseb il-ferħ ta’ Alla u l-Ġenna Tiegħu billi jirrispetta lil ommu.

Meta nħarsu dwar ir-reliġjonijiet u s-soċjetajiet ċivili, nindunaw li kull wieħed minnhom ta importanza kbira għar-rispett lejn l-omm. Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes:

“L-amar tagħna lill-bniedem huwa li juri tjubija mal-ġenituri tiegħu, ommu ġarritu bi tbatija, u wellditu bi tbatija; jinġarr (fi ħdan ommu) u jinfatam fi żmien tletin xahar.” (46:16)

Il-Bibbja Mqaddsa tgħallem: “Weġġaħ ‘il missierek u ‘l ommok, bħalma l-Mulej, Alla tiegħek, ordnalek; sabiex tgħix ħajja twila, u jkollok ir-riżq fl-art li l-Mulej, Alla tiegħek, se jagħtik.” (Id-Dewteronomju: 5:16)

“Weġġaħ ‘il missierek u ‘l ommok, u ħobb lil għajrek bħalek innifsek.” (San Mattew: 19:19)

Wara dan it-tagħlim ċar tar-reliġjonijiet hija importanti li nuru rispett kbir lill-ommijietna. Darba waħda f’kull sena jiġi jum l-omm biex ifakkarna li dan hu d-dmir tagħna li nħobbu u nuru unur kbir lejn ommijietna.

Darba waħda qrajt l-istorja ta’ xi ħadd li kien raġel tajjeb, famuż u ta’ għerf kbir, taż-żmien tiegħu. L-istorja tiegħu kienet impressjonabbli ħafna. Kien dejjem iħobb u jgħin ħafna lil ommu, li kienet xiħa.

Lejla waħda ommu qaltlu għal ftit ilma. Meta ra li ma sabx ilma fid-dar, lanqas ftit, ħa l-bomblu u mar barra biex ifittex l-ilma. Wara nofs siegħa, meta wasal lura d-dar bl-ilma sab li ommu kienet rieqda. Qal bejnu u bejn ruħu, “X’nagħmel issa? Jekk norqod u ommi titlobni l-ilma u jien nibqa’ rieqed u ma nqumx biex nagħtiha l-ilma, dak ma jkunx tajjeb għax għandha ħafna għatx”. Ħaseb u ddeċieda li ma jorqodx u joqgħod bil-wieqfa ħdejn is-sodda tagħha. Hekk għamel u qagħad wieqaf tul il-lejl kollu bl-ilma ħdejha.

Meta sebaħ u qamet qaltlu: “Għaliex inti bil-wieqfa ħdejn is-sodda tiegħi?”

Hu qal l-istorja kollha lil ommu li meta riedet l-ilma ma sabx fid-dar. Qalilha: “Għalhekk mort barra biex inġiblek l-ilma u meta wasalt lura d-dar sibtek rieqda. Imlejt tazza bl-ilma u qgħadt nistenniek tqum biex nagħtik x’tixrob. U għalhekk bqajt bil-wieqfa l-lejl kollu.” Meta semgħet l-istorja kollha kienet ferħana ħafna bl-għemil tiegħi u bdiet titlob lil Alla, għall-barka Tiegħu, fuqi.

Dan hu eżempju tajjeb u impressjonabbli għalina. U jekk aħna rridu li l-ommijiet tagħna jkunu ferħanin magħna, kif ukoll Alla tagħna, li jista’ kollox, allura huwa importanti li nħobbu, ngħinu u nirrispettaw ommijietna mill-qalb tul il-ħajja tagħna. Nitlob lil Alla għall-barka Tiegħu fuq l-ommijiet kollha tagħna. Ja Alla berkilna ommijietna. Amen

Perpetrators will be answerable to God Almighty

It is with great sadness that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that on Sunday 6th February 2011, 3 members of its community were martyred in Indonesia in an utterly barbaric and brutal attack. The video of those attacks is available on youtube, but it is so difficult to see the barbaric and inhuman attack.

The attack occurred in Cikeusik, south of Banten in Indonesia and was conducted by a large group of people numbering between 700 and 1,000. The attack occurred even though police had been forewarned for a number of days about an imminent attack on the local Ahmadi Muslims. Despite the warnings the police failed to take any measures or steps to prevent the attack.

It is reported that the attackers came to the local centre of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat brandishing machetes, spears, knives and other weapons. As a result 3 Ahmadi Muslims were martyred publically and 5 others were seriously injured. 2 cars, 1 house and 1 motorcycle belonging to Ahmadi Muslims were also burnt down. Thus far no one has been arrested by the police in relation to this incident.

Speaking from London in response to these brutal killings, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat said:

“This horrific attack has caused grief and pain to all Ahmadi Muslims worldwide and indeed to all peace loving people. The barbarity of the perpetrators knows no bounds; indeed people watching the merciless beatings were clapping and cheering. The local police and authorities failed to protect the Ahmadi Muslims and allowed them to be exposed to this cruel and brutal attack.

Whenever such attacks occur the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat both in Indonesia and worldwide always displays patience and seeks solace not in revenge or violence but through prayers to God Almighty and this will always remain the case. It is however certain that those who have inflicted these cruelties will be answerable to God Almighty.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat calls on the Indonesian Government to fulfil its mandate to protect all of its citizens, regardless of religion. It is also hereby clarified that no Ahmadi Muslim was involved in any form of provocation whatsoever and that these attacks were motivated simply due to the fact that the victims were members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. It is a tragedy that these Ahmadi Muslims were martyred in the most barbaric way because they chose to live their lives by the Ahmadiyya motto of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat which believes and works day and night for peace, and also organising “Peace Conference” in Malta on 25th February at 6pm at Excelsior hotel Floriana https://ahmadiyyamalta.wordpress.com/, is being targeted from fundamentalists in many countries, only because of the difference of faith.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has always raised its voice against every act of violence, oppression and injustice against anyone. Recently it condemned attacks on churches in Iraq and Egypt.

Some links about this grave incident:

Press Release: Date: 10.02.2011

According to different reports in the Media, Mobs destroyed three churches in Temanggung, Central Java, on Tuesday in violence that broke out following a blasphemy hearing against defendant Antonius Richmond Bawengan.

The angry crowd set the Bethel Church and Pantekosta Church on fire, and threw stones at Santo the Petrus and Paulus Church. They were demanding the court the death penalty of Antonius on the blasphemy charges.

The CN CathNews, on these violent attacks states:

The view is shared by Fr Ignazio Ismartono, a Jesuit, for years in charge of interreligious dialogue in the Episcopal Conference.

“The violence which has occurred in recent days against the Ahmadis, and now this anti-Christian violence: the rise of intolerance – in a context such as Indonesia, marked by peaceful co-existence – suggests that there are dark forces who want to fuel tensions in society,” Fr Ismartone said. “The violence in Temanggung was in preparation for days, but the police did nothing to prevent public disorder.”

Fides cites sources in the local Church as saying that more than 1,500 demonstrators, including militants from the Islamic Defenders Front – staged protests, shouting, “Death, death!”.

They burnt two Protestant churches (Bethel Church and Pantekosta Church) and attacked the Catholic Church of Sts Peter and Paul. More than 1,000 police officers intervened to quell the protests and, after clashes between officers and demonstrators, the situation normalised throughout the day. [http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=24997]

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat condemns the attacks in strongest terms and calls on the Indonesian Government to fulfill its mandate to protect all of its citizens, regardless of religion, and also to ensure the security of all the places of worship of all the religions.

The Ahmadiyya also calls upon the importance of tolerance, harmony and respected towards the people of all the faiths. Mutual respect and understanding should be established to create lasting peace in the societies. The religion is a personal matter of every individual, so no one should be forced in the matters of religion, and every place of worship, irrespective the denomination it belongs to is holy and deserves great respect.

The Ahmadiyya Community believes that, all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reasons and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Illum, il-Ħadd 6 ta’ Frar 2011

Kull bniedem għandu d-dinjità tiegħu, u kull persuna fid-dinja irrispettivament il-kulur, ir-razza, in-nazzjonalità u l-fidi, iħobb il-libertà u d-dinjità umana tagħha. Huwa importanti li l-kunċett tal-umanità u r-rispett għal-libertà individwali jiġi msaħħaħ. Pero, meta nħarsu lejn l-istorja tal-bniedem insibu li dejjem kien hemm il-konflitti  għall-libertà bejn dawk li jixtiequ jgħixu fil-libertà kollha u bejn dawk li ma jridux jirrispettaw il-libertà umana. Naraw ukoll li kulħadd iħobb u jixtieq id-dinjità u r-rispett għalih innifsu, imma hemm numru ta’ nies mhux ħażin li m’humiex lesti biex jirrispettaw id-dinjità tal-oħrajn.

Din il-problema tidher ukoll bejn in-nisa u l-irġiel; il-persuni li huma miżżewġin. Hemm nies li jemmnu li l-mara hija l-propjetà tar-raġel, jew jemmnu li r-raġel huwa superjuri għall-mara. Imma, fil-verità, l-irġiel, in-nisa u l-bnedmin kollha ta’ kull razza huma ndaqs quddiem Alla u huma biss l-għemejjel tajba li jgħollu persuna ’l fuq minn oħra, u m’hemmx spazju għall-esplojtazzjoni soċjali, politika, ekonomika jew reliġjuża.

U naraw kemm hemm nuqqas kbir ta’ rispett u ta’ toleranza bejniethom u minħabba dan, kull sena naraw li ħafna nisa jiġu maqtula, jew jiġu abbużati u jgħaddu minn esperjenzi koroh ta’ vjolenza domestika, madwar id-dinja. Il-vjolenza domestika hija problema serja ħafna madwar id-dinja, hija tikser id-drijttijiet fundamentali tal-mara. L-istatistiċi juru li waħda minn kull tliet nisa fid-dinja esperjenzat abbuż sesswali, fiżiku, emozzjonali jew xi forma ta’ abbuż ieħor fil-ħajja tagħha.

Ħafna drabi nisimgħu l-frażi li “ladies first – in-nisa l-ewwel”, din hija frażi sabiħa, imma kemm hemm nies li jipprattikaw din f’ħajjithom. Sfortunatament, u din hija r-realtà u ma nistgħux naħarbu minnha, kemm-il darba naraw u nisimgħu kif din ma tiġix prattikata, fejn in-nisa jiġu ttratti fl-aħħar u xi kultant b’insult.

Ħafna drabi aħna ninsew l-importanza tar-rispett lejn in-nisa. Nemmen li dan hu dmir tal-irġiel biex jittrattaw lin-nisa tagħhom mill-aħjar li jistgħu u jgħixu magħhom bit-tjieba. U ma jinsewx li, jekk jobogħduhom, jistgħu jkunu qed jobogħdu xi ħaġa li Alla qiegħed fiha ġid kbir. U wkoll ma jinsewx li jekk ma jogħġobhomx xi ħaġa fihom, possibbilment hemm affraijiet minn tagħhom li jogħġbuhom. Għalhekk huwa importanti li dejjem naraw il-kwalitajiet tajba bejnietna.

Nemmen ukoll li n-nisa jistħoqilhom rispett kbir, għax il-mara hija l-omm, il-mara hija l-bint, il-mara hija l-oħt kif ukoll mart ir-raġel. Kull relazzjoni hija tant sabiħa u ta’ rispett kbir.

Nemmen ħafna u jien ċert li jekk kull wieħed u kull waħda minna jipprova jgħix bil-valuri t-tajba, nistgħu nistabbilxxu relazzjonijiet sodi bejn il-mara u r-raġel. U kif ngħidu: ‘dak li tiżra taħsad’, jekk niżrgħu ż-żrieragħ tal-imħabba u nistabbilixxu l-bond tar-rispett u tat-toleranza bejn il-mara u r-raġel, allura nistgħu neliminaw il-vjolenza domestika.

It-Torċa, il-Ħadd 6 ta’ Frar 2011

Meta ma rajniex diżastri naturali? Imma l-2010 kienet l-agħar sena fis-snin riċenti rigward id-diżastri naturali. U rajna traġediji kbar u ħorox matul is-sena fejn minħabba għargħar, terremoti, vulkani, nirien u karestiji mietu eluf ta’ nies u miljuni sofrew minn problemi oħra skont iċ-ċirkostanzi.

Fl-2010, total ta’ 295,000 mietu minħabba diżastri naturali madwar id-dinja u l-ħsara ekonomika kienet tammonta għal madwar 130 billjun dollaru.

Fil-bidu tas-sena, ftit jiem biss wara li spiċċaw iċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tas-sena l-ġdida, rajna l-agħar terremot fil-Ħaiti fejn mietu 222,570 persuna f’daqqa waħda u miljuni oħra sofrew mill-konsegwenzi ħarxa li ħalla warajh it-terremot. U iktar minn miljun u nofs ruħ spiċċaw bla saqaf fuq rashom. Din it-traġedja kienet waħda mill-akbar f’dan l-aħħar seklu. Ħafna nies mietu minħabba mard differenti li nfirex wara din it-traġedja.

Ftit ġmigħat wara din id-disgrazzja, terremot ieħor laqat il-pajjiż Sud Amerikan taċ-Ċili, fis-27 ta’ Frar, u iktar minn elf persuna ġiet maqtula. Fir-Russja, mietu eluf kbar ta’ nies minħabba s-sħana u nirien fil-foresti.

Il-Pakistan, sofra wieħed mill-agħar għargħar fil-istorja tal-pajjiż. Fil-fatt, il-Ġnus Maqgħuda sa anke fissret dan l-għargħar bħala għargħar eqqel minn dak tat-Tsunami. F’dan l-għargħar mietu 1,760 ruħ u aktar minn għoxrin miljun sofrew mill-konsegwenzi li ġabet magħha din id-disgrazzja xejn mistennija. U l-ħsara ekonomika wkoll kienet ta’ miljuni ta’ dollari. Eluf ta’ djar ġew meqruda u sal-lum, eluf ta’ nies jinsabu mingħajr kenn għalihom u għal familthom.

L-erużjonijiet tal-vulkani Iżlandiċi f’April, kienu fost l-akbar problemi li s-sena 2010 kellha tħabbat wiċċha magħhom, fejn sħab iswed ikkawżat mill-erużjonijiet, kesa partijiet mill-Ewropa u eluf ta’ titjiriet ġew imħassra u b’dan jikkaġuna kaos fl-ivvjaġġar għal għexieren ta’ eluf ta’ passiġġieri. Il-ħsara finanzjarja kienet tammonta għal miljuni ta’ dollari. U x-xita qawwija li laqtet partijiet mill-Kolombja u kkawżat għargħar fatali kmieni f’Diċembru li ħataf il-ħajja ta’ mijiet ta’ nies sfortunati tassew.

Fost it-traġedji naturali, kien hemm ukoll terremot fiċ-Ċina li qatel 2,700 persuna, u 1,470 oħra ġew maqtula minn għargħar fiċ-Ċina stess. F’Settembru, kien hemm terremot fin-New Zealand u f’Ottubru kien hemm terremot ieħor fl-Indonesja li qatel 113-il persuna, kif ukoll terremot fi New York.

Minn fost id-950 diżastru naturali li ġie rrekordjat matul is-sena li għaddiet, hawnhekk rajna ftit li ħakmu d-dinja tagħna. Tajjeb ninnutaw, li dawn id-diżastri dehru kważi f’kull kontinent ta’ din il-pjaneta li baxxiet rasha quddiem din il-qerda naturali.

The Times www.timesofmalta.com

 

Life is a great gift of God, it is beautiful and priceless. Life is a name of challenges, efforts, competitions and struggles. Life is full of ups and downs. Death is also as true a reality as life on this planet. One day or the other, every soul shall taste of death. Death is an undeniable reality, and it spares no one and knows no boundaries.

Abraham Lincoln said: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years”. Annabelle Vassallo, who passed away on January 24, was a real picture of this saying.

Despite the fact that she lived a very short life, it was full of hope and inspiration for others and it can be said that her life in years counted a lot.

Annabelle is a symbol of great courage; she was suffering from a severe disease but she never gave up; she looked into the eyes of death with great courage and boldness. She always had a smile on her face, and despite passing through a very difficult time, she always said that life was so beautiful and priceless. She gave the message through her life that despite the hardships, one can still enjoy life.

According to a saying of Aristotle, “All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire”. The life of Annabelle was full of reason, passion and desire. Especially the last few years of her life were a great reflection of these qualities. She did not live for herself but she extended the lesson of how to live, how to enjoy, how to struggle and how to be hopeful to the whole nation. I have a great admiration for her, the way she lived and the way she battled with her death.

In an interview she once said: “I see death running after me every day”. But she didn’t give up and she didn’t stop. She was a symbol of hope for those who destroy their lives by their own hands; her life is a great message for them. She gave the message of courage, livelihood, friendship and happiness.

There is also a great lesson in her life for those who are passing through such hard times and traumas; she is a beacon of hope for many people suffering from harsh diseases and her life is an inspirational instrument for them.

In the end I would like to quote Aristotle again: “Happiness is an expression of the soul in considered actions”. I believe that the life of Annabelle was full of these expressions of happiness and she spread smiles on the faces of others.

May she rest in peace in eternal life. We extend our heartiest condolences to her family and dear ones.

http://www.it-torca.com/ Il-Ħadd 9 ta’ Jannar 2011

Meta nistudjaw reliġjonijiet differenti naraw li hemm ħafna affarijiet komuni bejniethom; fosthom huwa t-talb u l-qima lil Alla, li jista’ kollox – il-Ħallieq tal-univers tagħna. Kull reliġjon, ikun xi jkun, jenfasizza ħafna dwar il-qima. U jekk nidħlu fid-dettall insibu li bla talb u qima lil Alla – il-Ħanin, reliġjon ma tkunx reliġjon vera; għax il-qima lill-Ħallieq hija l-pillastru bażiku tar-reliġjonijiet kollha.

Id-differenza hija biss, il-mod ta’ qima. Xi wħud jitolbu bilwieqfa u xi wħud jitolbu bilqiegħda. Xi wħud jitolbu għarrkopptejhom u xi wħud ibaxxu rashom b’tislima. Xi wħud jieqfu quddiem l Alla b’idejhom marbuta u xi wħud b’idejhom miftuħa.

It-tempji, is-sinagogi, il-knejjes u l-moskej huma l-bini li qed jiġu mibnija bi iskop għat-talb u l-qima. Il-Lhud jitolbu fis-sinagogi, l-Insara fil-knejjes u l-Musulmani fil-moskej. Dawn huma l-postijiet li jssejħu differenti imma l-iskop huwa komuni u dak huwa l-qima lill-Ħallieq. Kull post tat-talb huwa sagru u qaddis, għalhekk kull post tassew jistħoqqlu rispett u unur.

Imma, sfortunatament naraw nuqqas rapidu fir-rispett lejn dawn il-postijiet sagri. Hemm nies li jaħsbu li r-rispett lejn il-postijiet reliġjużi tagħhom huwa biżejjed u ma għandhomx il-ħtieġa li juru l-unur u r-rispett lejn il-postijiet tar-reliġjonijiet l-oħra. Jien, bla dubju ta’ xejn, nemmen li kull post sagru, ikun xi jkun, huwa jistħoqqlu r-rispett u l-unur. U dan huwa d-dover tagħna, ta’ kull persuna, li tirrispetta l-postijiet sagri irrispettivament id-denominazzjoni tagħhom.

Hemm ukoll xi pajjiżi Musulmani li ma jippermettux il-bini tal-knejjes f’pajjiżhom. Dan huwa verament kontra t-tagħlim Iżlamiku: “Mhemmx sfurzar fir-reliġijon.” (2:257) “Intom għandkom ir-reliġjon tagħkom, u jien għandi r-reliġjon tiegħi” (109:7)

Dan ifisser li ħadd ma għandu dritt li jisforza oħrajn sabiex jemmnu l-idea reliġjużi tiegħu. Kull wieħed għandu l-libertà li jagħżel, jemmen u jipprattika r-reliġjon li jixtieq. Dan jirreferi wkoll għad-dritt fundamentali li kull persuna għandha biex tibni maqdes skont il-fidi tagħha.

Bi sfortuna kbira, naraw ukoll attakki fuq il-postijiet reliġjużi f’xi pajjiżi. Fil-ġranet riċenti rajna attakki fuq il-knejjes fil-pajjiżi Musulmani. F’Settembru li għadda kien hemm attakk fuq knisja fl-Indoneżja, kif ukoll knisja f’-Mardan, fil-Pakistan ġiet attakkata. F’Novembru kien hemm attakki ħorox ħafna fuq knisja fl-Iraq fejn 58 persuna ġew maqtula.

Aħna nikkundannaw dawn l-attakki kollha. Dawn l-attakki kienu kontra t-tagħlim Koraniku u l-Iżlam ma jipprovdi l-ebda ġustifikazzjoni dwar dawn l-attakki ħorox. Imma, għall-kuntrarju l-Iżlam jgħallem lill-Musulmani biex jirrispettaw u jassiguraw il-postijiet reliġjużi ta’ kull reliġjon, u dan huwa d-dover ta’ kull Musulman kif ukoll ta’ kull pajjiż li jħaddan l-Iżlam. Il-Koran Imqaddes semma li dan huwa d-dmir tal-Musulmani biex jassiguraw is-sinagogi u l-knejjes jekk jiġu attakkati qabel jiddefendu l-moskej tagħhom. Alla jgħid fil-Koran:

“Dawk li tkeċċew minn djarhom inġustament għaliex stqarrew: ‘Sidna huwa Alla!’ U li kieku Alla ma tefax lura xi nies bil-għajnuna ta’ nies oħra kieku tabilħaqq kienu jiġġarrfu kunventi (sħaħ) knejjes, sinagogi u moskej li fihom jissemma u jitfakkar ħafna Isem Alla.” (22:41)

Dan il-vers juru biċ-ċar li meta l-Musulmani ġew mogħtija l-permess għall-ġlied difensiv dan sar sabiex ikunu jistħgu jipproteġu l-postijiet reliġjużi, per eżempju s-sinagogi, il-knejjes u l-moskej.

Fiċ-Charter indirizzata lill-Insara li jgħixu bħala ċittadini fil-pajjiżi Musulmani, il-Fundatur tal-Iżlam enfasizza li l-knejjes qatt ma jiġu attakkai. U f’ħajtu, qatt ma kien hemm post reliġjuż wieħed li ġie attakka.

Jien nemmen li l-bniedem għandu d-dritt li jemmen fir-reliġjon li jixtieq, u nemmen li huwa importanti li nirrispettaw lil xulxin u l-libertà reliġjuża tagħna. Dan se jkun pass pożittiv biex nistabbilixxu l-paċi u l-armonija bejnietna.

www.MaltaToday.com.mt

The New Year’s bombing attacks on Alexandria’s Coptic Christian Church just after midnight mass is “an inhuman, heinous and cruel attack, which should be condemned,” says Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

In reaction to the attack, the local branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, an international Mulsim organization, strongly rejected, and unreservedly condemns the attack on Coptic Church in Egypt, killing at least 21 and wounding 79 other worshipers.

The Ahmadiyya Community demanded that the authorities bring the culprits in front of justice as soon as possible.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat affirmed the importance of love, respect, tolerance, harmony and brotherhood, adding that it “respects the sentiments of the believers of all the faiths and believes that all mankind is like a family and it can only look after the peace and security of each member, only if it lives like a close-knit family.”

“As humans we are all the same and therefore a person in Africahas the same sentiments as those of a person in Europeor Americaor a person living anywhere else in the world. Peace and security can only prevail when each other’s sentiments are cared for.”

“We, the members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat express our deepest condolences to the victims’ families in this difficult time and pray for the health of those who were injured in this attack. And we hope for swift action against the perpetrators of this heinous, inhuman and barbaric act.”

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/malta-muslim-community-condemns-egypt-coptic-christian-church-bombing

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. The world cannot afford more uncertainties. But, very unfortunately there are the enemies of humanity, who are always trying to shed the blood of innocent human beings; even the worshipers of God the Almighty are not secure from the attacks of these cruel and blood-thirsty people.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat strongly rejects, and unreservedly condemns the attack on Coptic Church in Egypt, killing at least 21 and wounding 79 other worshipers. This is no doubt, an inhuman, heinous and cruel attack, which should be condemned. The Ahmadiyya Community condemns the attack in strongest terms, and demands the authorities to bring the culprits in front of justice as soon as possible.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is a peace loving community, which believes in love, respect, tolerance, harmony and brotherhood. It respects the sentiments of the believers of all the faiths. And believes that all mankind is like a family and it can only look after the peace and security of each member, only if it lives like a close-knit family. The apparent differences in mankind are only for identification as to who is European, who is Asian and who is African. As humans we are all the same and therefore a person in Africa has the same sentiments as those of a person in Europe or America or a person living anywhere else in the world. Peace and security can only prevail when each other’s sentiments are cared for.

It believes that all Muslims are commanded to honour human dignity and have been made to promise that they will help to defend the followers of other faiths from unjust and cruel attacks as well, and it is the duty of the governments to provide security to the people of all the faiths living under their rule. For example, in his charter for all time to come addressed to all Christians living as citizens under Muslim rule, the Holy Founder of Islam, states:

“I promise that any monk or wayfarer who will seek my help on the mountains, in forests, deserts or habitations, or in places of worship, I will repel his enemies with my friends and helpers, with all my relatives and with all those who profess to follow me and will defend them, because they are my covenant.

And I will defend the covenanted against the persecution, injury and embarrassment of their enemies in lieu of the poll tax they have promised to pay. If they prefer to defend their properties and persons themselves, they will be allowed to do so and will not be put to any inconvenience on that account.

No bishop will be expelled from his bishopric, no monk from his monastery, no priest from his place of worship, and no pilgrim will be detained in his pilgrimage.

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.”

We, the members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat express our deepest condolences to the victims’ families in this difficult time and pray for the health of those who were injured in this attack. And we hope for swift action against the perpetrators of this heinous, inhuman and barbaric act. And we pray to God the Almighty that He makes this world a haven of peace, tolerance, harmony, liberty and universal brotherhood. Ammen.

Let us make l-Istrina a great and memorable event

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community would like to urge all its members to participate passionately in the coming event of l-Istrina 2010, and to donate as much as possible for the service of our brothers and sisters who are in need.

The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community also urged the members to participate in the service of mankind, on the basis of HUMANITY FIRST [www.humanityfirst.org ]; he writes:

“The principle to which we adhere is that we have kindness at heart for the whole of mankind. If anyone sees the house of a Hindu neighbour on fire and does not come forward to help extinguish the fire, most truly I declare that he does not belong to me. If anyone of my followers, having seen someone attempting to murder a Christian does not endeavour to save him, I most truly declare that he does not belong to us. ……….. I love mankind with the love that a compassionate mother has for her children; even more so.”

“There are only two perfect parts of the faith. One is to love God and the other is to love His Creatures so much that you consider their pain to be your own, and to pray for them.’’

“To show compassion and kindness to mankind is a great form of worship and is a potent source of winning the pleasure of God Almighty.’’

“The purpose of the advent of all prophets (peace be upon them all) is shared by them all, and it is to establish the true and real love of God Almighty and to create a special bond of love amongst mankind and one’s brethren and [to honour their] rights. As long as this is not so, all dealings will be mere rituals.’’

“Remember that, according to me, the circle of those to whom kindness must be shown, is vast. No people or individuals should be excluded. I do not tell you, like the ignorant people of this age, to confine your kindness to Muslims. No! I say that you must be kind to all of Allah’s Creatures, whoever or whatever it may be, be it a Hindu or a Muslim or anyone else. I never like the discourse of such people who seek to confine kindness to their own. I repeatedly admonish you that you should never ever restrict your circle of kindness.’’

“To show compassion and kindness to mankind is a great form of worship and is a potent source of winning the pleasure of God Almighty.’’

He describes his desired objective and says: “My aim and the desired objective is to serve mankind”.

Let us contribute in L-Istrina 2010, and let us make it an event of great success for the service of mankind.

Times of Malta:

A poster campaign against Christmas in the UK has been condemned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

In a statement, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta said it very strongly condemned the campaign by a fanatic Muslim from a banned Islamic hate group.

The fanatics have launched a nationwide poster campaign denouncing Christmas as evil.

It described the campaign as “a most provocative act” that would only cause distress and anger to millions of peace-loving persons worldwide.

“Showing disrespect to any religious event or occasion is a horrific act and is directly contrary to the teachings of all the world’s major religions.”

Such actions, it said, were not a service to humanity or to any religion, but would destroy the peace, tranquillity and serenity of the world.

“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is a peace loving community, rejects and condemns all acts and forms of disrespect and insult towards other religions, their teachings and their events and celebrations, unreservedly and totally, because it is our deeply rooted belief that not only Islam but no true religion, whatever its name, can permit disrespect or insult towards others.

“The Ahmadiyya community very boldly and loudly, without any fear, speaks against these acts of hatred.”

It wished all Christians a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101224/local/muslims-in-malta-condemn-anti-christmas-poster-campaign

www.di-ve.com

Islamic society Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta has condemned the launch of a poster campaign by some fanatic Muslims from a banned Islamic hate group in UK, against Christmas.

The society said that the nationwide poster campaign denouncing Christmas as evil was a most provocative act and would achieve nothing but to cause distress and anger to millions of peace-loving persons worldwide.

“Showing disrespect to any religious event or occasion is a horrific act and is directly contrary to the teachings of all the world’s major religions,” it said in a statement.

“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 religions, whatever the name is.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said it rejected and condemned all acts and forms of disrespect and insult towards other religions, their teachings and their events and celebrations, unreservedly and totally, because it is its deeply rooted belief that not only Islam but no true religion, whatever its name, can permit disrespect or insult towards others.

“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. And let us spread the message of love for all, hatred for none.”

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=79774&newscategory=31

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta very strongly condemns the launch of a poster campaign by some fanatic Muslim from a banned Islamic hate group in United Kingdom, against Christmas. The fanatics have launched a nationwide poster campaign denouncing Christmas as evil.

This would be a most provocative act and would achieve nothing but to cause distress and anger to millions of peace-loving persons worldwide. Showing disrespect to any religious event or occasion is a horrific act and is directly contrary to the teachings of all the world’s major religions.

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 religions, whatever the name is.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is a peace loving community, rejects and condemns all acts and forms of disrespect and insult towards other religions, their teachings and their events and celebrations, unreservedly and totally, because it is our deeply rooted belief that not only Islam but no true religion, whatever its name, can permit disrespect or insult towards others. The Ahmadiyya Community very boldly and loudly, without any fear, speaks against these acts of hatred.  And always promotes tolerance, harmony, universal brotherhood and inter-faith dialogues so that the respect and love among religions can be established.

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 in love and respect.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat with great sympathy and sincerity appeals to those who have launched this hatred campaign, 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. And let us spread the message of love for all, hatred for none.

Here, may we also take the opportunity to congratulate all our Christian brothers and sisters a very blessed and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Peace be with us all. Ammen

We live in a world of intolerance and prejudice, where walls of hatred are getting higher and higher, where bridges, the means of uniting, are lacking. We live in a time where selfishness is gaining the upper hand even that, religion which is a great source of building bridges is being used for erecting the walls of malice, enmity and hatred. Religion is being interpreted in wrong ways, for gaining personal ends.

In recent days news attracted the attention of international media; a Christian woman Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a court on charges of blasphemy. This incident has renewed debate about blasphemy laws, which are no doubt, to persecute religious minorities, fan religious extremism and settle personal scores. All the peace loving people and believers of the freedom of faith and human rights campaigners have condemned the verdict.

One very sad aspect of the story is that many protests are taking place demanding the death of Asia Bibi; some went many steps ahead, like a so-called religious leader Yousef Qureshi, the imam of a major mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar, Pakistan, who offered a $6,000 equal to 500,000 rupees reward for killing Asia Bibi a victim of blasphemy laws. He said in the presence of a huge crowd of several hundred people that: “Anyone who kills Asia will be given 500,000 rupees in reward from Masjid Mohabat Khan,” referring to his mosque, and said “We expect her to be hanged and if she is not hanged then we will ask Mujahideen and Taliban to kill her.”

No doubt, this is a barbaric, inhuman, cruel and pitiless offer, which has no place in religion or in humanity. We condemn it categorically without any reservations, and appeal to such so-called religious clerics to spread peace, love, and harmony instead of enmity, hatred or malice.

Is Blasphemy a punishable act?

Let us look into some details about this issue of blasphemy. It is said and believed by many people, including unfortunately many Muslims and their leaders, that the punishment for blasphemy is death. Such an assertion is totally incorrect. There is no such penalty prescribed by religion. Not at all.  And it is a significant point to bear in mind that not one protagonist demanding her assassination has quoted a single verse from the Holy Quran as a basis of authority.

The online Wikipedia writes on this subject which is also a clear example of the misinterpretation of these religious leaders who are demanding the death penalty on blasphemy charges. It says:

“Blasphemy in Islam is any irreverent behaviour towards holy personages, religious artifacts, customs, and beliefs that Muslims revere. The Quran and the hadith do not speak about blasphemy. Jurists created the offence, and they made it part of Sharia. Where Sharia pertains, the penalties for blasphemy can include fines, imprisonment, flogging, amputation, crucifixion, hanging, or beheading. Muslim clerics may call for the killing of an alleged blasphemy by issuing a fatwa.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_blasphemy

If we look into history we find that all the divine teachers, prophets and messengers were blasphemed, maligned, insulted and abused during their life-time. Their followers were subjected to every kind of verbal invective and physical harassment. Many were forced to leave their homes, they were severely persecuted by the people of their time, but there is not a single example that they ever punished anyone on blasphemy charges, nor did they permit their followers to do so. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, forgave the cruel enormities of all his enemies and this was his general attitude throughout his life towards his enemies and blasphemous opponents.

The Holy Qur’an mentions nowhere that the punishment for blasphemy is death, nor even a lesser punishment. As a matter of fact, there is no worldly punishment for this crime. No doubt, according to Islam blasphemy is a crime, very despicable and offensive, but the punishment of that is entirely in the hand of God Almighty. He may punish the culprit here in this life or later. We believe that every person is going to stand accountable before God. On the Day of Judgment, God Almighty will see to it, but He has not authorised anybody in this life to give any punishment whatsoever. I quote here a reference from the Holy Qur’an:

“And He has already revealed to you in the Book that, when you hear the Signs of Allah being denied and mocked at, sit not with them until they engage in a talk other than that; for in that case you would be like them.” (Quran: 4:141)

God Almighty says that when people indulge in committing blasphemy, the only action required from the believers is that they should not keep company with those people and do not sit with them any longer. It should be noted that the punishment for blasphemy is mentioned nowhere.

L-Assoċjazzjoni Aħmadija Musulmana

Il-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana hija Organizzazzjoni reliġjuża internazzjonali b’fergħat f’aktar minn 193 pajjiż, imferrxa madwar l-Afrika, l-Amerika ta’ Fuq, l-Amerika ta’ Isfel, l-Asja, l-Awstralja u l-Ewropa. Din hija denominazzjoni moderna, b’membri internazzjonali li jgħoddu l-miljuni.

Il-Komunità Aħmadija ġiet stabbilita fl-1889 minn Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad (1835-1908), f’villaġġ żgħir u remot, Kadjan, fil-Punġab, l-Indja. Huwa ddikjara li kien ir-riformatur ta’ żminijietna, il-Mistenni tal-Komunità dinjija tar-reliġjonijiet (il-Messija u l-Maħdi[i]).

Din il-Komunità li waqqaf hija magħmula mill-messaġġ benevolenti tal-Iżlam – paċi, fraternità universali u dedikazzjoni għar-Rieda t’Alla – fil-forma purissima tagħha.

Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad ipproklama l-Iżlam bħala r-reliġjon tal-bniedem: ‘’Ir-reliġjon tal-bnedmin tat-triq it-tajba’’ (Il-Koran Imqaddes: 98:6)

B’din il-konvinzjoni, f’temp ta’ seklu, il-Komunità Aħmadija nfirxet madwar id-dinja kollha. Kull fejn ġiet stabbilita din l-Ordni, fittxet li toħloq influwenza kostruttiva tal-Iżlam permezz ta’ proġetti soċjali, istituti edukattivi, servizzi tas-saħħa, pubblikazzjoniet Iżlamiċi u bini ta’ Moskej (li huma l-postijiet ta’ mħabba u paċi), minkejja l-persekuzzjoni ħarxa f’ċerti pajjiżi.

Il-Musulmani Aħmadi[ii] kisbu r-reputazzjoni ta’ nies li jħarsu l-liġijiet, li jridu l-paċi u li għalhekk huma komunità benevolenti.

Il-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam kienet maħluqa permezz ta’ interċezzjoni divina bl-għan li jagħtu l-ħajja lill-morali Iżlamiċi u l-valuri spiritwali. Hija tinkoraġġixxi d-djalogu bejn reliġjonijiet differenti, filwaqt li tiddefendi l-Iżlam u tipprova tikkoreġi l-miżinterpretazzjonijiet li jeżistu dwar dan it-twemmin.

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-reliġijon.” (Il-Koran Imqaddes: 2:257)

Hija tikkundanna bil-qawwi l-vjolenza u t-terroriżmu ta’ kull għamla jew raġuni.

Din il-Komunità toffri preżentazzjoni ċara tal-għarfien Iżlamiku, il-filosofija, il-moralità u l-ispiritwalità skont kif jippriedka l-Koran Imqaddes u l-prattika (Sunnah) tal-Profeta Qaddis tal-Iżlam Muħammad, il-paċi u l-barka ta’ Alla jkunu miegħu. Il-Komunità Aħmadija temmen u tipprattika l-motto tagħha;

“Imħabba Għal Kulħadd – Mibegħda Għal Ħadd”

Xi Musulmani Aħmadi, bħal Sir Muħammad Żafrullah Khan (li serva bħala l-ewwel ministru tal-affarijiet barranin tal-Pakistan; President tas-17-il Assemblea Ġenerali tal-U.N.O; president u mħallef tal-Qorti internazzjonali tal-Ġustizzja f’Hague), u Dr. Abdus Salam (li ġie ppremjat bil-premju Nobel fil-Fiżika fl-1979), ukoll ġew rikonoxxuti mill-komunità dinjija għas-servizzi u s-suċċessi tagħhom.

Kull Aħmadi li jgħix fi kwalunkwe pajjiż fid-dinja, huwa ċittadin leali tassew ta’ dak il-pajjiż u jħobbu. L-imħabba u l-lealtà lejn pajjiż hija parti integrali fil-fidi ta’ kull Musulman.

Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad Kadjani (1835-1908), Il-Fundatur tal-Ordni Aħmadija, Il-Messija Mwiegħed u Imam Maħdi (Il-Gwida)

Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad, il-paċi ta’ Alla tkun miegħu, twieled minn familja nobbli fl-1835 f’Kadjan, villaġġ żgħir fid-distrett ta’ Punġab, fl-Indja.

Studja l-lingwa Persjana u l-Għarbi minn għalliema differenti, tgħallem xi ħwejjeġ fuq il-mediċina minn xi kotba u minn missieru li kien tabib kapaċi ħafna. Mal-imħabba lejn l-istudju, Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad, il-paċi ta’ Alla tkun miegħu, kien devot ħafna u jagħti qima kbira lil Alla u kien iħobb jgħaddi ż-żmien tiegħu fit-talb u s-supplikazzjoni. Minn età żgħira rċieva r-rivelazzjoni minn Alla kif ukoll viżjonijiet u ħolm li seħħew tassew.

Fl-1868/1869 irċieva r-rivelazzjoni:

“Alla tiegħek ferħan ħafna bix-xogħol li inti għamilt. Hu se jbierkek, għalhekk ir-rejiet se jfittxu l-barka mill-ħwejjeġ tiegħek”

It-tixrid tar-rivelazzjoni u l-viżjoni komplew u fl-1882 irċieva r-rivelazzjoni li wriet biċ-ċar il-pjan ta’ Alla; li hu, Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad, il-paċi ta’ Alla tkun miegħu, kien se jsir nominat minn Alla biex iservi l-kawża tiegħU. Parti mir-rivelazzjoni li rċieva kienet:

“O Aħmad, Alla bierkek…..

Għid, jiena ordnat biex niggwida d-dinja għat-triq tal-onestà u jiena l-ewwel li nemmen…..

L-għajnuna se tiġi mill-irġiel li qalbhom hija ppreparata skont ir-rivelazzjoni minn Alla nnifsu.”

Fl-1889 huwa stabbilixxa l-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana taħt il-gwida divina u beda l-missjoni tiegħu biex jerġa’ jqajjem l-Iżlam. Hu ddikjara li kien il-Messija Mwiegħed u l-Maħdi (il-Gwida). Hu ma ġabx leġislazzjoni ġdida, imma ppreżenta l-Iżlam skont il-Koran Imqaddes u kif il-Profeta Muħammad, il-Paċi u l-barka ta’ Alla jkunu miegħu ipprattikah; mingħajr ebda alterazzjonijiet li kienu saru matul iż-żminijiet. Spejga li l-Iżlam huwa r-reliġjon tal-paċi u l-imħabba.

Il-Messija Mwiegħed kiteb aktar minn 84 ktieb, li huma mimlija b’għerf divin, spiritwali u importanti, għandhom it-tagħlim morali wkoll. Hu wkoll għamel ħafna taħditiet fuq aspetti differenti.

Il-Messija Mwiegħed, il-paċi ta’ Alla tkun miegħu, miet fis-26 ta’ Mejju tal-1908. Indifen f’Baħixti Maqbara Kadjan.

Il-Kalifi – Is-Suċċessuri

Wara l-mewt tal-Fundatur, il-Komunità Aħmadija kienet immexxija mis-suċċessuri eletti tiegħu – Kalifi. L-ewwel Kalif kien Ħażrat Maulvi Noor-ud-Din u hu mexxa l-Komunità mill-1908 sal-1914. Fl-1914 Ħażrat Mirża Bashir-ud-Din Maħmud Aħmad kien elett bħala t-tieni Kalif, fejn mexxa l-Komunità għal 51 sena sa’ mewtu fl-1965. Warajh Ħażrat Mirża Nasir Aħmad mexxa għal 17-il sena. Fl-1982 Ħażrat Mirża Taħir Aħmad ġie elett bħala r-raba’ Kalif. Issa, il-Komunità Aħmadija għaddejja fiż-żmien sabiħ tal-ħames Kalif, Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, li ġie elett fl-2003. It-titlu uffiċjali tiegħu huwa ‘’Khalifa tul Massih V’’. Hu jżomm il-Komunità Aħmadija dinjija magħquda bħala Komunità waħda.

Il-Ħajja tal-Ħames Kalif tal-Messija, Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad

Saħibżada[iii] Mirża Masroor Aħmad, il-ħames Kalif tal-Messija twieled fil-15 ta’ Settembru tal-1950 f’Rabwah, il-Pakistan; fil-kwartieri tal-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana. Huwa iben Ħażrat Mirża Mansoor Aħmad u Ħażrat Nasira Begam. Bużnannuh kien il-Fundatur tal-Ordni Aħmadija Musulmana, Ħażrat Mirża Ghulam Aħmad, minn Kadjan, il-Messija, il-paċi ta’ Alla tkun miegħu. Studja fl-iskola Ogħla ‘Taleem-ul-Iżlam Rabwah’ il-Kulleġġ Rabwah, fil-Pakistan. Fl-1976 għamel Masters fl-Agrikultura Ekonomika ġewwa l-Università tal-Agrikultura f’Faisalabad, fil-Pakistan.

Iżżewweġ fil-31 ta’ Jannar tal-1977 lil Syeda Amtul Sabuħ. Għandhom tifla jisimha Amtul Waris Fateħ u tifel jismu Mirża Waqas Aħmad, li joqogħdu Londra, l-Ingilterra.

Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, meta kellu sbatax–il sena sar Musi[iv] (jiġifieri għamel ftehim għall-Wassijat jew it-testment, taħt il-programm li nbeda mill-Messija Mwiegħed, il-paċi ta’ Alla tkun miegħu, fejn beda jagħti 1/10 mill-qligħ u l-propjetajiet tiegħu għall-ħidma tal-Iżlam.)

Fl-1977 huwa ddedika ħajtu għall-ħidma tal-Iżlam u Ħażrat Mirża Nasir Aħmad, it-tielet Kalif tal-Messija bagħtu fil-Gana fejn ħadem fl-Iskola Sekondarja Aħmadija Salaga u fl-Iskola Sekondarja Aħmadija Essarkyir.

Mirża Masroor Aħmad laħaq direttur tar-razzett agrikolu tal-Aħmadija f’Depali, fil-Gana. L-akbar suċċess tiegħu ġewwa l-Gana kien li rnexxielu jkabbar il-qamħ għall-ewwel darba fl-istorja ta’ dan il-pajjiż. Dan serva bħala kontribuzzjoni kbira għall-ekonomija tal-Gana.

Fl-1985 mar lura l-Pakistan u fis-17 ta’ Marzu tal-1985 laħaq bħala Wakilul Maal II, (Direttur tad-Dipartiment tal-Finanzi). Fit-18 ta’ Ġunju tal-1994, ġie mogħti l-kariga ta’ Nażir Ta’leem (Direttur tal-Edukazzjoni) tal-Ordni Aħmadija.

Fl-10 ta’ Diċembru tal-1997 imbagħad ġie mlaħħaq bħala Nażir A’la (Kap Eżekuttiv) tas-Sadr Anġuman Aħmadija Pakistana, u Amir Mukami (il-President Nazzjonali) tal-Ordni Aħmadija Pakistana. Huwa dam f’dawn il-pożizzjonijiet sakemm ġie elett Kalif (Suċċesur). Fi-22 ta’ April tal-2003 fil-11.40 ta’ filgħaxija l-ħin tal-Londra , Saħibżada Mirża Masroor Aħmad kien elett bħala “Khalifa-tul-Massih V” (il-Ħames Suċċessur tal-Messija Mwiegħed). Il-Kalif joqgħod Londra, l-Ingilterra.

It-Taħdita Storika tal-Mexxej tal-Ordni Aħmadija Musulmana

Il-Mexxej tal-Ordni Aħmadija Musulmana għamel dit-taħdita storika fil-Parlament tal-Ingilterra f’Ottubru tal-2008.

F’din il-ġrajja storika fil-Parlament Ingliż, il-Mexxej tal-Ordni Aħmadija Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad kien mistieden mill-Onorevoli Justine Greening MP biex jagħmel taħdita għall-membri għolja tal-Gvern, membri tal-Parlament u Ambaxxaturi.

Aktar minn 30 membru parlamentari kienu preżenti; fosthom kien hemm l-Onorevoli Hazel Blears MP, is-segretarja tal-istat għall-komunitajiet u l-Gvern lokali; Dominic Grieve MP, Shadow home Secretary u Simon Huges MP, il-President tad-Demokratiċi Liberali.

Il-Mexxej tal-Komunità Aħmadija spjega l-importanza tal-paċi u r-rispett fil-komunitajiet tagħna u qal:

“Jekk Alla Jrid, l-Aħmadija Khilafat dejjem tkun magħrufa bħala dik li tkun fuq quddiem nett biex tmexxi l-kawża għall-paċi u għall-armonija fid-dinja, kif ukoll li tkun leali lejn il-pajjiż fejn il-membri tagħha jkunu joqogħdu….

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

Illum, hemm taqlib kbir u nuqqas ta’ kwiet fid-dinja. Qegħdin naraw gwerer fuq skala żgħira jqumu, waqt li f’xi postijiet is-superpotenzi qed jgħidu li qed jippruvaw iġbu l-paċi. Jekk dak kollu li hu meħtieġ mill-ġustizzja ma jintlaħaqx, in-nirien u l-fjami ta’ dawn il-gwerer lokali jistgħu jiskalaw u jinvolvu d-dinja kollha. Għalhekk, hi t-talba umli tiegħi lilkom biex issalvaw id-dinja mill-qerda!

Issa, jien fil-qosor sejjer insemmi dak it-tagħlim tal-Iżlam biex ikun hawn il-paċi fid-dinja, jew kif il-paċi tista’ tiġi stabbilita fid-dinja fid-dawl ta’ dan it-tagħlim. Hija t-talba tiegħi li biex noħolqu l-paċi fid-dinja dawk li qed jiġu ndirizzati l-ewwel, jiġifieri l-Misilmin, ikunu jistgħu jattwawhom, iżda hu d-dmir tal-pajjiżi kollha tad-dinja – superpotenzi jew gvernijiet li jattwawhom…..

F’dan iż-żmien meta d-dinja litteralment inxtorbot biex saret raħal globali f’mod li qatt ħadd ma kien immaġina qabel, għandna nirrealizzaw ir-responsabbiltajiet tagħna bħala bnedmin u għandna nippruvaw nitfgħu l-attenzjoni tagħna biex insolvu dawk l-argumenti importanti għad-diskussjoni fuq id-Drittijiet Umani li jistgħu jgħinu jistabbilixxu paċi fid-dinja. B’mod ċar, dan it-tentattiv għandu jkun ibbażat fuq trattament ugwali għal kulħadd bla diskriminazzjoni u li jattwaw il-ħtiġijiet kollha tal-ġustizzja….

Fost il-problemi tal-lum, spikkat problema waħda, jekk mhux direttament indirettament, minħabba r-reliġjon. Xi gruppi tal-Misilmin qed jagħmlu attakki illegali u jużaw nies li jikkommettu attakki suwiċidali billi jisplodu biex joqtlu u jweġġgħu lil dawk li mhumiex Musulmani, inklużi suldati u nies ċivili innoċenti u fl-istess ħin joqtlu brutalment Musulmani innoċenti u tfal. Dan l-att krudil hu totalment inaċċettabbli għall-Iżlam….

Illum, meta d-dinja qed tiġi maqsuma fi blokki, l-estremiżmu qed jiżdied, u s-sitwazzjoni finanzjarja u ekonomika qed teħżien, hemm ħtieġa urġenti biex inwaqqfu kull xorta ta’ mibegħda u nqiegħdu l-pedamenti tal-paċi. Dan jista’ jsir biss billi nirrispettaw kull xorta ta’ sentimenti ta’ xulxin. Jekk dan mhux se jsir sewwa, bl-onestà u bil-virtù jikber f’ċirkustanzi li ma tikkontrollahomx. Napprezza li pajjiżi tal-Punent ekonomikament sodi ippermettew ġenerożament in-nies ta’ pajjiżi foqra u sotto-żviluppati biex jissetiljaw fil-pajjiżi rispettivi tagħhom u fost dawn hemm Musulmani wkoll…..

Ġustizzja vera teħtieġ li s-sentimenti u l-prattiċi reliġjużi ta’ dawn in-nies għandhom jiġu onorati wkoll. Dan hu l-mod li bih il-paċi tal-moħħ u tan-nies ikunu jistgħu jibqgħu intatti. Għandna niftakru li meta l-paċi tal-moħħ tal-bniedem tiġi ddisturbata, imbagħad il-paċi tal-moħħ tas-soċjetà tkun affettwata wkoll…..

Alla li jista’ kollox jibgħat il-messaġġiera Tiegħu lin-nies biex huma jkunu jistgħu juruhom il-mod li jressqu lin-nies aktar qrib Alla. Fl-istess ħin Alla jgħid li hemm ħelsien totali f’dak li jirrigwarda l-fidi. Skont it-twemmin tagħna, il-premju u l-kastig ikunu wkoll wara l-mewt. Iżda taħt is-sistema mwaqqfa minn Alla, meta xi ħadd jikkommetti krudeltà kontra l-ħolqien Tiegħu u l-ġustizzja u l-mod ġust jiġu njorati, imbagħad bil-liġijiet tan-natura, l-effetti li jiġu wara jkunu jidhru f’din id-dinja wkoll. Reazzjonijiet ħorox kontra inġustizzja bħal din ikunu jidhru u ma jkunx hemm garanzija dwar jekk ir-reazzjoni tkunx tajba jew ħażina…..

Issa nispiċċa dawn il-punti qosra tat-tagħlim tagħna billi nfakkar li l-paċi vera tad-dinja tinstab biss billi nduru lejn Alla. J’Alla Alla jagħmel possibbli li d-dinja tifhem dan il-punt u mbagħad il-bnedmin ikunu jistgħu jaqdu d-dmir lejn id-drittijiet tal-oħrajn.”

Humanity First – (L-Umanità L-Ewwel)

Humanity first hi għaqda nongovernattiva, nonpolitika, nonsettarja, internazzjonali, sostnuta bil-karitajiet u reġistrata f’25 pajjiż. Ilha taħdem fuq proġetti għall-iżvilupp tal-umanità; ħadmet fejn kien hemm diżastri, fosthom terremoti fit-Turkija, fil-Pakistan, fil-Ġappun u l-Iran; fejn seħħew għargħar fl-Afrika u l-Amerika t’isfel; wara maltempati u tsunamis fl-Istati Uniti, l-Indoneżja u l-Bangladexx; fejn kien hemm gwerer fl-Ewropa tal-Lvant u ilha tagħti l-appoġġ tagħha sa mill-1992. Aktar minn 93% tal-fondi li jinġabru f’isem l-organizzazzjoni jmorru għal proġetti umanitarji. Humanity first titmexxa minn voluntiera. Aktar tagħrif jista’ jinstab fuq is-sit elettroniku: http://humanityfirst.org/

MTA – It-Televiżjoni Internazzjonali

L-MTA (Muslim Television Ahmadiyya) ġie stabbilit fl-1992 bi skop li jagħti alternattiva pożittiva fil-midja tad-dinja. Huwa invenzjoni tar-raba’ suċċessur tal-Komunità Aħmadija, Ħażrat Mirża Taħir Aħmad, il-barka tkun fuqu, u mill-bidu tiegħu, l-MTA kien il-mezz uniku f’aspetti diversi. Jiffoka l-aktar fuq il-produzzjoni ta’ programmi li huma interessanti għal nies ta’ kull età, f’kull żmien.

L-MTA mhux dipendenti fuq reklami kummerċjali, imma madankollu jippermetti li jpproduċi varjetajiet ta’ programmi fosthom aħbarijiet internazzjonali, sports, xjenza, mediċina, terapiji alternattivi, tagħlim ta’ lingwi differenti, programmi għat-tfal, dokumentarji, vjaġġar u reliġjon.

Huwa wkoll stazzjon uniku għaliex ixandar f’għadd ta’ lingwi differenti tad-dinja fosthom l-Għarbi, l-Ingliż, il-Franċiż, il-Ġermaniż, it-Tork, is-Swaħili, l-Ispanjol, l-Urdu u oħrajn.

Il-Konvenzjoni Annwali

Fis-27 ta’ Diċembru tal-1891, laqgħa tal-Komunità Aħmadija tal-Iżlam kienet organizzata f’Kadjan, l-Indja u 75 persuna pparteċipew fiha. Il-Konferenza kienet suċċess kbir, u l-Fundatur tal-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad – il-Messija Mwiegħed, il-paċi ta’ Alla tkun miegħu, ħabbar li din il-laqgħa kellha tibqa’ tiġi organizzata kull sena u ddum tlett ijiem.

Il-Konvenzjoni hija ġrajja kbira għall-Komunità u organizzata fi żminijiet differenti, għal tlett ijiem f’pajjiżi differenti fid-dinja.

L-għan ta’ dawn il-laqgħat hu li tingħata ħarsa lura lejn ix-xogħol tas-sena li tkun għaddiet u dak li jkun jibbenefika mid-diskussjonijiet u t-taħditiet li jsiru minn diversi skulari u mill-Kalif fuq suġġetti differenti bħal Alla, l-Iżlam, l-Aħmadija, it-tagħlim tar-reliġjonijiet differenti, l-ekonomija, il-problemi soċjali u l-politika u r-rimedji tagħhom.

Il-membri tal-Komunità jiġu minn kull parti tad-dinja għal dawn il-laqgħat. Eluf ta’ nies jipparteċipaw fihom. Numru kbir ta’ mistednin ma jkunux membri tal-Komunità. Xi mistednin onorati u mistednin distinti oħra li wkoll mhumiex Musulmani jagħtu taħdita.

[i] Il-Gwida

[ii] Il-persuna tal-Ordni Aħmadija

[iii] Sinjur

[iv] Ir-raġel li jagħti 1/10 mill-qligħ u l-propjetajiet tiegħu għall-ħidma tal-Iżlam.

Hate crimes against Ahmadi Muslims being investigated

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which is known a peace loving and law abiding Community worldwide, is facing persecution and hatred in many countries.

Channel 4 news UK 2010-12-06 17:36:16

Watch a 6 minute video clip by Channel 4 News by clicking on the link: click here

Merton councillor given life peerage in religious first for Lords

A Merton councillor and Wimbledon Park resident has been appointed as a member of the House of Lords, the Prime Minister announced this afternoon.

Councillor Tariq Ahmad, a vice-chairman of the Conservative Party, is also the first member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (AMA) to receive a peerage, having served as the association’s national vice-president since 2003.

Coun Ahmad – or Lord Ahmad as he will become known – was appointed in 2008 as David Cameron’s vice-chairman for Cities and was lauded for his wealth of experience as a businessman and his roles in the voluntary sector.

A spokesman for the AMA said: “Tariq is a great ambassador for the whole community and hopefully he will continue to serve all for the good of our entire community.”

A spokesman for Merton Conservatives said there have been no discussions yet about whether Coun Ahmad would continue as a councillor or give up his seat.

Debbie Shears, leader of Merton’s Conservative opposition group, said: “I was extremely pleased to learn that Her Majesty The Queen has agreed to confer a life peerage on Tariq.

“He is a very well respected colleague and member of Merton Council and this honour is thoroughly deserved.

“I have no doubt he will work tirelessly in the House of Lords for the good of our country.

“On behalf of all Conservative councillors here in Merton, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Tariq and his family.”

In the contemporary world, man, as a whole, has reached a high standard of achievement in material progress. Human society, no doubt, is benefiting from the fruits of today’s scientific progress. The rays of this progress have reached far and far and enlightened the darkest areas of the world. Nevertheless, man is not happy and content. Moreover, the world of today is riddled with a large number of problems.

Drug misuse is a massive problem facing the world today. Children are loosing their lives, dreams and futures to drugs; countless homes have been wrecked and drug related crimes are destroying families and ruining the social fabric of communities.

A recent study in UK shows that ‘Parents are more concerned about drugs than weapons’, it says: ‘‘Parents worry more about their children taking drugs than possessing knives or guns, research suggests. Four in 10 parents said drug use is their biggest fear for their youngsters – 10 times as many as those who say they are concerned about their children carrying weapons (4.7 per cent).’’http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Parents-more-concerned-about-drugs.6464884.jp

Governments are spending a large amount in tackling drug misuse and fighting the war on drugs. But, governments are not seems to be winning this fighting, as supposed, and worryingly, the number of people turning to drugs is dramatically rising. The fact is that the demand for illicit drugs has risen and is rising sharply. More and more people than ever before are taking drugs. The question arises why are people increasingly turning to drugs?

According to various drug related studies people normally take up drugs for one of the following reasons: deprivation and unemployment, emotional and physical abuse, trauma, pain, stress, boredom, peer pressure, curiosity, wanting to experiment with something new, addiction and the easy availability and cheap price of certain drugs. And the current economic depression is another contributory factor for more people to turn to drugs and gambling and thus lead to more crimes in the society.

Whilst the above explanations may all be valid, what they illustrate is that many people use drugs because there is a void in their lives. A person encountering problems, stress, trauma or even abuse in life turns to drugs as a type of escape boat, something to remove one’s anxieties and depression. Drugs provide a kind of temporary life raft, a relaxing and pleasurable ‘trip’ to escape the harsh realities of life. In times of need, a person may turn to drugs as a remedy for one’s ailments.

But in reality, all the above reasons in favour of drugs are like a mirage in a desert, as the thirsty one thinks it be water until, when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing. The drug addicted people also think that these drugs could quench their thirst, but these drugs are no more than a mirage in a desert.

If we ponder over the problem, we find that the man is lacking trust and faith in God, and when there is no trust in God then man tries to relax himself through the drugs. Unfortunately, the reality is, even from these drugs, man does not find himself relaxed and content. What is the way to be happy and to find satisfaction and lasting peace of mind?

The Almighty God says: “Aye! It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” O you the restless society, o you the restless world know for certain that true tranquillity, true peace of mind is in the remembrance of God and is in the relationship with God.

This is a great and extremely natural truth. The more the people of the world gain the paltry goods of this life, the greater becomes the hunger and the consequent burning of their hearts. But as for those who seek God, the more they turn to Him, the greater is their peace of mind. This shows that search after God is the innermost yearning of human nature and the real goal of man’s life, and that when that goal is attained man begins to enjoy perfect peace of mind, for then he rests, as it were, in the very lap of the All-Knowing and All-Powerful God, Maker and Controller of the universe. Would to God the people of the world realize this great secret of happiness!

Drug addiction does not only ruin life of someone but it also ruins children, families and societies. And moreover it becomes a social and international crime, which puts all the society at unrest. Drugs create hatred and enmity amongst people, causing murder, violence, immoral behaviour etc. and finally leading a man away from the Creator.

Drugs cause mental and physical damage, are the cause of many crimes, and lead to addiction and serious health issues. Instead it is instructed to establish a close relationship with God, and to ask His mercy in distress, seek His help to fulfill every desire and look for inspiration from Him alone. God, the Creator of the universe and everything in it, can surely remove all the depressions, miseries and sufferings. May God save the world from the threat of drug’s misuse and may the world become a place of lasting peace. Amen