Promoting moderation instead of extremism

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Peace | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Extremism, Islam, Love for all, Malta, Moderation, Peace, Promoting moderation instead of extremism, Quran, War | Leave a comment

Building Sustainable Peace

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

IT-TWAQQIF TA’ PAĊI SOSTENIBBLI

It-Torċa 21.04.2024 | Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif – amjmalta@gmail.com

Is-sitwazzjoni fil-Lvant Nofsani qed tmur mill-ħażin għall-agħar kuljum. L-eskalazzjoni tat-tilwim bejn Iżrael u l-Iran għamlitha aktar gravi u inkwetanti. Qed jitqajmu ħafna vuċijiet għal waqfien sħiħ mill-ġlied f’Gaża; u restrizzjoni u trażżin kemm minn Iżrael kif ukoll mill-Iran.

Nistaqsi, kemm se jintilfu aktar ħajjiet jew kemm aktar ħajjiet Iżrael jixtieq jieħu qabel ma jasal għall-waqfien mill-ġlied, meta Iżrael diġà qatel aktar minn 33,000 ruħ innoċenti mill-bidu tal-gwerra f’Ottubru 2023.

Jaħasra! Għaliex id-demm uman sar tant bla valur u rħis?

Ftehim ġdid ta’ paċi

Naħseb li wasal iż-żmien li d-dinja tfassal mill-ġdid it-triq lejn il-paċi u l-pajjiżi kollha kemm huma jerġgħu jiktbu u jiffirmaw “Ftehim ta’ Paċi – Charter of Peace” ġdid u komprensiv ibbażat fuq il-ġustizzja, l-ekwità, l-ugwaljanza u l-benesseri tal-umanità kollha.

Dan il-Ftehim ta’ Paċi m’għandux ikun formalità biss kif saru fil-passat bħal tal-Lega tan-Nazzjonijiet u tal-Ġnus Magħquda, iżda, dan it-trattat għandu jiġi miktub bl-imħabba u l-kompassjoni sħiħa, u mill-qalb tal-bniedem.

Għax, issa meta nanalizzaw l-effettività tal-Ġnus Magħquda, insibu li hija tiddgħajjef kuljum, u m’għandhiex l-għodda, is-saħħa u s-setgħa biżżejjed biex tistabbilixxi l-paċi u l-armonija fid-dinja, li huwa l-għan ewlieni tal-fondazzjoni tagħha.

Il-ġustizzja u l-paċi

Il-Kalif u l-Mexxej tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, il-Qdusija tiegħu, Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, jgħid li l-bini ta’ paċi sostenibbli u fit-tul huwa possibbli biss mill-ġustizzja u mingħajrha din il-ħolma ma tistax issir realtà. Huwa jgħid:

“L-għan għandu dejjem jibqa’ t-twaqqif ta’ paċi sostenibbli msaħħaħ mill-ġustizzja. M’għandux ikun li t-terza parti tieħu vantaġġ mill-vulnerabbiltà tal-partijiet li qed jiġġieldu billi tkisser id-drittijiet tagħhom għall-gwadann tagħha stess. Kieku dan il-prinċipju kien osservat mill-Ġnus Magħquda u entitajiet relevanti oħra, il-kunflitti kienu jiġu solvuti b’mod aktar amikevoli u aktar malajr.

Madanakollu, se jkun tassew diffiċli biex tiġi stabbilita l-paċi sakemm in-nazzjonijiet, jew direttament jew permezz tal-alleati b’saħħithom tagħhom, jibqgħu jużaw id-dritt tal-veto – li hija kompletament ċaħda tal-ġustizzja vera.

Sfortunatament, minħabba n-nuqqas ta’ ġustizzja fi ħdan il-Ġnus Magħquda, id-destin tagħha jidher li se jkun jixbah lil dak tal-entità ta’ qabilha, il-Lega tan-Nazzjonijiet, li finalment spiċċat. U jekk is-sistema tal-liġi internazzjonali, li diġà hija dgħajfa, tikkollassa kompletament, l-anarkija u l-qerda li jkun hawn aħna lanqas biss inkunu nistgħu nimmaġinawhom.”

Il-ġustizzja vera twassal għall-paċi

Il-ġustizzja titlob li tiġi pprattikata mingħajr ebda diskriminazzjoni jew favur, mingħajr ma wieħed jagħmel parti minn xi partit partikolari jew ikun kontra xi pajjiż jew partit partikolari. Fil-fatt il-kondizzjoni meħtieġa biex jintlaħaq dan l-għan fundamentali hija l-ġustizzja sħiħa u l-ħaqq fiċ-ċirkostanzi kollha.

Il-Koran Imqaddes, f’Kapitlu 4, Vers 136, jagħtina prinċipju tad-deheb u lezzjoni li tiggwidana f’dan. Dan jgħid li biex nilħqu livell għoli ta’ ġustizzja, jekk jinqala’ l-każ li jkollna nixhdu kontra tagħna nfusna, kontra l-ġenituri, kontra l-egħżeż qraba u ħbieb, mela dan irridu nwettquh. Din hi l-veru ġustizzja fejn l-interessi personali jiġu mwarrba fil-ġenb għall-ġid komuni.

Jekk naħsbu dwar dan il-prinċipju fuq livell kollettiv, għandna nintebħu li manuvri inġusti msejsa fuq l-għana u l-poter għandhom jiġu skartati. Minflok, kull pajjiż u nazzjon għandhom jaġixxu b’sinċerità u b’determinazzjoni li jissapportjaw il-prinċipji tal-ġustizzja u tal-ugwaljanza. Irridu neqirdu kull xorta ta’ preġudizzju u diskriminazzjoni l-għaliex dan huwa l-uniku mezz biex nistabbilixxu l-paċi.

L-ugwaljanza u l-ekwità

Għalhekk, huwa ferm importanti li dan il-Ftehim ta’ Paċi jkun bħala gwida, it-triq ’il quddiem u pjan ċarissmu ta’ azzjoni għall-kawża nobbli u bżonjuża tal-paċi u s-sliem. U dejjem jittieħdu d-deċiżjonijiet b’ġustizzja sħiħa.

Illum il-ġurnata, jekk nagħtu ħarsa lejn l-Assemblea Ġenerali jew il-Kunsill tas-Sigurtà tal-Ġnus Magħquda, insibu li ħafna drabi d-deċiżjonijiet importanti jkunu diġà ttieħdu bil-pressjoni jew il-manuvri minn taħt tal-qawwiet il-kbar qabel id-dibattitu u l-kontribut mill-pajjiżi kollha li huma firmatarji tagħha. Din mhix ġustizzja, din mhix ugwaljanza, din mhix ekwità, u dan mhu se jwassalna mkien.

Il-ġenna ta’ paċi u armonija

Għalhekk, dan huwa dmirna u r-responsabbiltà sħiħa fuq spallejna li naħdmu flimkien u ngħollu leħinna biex dan il-Ftehim ġdid ta’ Paċi jkun mibni fuq il-ġustizzja sħiħa fejn id-deċiżjonijiet jittieħdu b’mezzi ġusti u verament demokratiċi.

Allura, huwa l-obbligu tagħna li ma naqtgħux qalbna, iżda naħdmu iktar minn qatt qabel u nużaw l-isforzi kollha tagħna disponibbli sabiex mill-ġdid nibdew naraw ir-raġġi tat-tama għall-paċi dejjiema fid-dinja.

U nibqgħu nfakkru lill-gvernijiet u l-poteri kbar dwar il-ħtiġijiet tal-ġurnata, nibqgħu nagħtu pariri siewja lil dawk il-gruppi li għandhom interessi partikolari ħalli, fuq livell globali, il-ġustizzja tibqa’ tixtered. Hekk biss ikollna l-opportunità naraw id-dinja ssir ġenna ta’ paċi u armonija kif kollha kemm aħna rriduha u nixtiquha.

Il-fjamma tat-tama

Nixtieq nagħlaq bil-messaġġ tal-Qdusija tiegħu, Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, li ġej direttament minn qalbu u tassew imiss il-qalb ta’ kull persuna ġenwina. Huwa qal: “Aħna rridu nibqgħu nħeġġu lil kulħadd biex jaħdem favur il-paċi. Jiena nitlobkom biex taħdmu għall-paċi bl-abbiltajiet kollha tagħkom ħalli nżommu l-fjamma żgħira tat-tama mixgħula, sakemm jasal iż-żmien meta l-paċi vera u l-ġustizzja jkunu stabbiliti fiż-żoni kollha tad-dinja.”

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Justice and Peace, Peace | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Charter of Peace, Islam, Justice, Malta, Peace, Quran, War | Leave a comment

The Caliph’s Call for Peace

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Laiq Ahmed Atif – This article was originally published in Maltese in ‘It-Torċa’.

Indeed, peace is the golden key that opens the door to progress and development in society and ensures that future generations can flourish and move forward. Personally, I strongly believe that peace is the only way for all of us to thrive and move forward; and for our progress and advancement.

Therefore, we should live our lives peacefully and seek to spread peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding within our societies.

The Caliph’s message

The Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^aba, who has the cause of peace very dear to his heart, once again has called the world to this lasting course of peace; while he was speaking about peace building, during ‘National Peace Symposium’ in the United Kingdom on 9^th March 2024, in front of more than 1200 people, including more than 550 State Ambassadors, Members of Parliament, dignitaries and academics who represented 30 countries.

During his keynote address, His Holiness, highlighted very important points and key aspects for peace building and he showed the way forward of how we can turn the prevailing threats to our serenity towards lasting peace and tranquillity for all.

I take this opportunity to mention briefly some points from the keynote address of His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^aba that could be an action plan for the cause of peace, harmony and mutual understanding.

Together for peace

First and foremost important point is this that, we must understand that peace is not the obligation of some countries or people, rather, it is the responsibility of all of us to contribute whenever and wherever we can, so that peace is established in our societies.

Furthermore, all stakeholders, governments, politicians, academics, and all people must play their roles in ensuring social cohesion of our individual societies and the wider peace and harmony of the world.

The United Nations and the veto power

It is also important to strengthen the United Nations where every country has equal rights and no one has the power of veto, and where a few nations do not have dominance that can easily override the views of the majority. Instead of deciding each issue based on its facts and merits.

Peace cannot be established without justice, therefore, we must earnestly strive together in the cause of peace and justice, and champion the rights of those who are powerless and are the victims of injustice.

The welfare of all mankind

The developed, rich and major countries, instead of always looking out for their own interests, should give priority to the common good, for the well-being of all humanity.

If there is a war between two countries, neutral parties should immediately mediate between them and strive to establish peace based on the principles of justice and equity; and they should not let it spiral into regional wars.

The need of the time

All religions should also join together for the common goal of peace and justice. There is no doubt that religion is a very powerful instrument and can make a huge difference to the noble cause of peace.

In addition, we always keep our future generations in mind, and try to do everything so that they have a much better world than ours. Political leaders must take a long-term view of what is in the best interest of all humanity. Therefore, we must all come together, setting aside national, political, and other vested interests for the greater good of humanity and to ensure that we leave behind a prosperous world for our future generations.

It is the need of the time that we must focus all our energies and efforts on establishing true peace so that we may live in a world of hope and prosperity rather than a world defined by inequality, hatred, and bloodshed.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Islam means Peace, Justice, Justice and Peace, Peace | Tagged Ahmadiyya, Ahmadiyya Malta, Islam, Justice, Malta, Peace, politics, Quran, The Caliph’s Call for Peace, War# | Leave a comment

The glass half empty or half full…

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

It-tazza nofsha mimlija jew nofsha vojta…

It-Torċa 14.04.2024 | Laiq Ahmed Atif – amjmalta@gmail.com

Tabilħaqq, il-bniedem jingħata l-fakultajiet, il-kapaċitajiet, l-abbiltajiet u biżżejjed l-intelliġenza biex jiddistingwi bejn it-tajjeb u l-ħażin, bejn il-ġid u l-ħsara, u bejn id-dawl u d-dlam. Din il-kuxjenza tiddistingwi lill-bnedmin mill-ħlejjaq l-oħra, għax il-ħlejjaq l-oħra bħall-annimali ma ngħatawx tali fakultajiet u intelliġenza biex jiddistingwu bejn it-tajjeb u l-ħażin.

Iż-żewġ toroq

Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes li Huwa wera lill-bniedem iż-żewġ toroq (90:11). Jiġifieri, it-toroq tat-tajjeb u l-ħażin, tal-verità u l-falsità, tal-progress spiritwali u materjali. Alla pprovda lill-bniedem b’dawk il-mezzi kollha li bihom jista’ jsib it-triq it-tajba, jista’ jiddistingwi t-tajjeb mill-ħażin u l-verità mill-falsità. Barra minn hekk, il-bniedem ġie mogħni b’għajnejn kemm spiritwali kif ukoll fiżiċi li bihom ikun jista’ jiddistingwi t-tajjeb mill-ħażin u ngħata lsien u żewġ xufftejn biex ikun jista’ jitlob gwida.

Vers ieħor (91:9) jgħid li Alla wera lill-bniedem x’inhu ħażin għalih u x’inhu tajjeb għalih, jiġifieri, it-toroq tal-ħażen u t-toroq tal-ġustizzja.

Alla daħħal fin-natura tal-bniedem sentiment jew sens ta’ dak li hu tajjeb u ħażin u wrieh li jista’ jikseb il-perfezzjoni spiritwali billi jevita dak li hu ħażin u jadotta dak li hu tajjeb.

It-tajjeb minflok il-ħażin

Il-fatt huwa li Alla jrid li l-bniedem dejjem jagħżel it-tajjeb minflok il-ħażin. Il-kuxjenza umana tipprovdi l-prova. In-nies kollha jaqblu li jħossuhom aktar fil-paċi bit-tajjeb milli bil-ħażen. Il-ġewwieni tagħna jwissina dwar il-ħażen u jressaqna lejn dak kollu li huwa tajjeb. Ir-reliġjonijiet kollha huma fil-qbil fuq dan il-punt li Alla jgħallem it-tjubija.

Fil-qosor, Alla wera lilna x’inhuwa tajjeb u x’inhuwa ħażin, u ħalla l-għażla f’idejna, iżda Hu jixtiqilna li dejjem nagħżlu t-tajjeb. Huwa għalhekk li xi kultant in-nies jaraw ‘it-tazza nofsha mimlija u xi kultant nofsha vojta’, skont il-fehma tal-persuna. Bl-istess mod, xi nies anke jikkritikaw it-tagħlim morali u reliġjuż, u minflok li joħorġu t-tjubija huma joħorġu n-negattività; sal-punt li jqajmu wkoll mistoqsijiet dwar l-eżistenza ta’ Alla.

It-tjubija anke fil-ħażen

Iżda dawk li għandhom natura safja dejjem jippruvaw li jaraw it-tazza nofsha mimlija; u dejjem isibu t-tjubija.

Dan kollu jfakkarni fi storja ta’ raġel ġust u nobbli li kien sejjer xi mkien, xi nies oħra kienu wkoll miegħu, u raw li kien hemm kelb mejjet fit-triq. Storja oħra tgħid li l-ħmar kien mimdud. Sħabu qalu x’annimal ikrah u kemm jinten. Meta sema’ dan, ir-raġel twajjeb qal, araw kemm għandu snienu sbieħ.

Il-punt hu li min għandu t-tjubija fih innifsu jara n-naħa tat-tajjeb anke fil-ħażen u min għandu d-difetti fih innifsu jara biss difetti, u difetti biss anke fit-tajjeb.

Għalhekk, jekk bniedem tajjeb jara xi ħaġa ħażina, joħroġ it-tajjeb minnha; u anki jekk l-għajnejn ta’ persuna ħażina jaqgħu fuq xi ħaġa tajba, din tara biss il-ħażen. Għalhekk hija liġi ġenerali li l-affarijiet tajbin isiru ħżiena bil-ħażin u l-affarijiet ħżiena jsiru tajbin bit-tajjeb.

Il-garr, l-ilmenti jew il-gratitudni

Għalhekk, minflok li dejjem ingergru u nilmentaw nippruvaw insiru grati u sodisfatti b’dak kollu li għandna. Għax il-kuntentizza u s-sodisfazzjon ma tista’ tixtrihom minn imkien, iżda nitgħallmu kif nistgħu ngħixu bil-ferħ ma’ dak li għandna; ma’ dak li huwa tagħna.

Inkella, din id-drawwa li dejjem naraw ‘it-tazza nofsha vojta’, se twassalna biex insiru ingrati anki lejn Alla u lejn il-barkiet bla għadd Tiegħu fuqna.

Dan jista’ jwassal ukoll għar-regħba, l-għira, il-ħtif tal-ġid ta’ ħaddieħor, li jkollna għajnejna fuq ir-riżorsi ta’ ħaddieħor, u għal tellieqa bla tmiem ta’ materjaliżmu u konsumiżmu, u għatx u ħeġġa għal mezzi tad-dinja li qatt ma jistgħu jiġu sodisfatti.

Il-parir eċċellenti

F’dan ir-rigward, il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, ta parir eċċellenti, u qal: “Ħares lejn dawk li huma iktar baxxi minnek (jiġifieri dawk li għandhom inqas riżorsi minn dawk li għandek), imma tħarisx lejn dawk li huma ’l fuq minnek (jiġifieri dawk li għandhom iktar ġid minnek), ħalli ma tnaqqasx il-favuri u l-barkiet li Alla tana.”

Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes li, “Alla takom minn kulma tlabtuh, u jekk tippruvaw tgħoddu l-grazzja u l-barkiet ta’ Alla, ma tistgħux tgħodduhom” (14:35). Huwa jgħid li n-nies iħobbu l-ġid u l-affarijiet materjalistiċi ta’ din id-dinja, imma l-aħjar ħaġa hi li tfittex il-pjaċir ta’ Alla (3:15).

Kun kuntent b’li għandek

Nixtieq nikkonkludi bi kliem il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, li huwa prinċipju ta’ gwida għalina, u li jiġbor fil-qosor dan is-suġġett b’mod meraviljuż. Huwa qal li: “Kun ġust, u tkun l-aħjar fost dawk li jqimu. Kun kuntent b’li għandek, u b’hekk tkun l-aħjar fost dawk li jiżżu ħajr. Ara li tixtieq għal ħaddieħor dak li tixtieq għalik innifsek, u b’hekk tkun tassew temmen. Ġib ruħek tajjeb ma’ ġarek, u b’hekk tkun tassew bniedem. Naqqas id-daħk, għaliex ħafna daħk joqtol lill-qalb.”

Bla dubju ta’ xejn, jekk nippruvaw li dejjem naraw it-tazza nofsha mimlija, noħorġu t-tjubija mill-ħażen, nitgħallmu kif dejjem nibqgħu grati, u li nkunu kuntenti b’li għandna, allura nistgħu ngħixu ħajja kuntenta, sodisfatta u ferħana.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Islam, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Malta, Quran, Torca | Leave a comment

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024 Mubarak

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

— On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta we wish you all a very happy, healthy, prosperous, peaceful and blessed Eid-Ul-Fitr.

— May Allah bless you with a joyous, healthy and peaceful Eid. May Allah accept our worships and sacrifices; forgive our sins and have mercy on us. Ameen

Posted in #AhmadiyyaMalta, Eid, Eid-ul-Fitr | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Eid-ul-Fitr, Malta | Leave a comment

The Call for Peace

Posted on April 7, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

IS-SEJĦA TAL-KALIF GĦALL-PAĊI

It-Torċa 07.04.2024| Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif –– amjmalta@gmail.com

Tabilħaqq, il-paċi hija ċ-ċavetta tad-deheb li tiftaħ il-bieb għall-progress u l-iżvilupp fis-soċjetà u tassigura li l-ġenerazzjonijiet futuri jkunu jistgħu jiffjorixxu u jimxu ’l quddiem. Jien personalment nemmen bis-sħiħ li l-paċi hija l-unika triq għall-progress tagħna lkoll.

Għalhekk, għandna ngħixu ħajjitna b’mod paċifiku u nfittxu li nxandru l-paċi, it-tolleranza, u l-fehim reċiproku fis-soċjetà.

Il-messaġġ tal-Kalif

Il-Kalif u l-mexxej tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, il-Qdusija tiegħu, Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, li għandu l-kawża tal-paċi għal qalbu ħafna, reġa’ sejjaħ lid-dinja lejn dan il-kors dejjiemi tal-paċi. Dan meta kien qed jitkellem dwar il-paċi fir-Renju Unit fid-9 ta’ Marzu 2024, quddiem aktar minn 1200 ruħ, inklużi aktar minn 550 Ambaxxaturi tal-Istati, Membri tal-Parlament, dinjitarji u akkademiċi li kienu jirrappreżentaw 30 pajjiż.

Huwa semma punti importanti u wera t-triq ’il quddiem ta’ kif nistgħu naqilbu din it-theddida għall-paċi lejn it-trankwillità għal kulħadd. Hawn taħt irrid insemmi xi punti fil-qosor mid-diskors tiegħu li jistgħu jkunu pjan ta’ azzjoni għall-kawża tal-paċi u s-sliem.

Flimkien għall-paċi

L-ewwel u qabel kollox, irridu nifhmu li l-paċi mhix dmir ta’ xi pajjiżi jew nies, imma huwa dmir tagħna lkoll li nagħtu sehemna, kemm u fejn nistgħu, sabiex il-paċi tiġi stabbilita fis-soċjetajiet tagħna.

Barra minn hekk, l-istakeholders kollha, il-gvernijiet, il-politiċi, l-akkademiċi u n-nies kollha għandhom jaqdu r-rwoli tagħhom biex jiżguraw il-koeżjoni soċjali tas-soċjetajiet individwali tagħna u l-paċi u l-armonija usa’ tad-dinja.

Il-Ġnus Magħquda u l-poter tal-veto

Huwa wkoll importanti li nsaħħu l-Ġnus Magħquda fejn kull pajjiż għandu drittijiet ugwali u ħadd ma għandu l-poter tal-veto, u fejn ftit nazzjonijiet ma għandhomx dominanza li jistgħu faċilment jegħlbu l-fehmiet tal-maġġoranza. Imma kull kwistjoni għandha tiġi deċiża fuq il-bażi tal-fatti u l-merti tagħha.

Il-paċi ma tistax tinħoloq mingħajr il-ġustizzja, għalhekk, flimkien nistinkaw bis-serjetà għall-ġustizzja, u rridu nippromwovu u nissalvagwardjaw id-drittijiet ta’ dawk li huma bla setgħa u huma l-vittmi tal-inġustizzja.

Il-benesseri tal-umanità kollha

Il-pajjiżi kbar, minflok dejjem jaraw l-interessi tagħhom, għandhom jagħtu l-prijorità lill-ġid komuni, lill-benesseri tal-umanità kollha.

Jekk hemm gwerra bejn żewġ pajjiżi, partijiet newtrali għandhom jimmedjaw mill-ewwel bejniethom u jistinkaw biex jistabbilixxu l-paċi bbażata fuq il-prinċipji tal-ġustizzja u l-ekwità; u ma jħallux li l-affarijiet isiru agħar.

Il-ħtieġa taż-żmien

Ir-reliġjonijiet kollha għandhom ukoll jingħaqdu flimkien għall-għan komuni ta’ paċi u ġustizzja. Bla dubju ta’ xejn ir-reliġjon hija strument b’saħħtu ħafna u tista’ tagħmel differenza kbira għall-kawża nobbli tal-paċi.

Barra minn hekk, dejjem inżommu l-ġenerazzjonijiet futuri tagħna f’moħħna, u nippruvaw biex nagħmlu minn kollox biex ikollhom dinja ħafna aħjar minn tagħna. Il-mexxejja politiċi għandhom jieħdu ħsieb fit-tul ta’ dak li hu fl-aħjar interess tal-umanità kollha.

Hija l-ħtieġa taż-żmien li naħdmu flimkien id f’id għall-ġid komuni biex nistgħu nistabbilixxu paċi vera sabiex inkunu nistgħu ngħixu f’dinja ta’ tama u prosperità aktar milli f’dinja definita minn inugwaljanza, mibegħda u tixrid ta’ demm.

Posted in Ahmadiyya, Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Call for peace, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahamd, Islam, Malta, Peace, Quran | Leave a comment

United for the common good

Posted on March 31, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

MAGĦQUDIN GĦALL-ĠID KOMUNI

It-Torċa 31.03.2024| Laiq Ahmed Atif |President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta – amjmalta@gmail.com

Id-diversità hija sabiħa, u tkun mill-isbaħ meta ningħaqdu flimkien biex niċċelebraw din id-diversità b’għan pożittiv u għall-ġid komuni, u għall-benesseri ta’ kulħadd. L-għaqda fid-diversità kollha hija xejn ħlief dimostrazzjoni mill-isbaħ, għax fl-għaqda hemm dejjem saħħa, u fejn hemm l-għaqda, hemm paċi u serenità.

Imma sfortunatament hemm nies, anke xi mexxejja reliġjużi, li minflok jaħdmu għall-għaqda, qed jagħżlu l-firda, u mhux għalihom biss, imma jġiegħlu wkoll lill-oħrajn u jippruvaw jikkonvinċuhom biex ma jingħaqdux flimkien, imma, ikomplu jibqgħu maqsumin.

Jaħasra! Meta d-dinja se titgħallem il-lezzjoni tal-għaqda, l-imħabba, il-koperazzjoni u l-ħidma għall-ġid komuni?

L-għaqda u l-partikularità individwali

Hemm ukoll nies li jibżgħu li l-għaqda toqtol il-partikularità ta’ persuna, jew ta’ komunità, jew ta’ reliġjon, jew ta’ soċjetà. Għalhekk, ħafna drabi n-nies jaħsbu li meta jingħaqdu ma’ ħaddieħor għandhom ikunu bħalhom, u għandhom jikkompromettu l-identità u l-prinċipji tagħhom.

Iżda, fir-realtà, mhu veru xejn. L-għaqda ma tfissirx li wieħed għandu jiċħad lilu nnifsu kompletament, jew jagħmel kompromess tat-twemmin, prinċipji u ideat tiegħu. Assolutament le. Dan huwa kunċett żbaljat; idea kompletament falza.

Iċ-ċelebrazzjoni tad-diversità

Fir-realtà, fit-twettiq ta’ din l-idea ta’ għaqda, m’għandniex għalfejn nikkompromettu l-prinċipji tagħna. Hija sempliċiment kwistjoni taċ-ċelebrazzjoni tad-diversità u l-identità ta’ kull individwu, għaqdiet u ta’ kull reliġjon flimkien, f’atmosfera paċifika u rispettuża. L-ambjent fejn kulħadd huwa konxju dwar is-sentimenti reliġjużi u kulturali tal-oħrajn, filwaqt li għandu kull dritt jesprimi l-opinjoni, l-ideat, it-tagħlim u l-prinċipji tiegħu.

Barra minn hekk, għandu jiġi rikonoxxut id-dritt ta’ kull bniedem li s-sensibilitajiet u s-sentimenti reliġjużi tiegħu ma jiġux miksura u offiżi. Għalhekk, l-aħjar mod huwa li niffukaw fuq dak li jgħaqqadna u mhux fuq dak li jifridna; u li niffukaw fuq dak li hu komuni bejnietna, għall-ġid komuni u għall-prosperità u l-benesseri ta’ kulħadd.

Żewġ prinċipji ta’ kull żmien

L-Iżlam jipproponi żewġ prinċipji f’dan ir-rigward li huma verament jistgħu jkunu pedament sod fil-kunċett tal-għaqda. L-ewwel nett, l-Iżlam jemmen li kull bniedem huwa liberu li jemmen fi kwalunkwe reliġjon jew fidi li jrid hu. Jemmen li huwa dritt fundamentali ta’ kull persuna li tħaddan it-twemmin tagħha ta’ dak li temmen hi fih. Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes, “M’għandu jkun hemm l-ebda sfurzar fil-kwistjoni tar-reliġjon.” (2:257)

It-tieni, minn banda oħra, bl-ebda mod il-bniedem m’għandu dritt li jimponi fuq ħaddieħor; u hemm għandu jkun spazju ugwali għal kulħadd, mingħajr ebda favur jew diskriminazzjoni. Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes li jekk Alla ma imponiex ir-rieda Tiegħu fuq il-bnedmin, allura ħadd m’għandu d-dritt li jimponi r-rieda tiegħu fuq l-oħrajn.

Dawn iż-żewġ versi tal-Koran jispjegaw dan is-suġġett b’mod tajjeb li, “Kieku Alla ried, ma kinux ixierku. Aħna ma għamilniekx għassies fuqhom, u ma għandekx setgħa fuqhom.” (6:108)

“Jekk il-Mulej tagħkom kellu jimponi r-rieda Tiegħu, ċertament li dawk kollha li jinsabu fuq din l-art kienu jemmnu lkoll flimkien. Allura inti se ġġiegħel lill-bnedmin biex jemmnu?” (10:100)

Fil-qosor, l-għaqda ma tiċħadx il-partikularità, l-identità u l-prinċipji individwali; u meta ningħaqdu flimkien, din għandha sseħħ f’ambjent ta’ libertà sħiħa u mingħajr ebda impożizzjoni.

Niċċelebraw is-sawm flimkien

B’dan il-prinċipju u l-filosofija msemmija hawn fuq, ġie organizzat avveniment kollettiv dwar is-sawm b’kollaborazzjoni bejn il-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, il-Kunsill Lokali tal-Imsida, il-Parroċċa tal-Imsida u l-Komunità Marokkina f’Misraħ San Ġużepp l-Imsida, nhar is-Sibt 16 ta’ Marzu 2024, bit-tema, ‘Niċċelebraw is-sawm flimkien’.

Dan l-avveniment kien organizzat b’mod tajjeb ħafna u attendew madwar 300 mistieden minn kull qasam tal-ħajja, reliġjon u kultura. L-Eċċellenza Tagħha, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, il-President Emeritus, kienet il-mistiedna speċjali.

Dan l-avveniment ġie organizzat bil-ħidma kollettiva tagħna biex navvanzaw il-kawża tal-paċi. Barra minn hekk, qed infittxu li nġibu n-nies flimkien, irrispettivament minn kwalunkwe differenza, taħt il-bandiera tal-umanità u nistinkaw biex nistabbilixxu l-paċi u l-armonija fil-komunitajiet u s-soċjetajiet tagħna.

Il-paċi hija prezzjuża

Għax, il-paċi hija assi prezzjuż u siewi ħafna; u dan isir iktar siewi u importanti meta n-nies ta’ kull qasam, kulturi u opinjonijiet diversifikati, għarfien u twemmin reliġjuż jgħixu u jingħaqdu biex jiċċelebraw din id-diversità flimkien.

Għalhekk, ejjew ningħaqdu lkoll flimkien biex nippromwovu l-paċi u l-armonija fil-komunitajiet u s-soċjetajiet tagħna. Tabilħaqq, dan huwa wkoll il-messaġġ tas-sawm li aħna narrikkixxu lilna nfusna bil-paċi u l-prosperità ġewwiena u soċjali.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Peace | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Flimkien, Islam, Magħqudin għall-Ġid Komuni, Malta, Msida Local Council, Quran, United for the common good | Leave a comment

Fasting and food wasting

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Is-sawm u l-ħela tal-ikel

Hemm żewġ kmandamenti ewlenin tal-Koran Imqaddes: (1) li temmen f’Alla u li tħobb lil Dak li jippossjedi l-akbar attributi, u; (2) li turi qalb tajba lejn l-umanità kollha; dawn jissejħu fil-Koran Imqaddes bħala Huquq-Allah (id-drittijiet dovuti lil Alla) u Huquq-Al’ibaad (id-drittijiet tal-ħolqien). Ir-Ramadan huwa x-xahar tar-riflessjoni ta’ dawn iż-żewġ drittijiet. Ir-Ramadan huwa x-xahar tas-sawm; u s-sawm huwa forma ta’ qima u devozzjoni. Din il-forma ta’ qima tinstab fir-reliġjonijiet kollha. Għalkemm hemm differenzi fil-mod kif is-sawm huwa pprattikat f’reliġjonijiet differenti, iżda l-idea ċentrali tas-sawm hija preżenti kullimkien.

Kuljum qed jinħela ħafna ikel madwar id-dinja partikolarment fil-pajjiżi sinjuri; anke jekk nafu li miljuni taʼ tfal imorru jorqdu bil-ġuħ kuljum, xorta waħda naħlu l-ikel. Skont xi studji, terz tal-ikel kollu għall-użu tal-bniedem jinħela. Is-sawm jgħallimna l-importanza tal-ikel u l-ilma u li nibżgħu għall-ikel u l-ilma u ma naħluhomx, u jekk għandna iktar minn dak li għandna bżonn minflok li narmu fiż-żibel, huwa ferm aħjar li nippreservawh u nagħtuh lil dawk li huma fil-bżonn.

Imma sfortunatament aħna sirna egoisti ħafna u, minflok nippruvaw nilħqu biex ngħinu lil xi ħadd, nagħżlu biex narmuh fiż-żibel għax possibbilment huwa aktar faċli, imma b’hekk qatt ma jista’ jiġi apprezzat. Għalhekk, ejjew inkunu grati lejn Alla u naqsmu dawk il-barkiet ma’ ħutna li huma fil-bżonn minflok li naħluhom. Għax, verament Alla jgħin lil dawk li jgħinu lil ħuthom.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Fasting, Ramadan | Tagged Food waste, Il-Ħela tal-Ikel, Malta | Leave a comment

The true picture of Jihad

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Il-kunċett veru tal-Ġiħad

Il-Leħen 24.03.2024 | Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif – amjmalta@gmail.com

Hemm xi gwerra qaddisa?

Hemm xi gwerra qaddisa? Ħafna nies inkluż il-Musulmani jemmnu li l-Ġiħad ifisser ‘il-gwerra qaddisa’ jiġifieri l-ġlied kontra dawk li ma jemmnux fl-Iżlam. Dan huwa kunċett żbaljat ħafna u bogħod wisq mir-realtà. Meta wieħed ifittex it-tifsira ta’ din il-kelma nsibu li hija ġejja mill- għerq ġ-ħ-d li tfisser tissaporti xogħol iebes u għalhekk Ġiħad ifisser li tipprova ħafna biex tagħmel xi ħaġa u ma tħalli ebda nuqqasijiet fiha. Fid-dizzjunarju dan ifisser xogħol iebes u sforz, jew biex tagħmel minn kollox biex tikseb għan partikolari. Imma bl-ebda mod dan ma jfisser ‘gwerra qaddisa’.

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana wkoll enfasizza u kkoreġa l-kunċett żbaljat dwar il-Ġiħad Iżlamiku, li ħafna nies inkluż il-Musulmani kellhom f’moħħhom, jiġifieri l-kunċett ta’ attakki u qtil ta’ dawk li ma jemmnux bix-xwabel. Minflok, huwa ppreżenta l-kunċett veru tal-Ġiħad Iżlamiku u ppromwova kullimkien, mhux biss fid-diskors iżda fil-prattika, Ġiħad ta’ natura akbar – jiġifieri l-mod paċifiku biex wieħed jistinka fit-triq ta’ Alla, billi nirriformaw lilna nfusna, billi nsiru persuni twajba u nikbru fil-karattru. Din il-forma suprema tal-Ġiħad kienet possibbli biss permezz tad-djalogu, id-diskors u l-persważjoni. Fil-qosor, il-Ġiħad tal-kitba, id-dibattitu, it-taħdit u d-diskors.

Meta naqraw il-Koran Imqaddes, ma nsibu l-ebda indikazzjoni tal-Ġiħad bl-attakki fuq ħaddieħor fuq il-bażi ta’ reliġjon. Il-Kelma ta’ Alla tiddikjara l-kastig tas-sejf għal dawk biss li jgħollu s-sejf minħabba r-reliġjon; imma bl-ebda mod ma tordna attakki offensivi jew ribelljoni kontra dawk li jistabbilixxu l-paċi, jagħmlu ġid mal-proxxmu, u jagħtu lil kull poplu d-drittijiet tal-libertà.

Fil-Koran Imqaddes, Alla ta lill-Musulmani permess biex jiddefendu lilhom infushom meta huma jkunu taħt attakk minn xi għadu, jiġifieri, il-gwerra defensiva u defensiva biss hija permissibbli, u xejn iktar.

L-għan bażiku tar-reliġjon

L-għan tar-reliġjon huwa li jgħin u jiffaċilita lill-bniedem biex jirriforma lilu nnifsu u jsir persuna ġenwina u ġusta billi jiġġieled kontra l-ħdura, il-kburija, l-għira, l-egoiżmu, l-immoralità tiegħu u jsir bniedem umli, tajjeb, ġust, u bniedem li jħobb lill-Ħallieq u ’l-ħolqien Tiegħu, u mhux li jattakka lil ħaddieħor.

Jekk persuna ma tistax tapplika t-tagħlim reliġjuż fuq il-persuna tagħha stess, fuq ruħha u ġisimha stess, allura x’inhu l-benefiċċju jekk dik il-persuna ġġiegħel lill-oħrajn isegwu dak it-tagħlim, li hi stess mhux qed issegwi.

Fil-fehma tiegħi, kull bniedem għandu jifhem li hu għandu jkun l-ewwel persuna ta’ indirizz tar- reliġjon. Meta bniedem jifhem li hu l-ewwel suġġett ta’ dan it-tagħlim, allura ma jkollux ħin biex jibqa’ jiġġieled ma’ ħaddieħor. Jgħidu li meta wieħed jgħolli subgħajh lejn ħaddieħor, tlieta huma li jduru lejh.

Fil-qosor, it-tifsira vera tal-Ġiħad hija li bniedem jistinka u jagħmel ħiltu kollha biex ikun persuna nobbli u ġenwina u jimmeljora l-karattru tiegħu.

Żewġ aspetti tal-fidi

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana spjega iktar li meta naqraw il-Koran Imqaddes, insibu li hemm biss żewġ aspetti tal-fidi Iżlamika, jew, nistgħu ngħidu li dan it-tagħlim jikkonsisti f’żewġ skopijiet ewlenin, u dawn huma l-pedament tal-fidi.

L-ewwel, li nagħrfu lil Alla li jista’ Kollox kif hu fir-realtà jeżisti. Li nħobbu u npoġġu lilna nfusna fl-ubbidjenza vera Tiegħu kif inhi l-ħtieġa tal-ubbidjenza u l-imħabba.

It-tieni skop hu li nużaw il-kapaċitajiet kollha tagħna fis-servizz u x-xewqat tajba tal-poplu Tiegħu u li nittrattaw b’mod tajjeb u bil-ħniena lil kulħadd, minn sultan sa persuna ordinarja. Inħobbu lill-bnedmin kollha u nkunu ta’ qalb tajba ma’ kulħadd u nuru ħniena u kompassjoni lil ħutna li huma inqas ixxurtjati sabiex lilna wkoll tintwera ħniena fis-sema.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Jihad | Tagged Hemm xi gwerra qaddisa?, Holy war, Il-Leħen, Jihad, Malta, Ġiħad | Leave a comment

The need of mutual understanding and harmony

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Harmony, Islam, Malta, Mutual Respect, mutual understanding, mutual understanding and harmony, Peace, Quran, Respect | Leave a comment

Women and the attainment of education

Posted on March 24, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

In-nisa u l-ksib tal-edukazzjoni

L-Iżlam jħeġġeġ lin-nisa biex ifittxu l-għarfien u l-edukazzjoni, għax, l-għarfien huwa setgħa. Imma sfortunatament hemm għadd kbir tas-skulari reliġjużi li ma ridux li l-għarfien jitwassal jew jinxtered. Bi ksur tat-tagħlim Iżlamiku, huma xtaqu lin-nisa li jibqgħu magħluqa bejn l-erba’ ħitan ta’ djarhom u għaldaqstant ma ppermettewlhomx li jiksbu edukazzjoni.

It-Torċa 24.03.2024 | Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya, amjmalta@gmail.com

Kull sena t-8 ta’ Marzu jiġi ċċelebrat bħala Jum il-Mara biex tiġi enfasizzata l-importanza tad-drittijiet u d-dinjità tan-nisa. Iżda, sfortunatament, anke llum f’dawn iż-żminijiet moderni nsibu tant inċidenti fejn in-nisa jsiru suġġett ta’ vjolenza; u qed jiġu mċaħħda wkoll mid-drittijiet bażiċi tagħhom fosthom l-edukazzjoni.

Dawn l-inċidenti kontra n-nisa jidhru kullimkien, iżda sfortunatament ħafna, jidhru aktar spiss fil-pajjiżi Musulmani, fejn in-nisa mhux biss huma mċaħħda mid-dritt bażiku tagħhom għall-edukazzjoni, anzi, huma mġiegħla joqogħdu ’l bogħod minn inizjattivi bħal dawn li jfittxu l-għarfien u l-edukazzjoni.

Wieħed minn tali eżempji huwa l-Afganistan fejn in-nisa lanqas biss jitħallew ikomplu l-edukazzjoni tagħhom fl-universitajiet. Din is-sitwazzjoni marret għall-agħar mindu t-Talibani reġgħu ħadu l-pajjiż f’idejhom.

Il-perspettiva Iżlamika

L-għarfien huwa setgħa. L-Iżlam bħala reliġjon universali tenfasizza li l-edukazzjoni għall-irġiel u għan-nisa qiegħda fuq l-istess livell ta’ importanza, u l-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad iwassal l-idea li l-edukazzjoni hija obbligatorja għat-tnejn, u qal: “Huwa l-obbligu ta’ kull raġel Musulman u ta’ kull mara Musulmana li jiksbu l-għarfien u l-edukazzjoni.”

Madanakollu, maż-żmien, din l-istruzzjoni tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad ġiet aktar injorata mill-Musulmani u għalhekk in-nisa Musulmani baqgħu ħafna inqas edukati mill-irġiel. Imma bħala prinċipju, in-nisa għandhom dritt ta’ edukazzjoni simili bħall-irġiel mingħajr ebda diskriminazzjoni. Għalhekk it-tiċħid mill-edukazzjoni tagħhom imur mhux biss kontra t-tagħlim Iżlamiku iżda wkoll huwa ksur tad-drittijiet fundamentali tal-bniedem.

Id-Dikjarazzjoni Universali

L-Artikolu 26 tad-Dikjarazzjoni Universali tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti jgħid b’mod ċar li: “Kulħadd għandu d-dritt għall-edukazzjoni.”

Allura, il-Musulmani m’għandhom ebda dritt, ikun xi jkun, li jċaħħdu lill-bniet u lin-nisa mill-edukazzjoni. Meta naqraw il-Koran Imqaddes insibu xi attributi ta’ Alla li huma marbuta mal-għarfien, bħal li Huwa dak li “Jaf Kollox”, “Jisma’ Kollox”, “Kollox Konxju”, “l-Għorrief” u “l-Għaref”.

Jiġifieri, Alla għandu l-għarfien ta’ kollox, Hu jaf kollox. Dan juri wkoll li l-għarfien u l-edukazzjoni huma barkiet u mhux saħta. L-għarfien huwa setgħa u mhux dgħufija. L-għarfien huwa karatteristika pożittiva u distintiva u mhux aspett negattiv. L-edukazzjoni hija dawl li jġiegħel lil moħħna jiddi u jiffjorixxi.

Żewġ persuni denji li ngħiru għalihom

Għalhekk il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad stqarr li: Żewġ persuni biss huma denji li ngħiru għalihom; persuna li Alla jagħniha bir-rikkezzi u jagħtiha s-setgħa li tonfoq ġidha għal kawżi ġusti; u persuna li Alla jimlieha bl-għerf biex din tkun tista’ tiġġudika, tgħallem u jxerred l-għarfien u l-edukazzjoni.

Barra minn hekk, huwa enfasizza li qatt ma tittraskura xi kliem ta’ għerf u għarfien imma kun l-ewwel li titgħallem u tifhem dan. Huwa qal: Il-kelma tal-għerf hija l-proprjetà mitlufa tal-fidil, ħalli, kull meta jsibha, għandu jeħodha, għaliex huwa l-aktar li intitolat għaliha.

Wieħed jista’ jifhem l-importanza ta’ dan is-suġġett mill-fatt li l-ewwel kelma rivelata lill-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, kienet ‘Iqra’ li tfisser ‘Aqra’; “Aqra, f’Isem il-Mulej tiegħek li ħalaq.” (96:2)

L-għarfien huwa l-grazzja kbira

F’parti oħra tal-Koran Imqaddes l-għarfien ġie deskritt bħala “il-grazzja kbira ta’ Alla”; din tgħid: “Huwa jagħti l-għerf lil min jixtieq Hu, u kull min jingħata l-għerf ikun tassew ġie ppremjat b’ħafna tjubija; u ħadd ma jagħti kas ħlief dawk mogħnija bil-fehim.” (2:270)

Hemm talba sabiħa li, “O Sidi, kabbarni fl-għarfien” (20:115).

L-Iżlam ħeġġeġ lin-nisa biex ifittxu l-għarfien u l-edukazzjoni, imma sfortunatament is-skulari reliġjużi ma ridux li l-għarfien jitwassal jew jinxtered, la bejn l-irġiel, imma aktar u aktar fost in-nisa. Bi ksur tat-tagħlim Iżlamiku, huma xtaqu lin-nisa li jibqgħu magħluqa bejn l-erba’ ħitan ta’ djarhom u għaldaqstant ma ppermettewlhomx li jiksbu edukazzjoni bażika.

Irrilevanza fid-dinja tal-lum

Dan huwa assolutament inaċċettabbli. M’hemm l-ebda spazju għall-injoranza. Dawn l-attitudnijiet għamlu u qed jagħmlu ħsara estensiva lill-progress fil-pajjiżi Musulmani, għaliex b’hekk mhuwiex possibbli għan-nisa Musulmani biex iħarrġu moralment u edukattivament lil uliedhom meta huma stess ma jkollhomx għarfien u l-edukazzjoni meħtieġa.

Meta n-nisa ma jkunux imħarrġa bis-sħiħ, allura kif jistgħu jħarrġu tajjeb lil uliedhom? Meta huma stess ma jkunux edukati biżżejjed, allura kif jistgħu jedukaw lill-ġenerazzjoni futura tagħhom? F’dan il-kuntest, kif jiġi garantit jew żgurat futur sabiħ ta’ pajjiż?

Għalhekk, din l-attitudni egoistika immens għandha tinbidel kemm jista’ jkun malajr; illum qabel għada, qabel ma jkun tard wisq. Inkella, in-nisa Musulmani b’mod partikolari u l-pajjiżi Musulmani b’mod ġenerali fejn in-nisa huma mċaħħda mill-edukazzjoni tagħhom, se jitħallew lura ħafna f’din it-tellieqa tal-progress, anzi se jsiru assolutament irrilevanti fid-dinja tal-lum.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Education, Women, Women's Rights | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Education of women, In-nisa u l-edukazzjoni, In-nisa u l-ksib tal-edukazzjoni, Islam, Islam and education of women, Malta, Quran, Torca, Women and education | Leave a comment

Fasting: A great means to goodness

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Is-sawm: Mezz mill-aqwa lejn it-tjubija

In-Nazzjon,is-Sibt, 23 ta’ Marzu, 2024 |Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif |President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta – amjmalta@gmail.com

L-evalwazzjoni, it-trasformazzjoni, ir-riforma u t-tiġdid huma parti integrali tan-natura umana u simbolu tal-ħajja. Min-naħa l-oħra, dak li ma jinbidilx jistaġna u jipproduċi impurità u xejn iktar. Li tkun f’ waqfien kontinwu u statiku hija n-negazzjoni tal-ħajja.

Il-ħajja hija proċess ta’ bidla kontinwa u taqbida, tkabbir, titjib u tiġdid. Dan it-tiġdid huwa importanti kemm fiżiku kif ukoll spiritwali. Hekk kif niżviluppaw esternament u fiżikament, il-fakultajiet u l-abbiltajiet tar-ruħ, tal-qalb u tal-moħħ tagħna wkoll jgħaddu u jridu jkomplu jgħaddu minn stadji ta’ tkabbir u tiġdid.

Fil-ħajja tagħna ta’ kuljum nadottaw ħafna mezzi u modi differenti għat-tkabbir u t-tiġdid fiżiku tagħna; hemm mezzi u modi li jffurmawna wkoll b’mod ġenwin spiritwalment, fosthom ‘is-sawm’.

Tidwil il-qlub

Is-sawm Iżlamiku għandu sinifikat speċjali ħafna għax huwa wieħed mill-ħames kolonni tar-reliġjon. Ir-Ramadan joħloq ambjent uniku fejn wieħed ikun jista’ jiffoka fuq l-ispiritwalità, il-morali u t-talb tiegħu ħafna aktar minn xhur oħra matul is-sena.

Ir-Ramadanhuwa xahar ideali għat-tidwil tal-qlub. It-talb isaffi r-ruħ u s-sawm idawwal il-qalb. Ir-Ramadan huwa żmien ta’ purifikazzjoni tal-ġisem, tal-moħħ u tar-ruħ umana. Jipprovdi opportunità lin-nies biex jerġgħu jirrelataw ma’ Alla u biex din ir-relazzjoni tissaħħaħ u ttul. Huwa xahar li fih issir komunjoni ma’ Alla u aktar ġenerożità u ħanina mal-umanità.

It-tiċħid tal-ħażen

Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, qal li, “Meta xi ħadd minnkom iqum filgħodu fl-istat tas-sawm, m’għandux juża kliem oxxen, jew iwettaq xi att ta’ injoranza. U jekk xi ħadd iċanfarkom jew jiġġieled magħkom, għandkom twieġbu, ‘Qed insum, qed insum.’”

Jiġifieri, is-sawm mhux biss li wieħed jastjeni mill-ikel u x-xorb, imma li wieħed jikber fil-karattru tiegħu, u jippruva jtejjeb il-personalità tiegħu.

Għalhekk, kompla jgħid li, “Kull min ma jwaqqafx il-kliem falz u l-għemejjel ħżiena, Alla ma għandux bżonn it-tiċħid tal-ikel u x-xorb tiegħu (i.e. Alla ma jaċċettax is-sawm tiegħu).”

Il-filosofija profonda tas-sawm

Meta wieħed jipprova jifhem il-filosofija profonda tas-sawm, huwa jaqbel mija fil-mija li dan huwa mod mill-aqwa lejn it-tjubija umana; għax is-sawm huwa forma kompluta ta’ trasformazzjoni u tiġdid. Is-sawm huwa forma mill-aqwa tal-adorazzjoni u tal-qima għall-Mulej, il-Ħanin, il-Kreatur tal-ħolqien kollu, kif ukoll huwa esperjenza mill-isbaħ biex nifhmu r-realtajiet u l-isfidi tal-ħajja.

Meta bniedem isum, huwa jifhem u japprezza iktar il-barkiet u l-grazzji ta’ Alla fuqna; dan jagħtina opportunità biex nirriflettu fuq dawn il-grazzji sabiex inkunu iktar grati lejn Alla u nsiru aktar umli.

Barra minn hekk, huwa wkoll importanti li nifhmu t-tbatiji ta’ ħutna l-bnedmin li m’għandhomx biżżejjed ikel u qed ibatu minħabba n-nuqqas ta’ riżorsi. Dan il-fehim imbagħad jgħin biex jiġi kkultivat u żviluppat is-sens ta’ karità u li wieħed jgħin lil min hu fil-bżonn; jippromwovi l-valuri ta’ ġenerożità, simpatija u empatija.

Biex insiru tassew umani

Għalhekk, il-Koran Imqaddes jispjega għaliex is-sawm ġie obbligatorju. Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes: “Intom li temmnu, is-sawm huwa obbligatorju għalikom, bħalma kien għal dawk ta’ qabilkom, ħalli tkunu tistgħu ssiru devoti, ġusti u onesti.” (2:184)

Il-kelma li ġiet użata f’dan il-vers hija Taqwa u din il-kelma għandha tifsira wiesgħa ħafna. Din il-kelma tinkludi l-virtujiet kollha; u tiddomina l-valuri, il-virtujiet u l-morali kollha; jiġifieri, l-imġiba tajba u l-għemejjel tajbin kollha tal-bniedem.

Fil-qosor, bl-istqarrija ta’ din il-kelma waħda, Alla li Jaf Kollox iddikjara li l-iskop tas-sawm huwa li jagħmel tassew bniedem ġenwin, reali u mill-isbaħ li l-ġewwieni tiegħu huwa pur, safi u ċar bħall-kristall; bniedem li hu s-sid ta’ kwalitajiet enormi u għandu ħafna virtujiet mill-isbaħ.

Fil-fatt, is-sawm jgħallimna l-filosofija tal-ħajja u jiggwidana lejn il-vjaġġ it-tajjeb u t-triq is-sewwa biex insiru tassew umani.

Posted in Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Fasting, Ramadan | Tagged Fasting, Fasting: A great means to goodness, In-Nazzjon, is-Sawm, Is-sawm: Mezz mill-aqwa lejn it-tjubija, Malta, Ramadan | Leave a comment

Celebrating Fasting Together

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta together with the Kunsill Lokali L-Imsida, Msida Parish Church and the International Moroccan Community in Malta organized an open interfaith fasting event titled “Celebrating Fasting Together”, on 16 March 2024.

The President Emeritus, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca , the Mayor of Msida Local Council, Ms. Margaret Baldacchino Cefai, the President of the Moroccan Community Ms. Dounia Borg Lakehal, the Archpriest of the Msida Church, Rev. Mario Mifsud and Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta delivered speeches during this event.

This unique event was a collective effort to advance the cause of peace. In addition, for seeking to bring people together, irrespective of any differences, under the banner of humanity and strive to establish peace and harmony within our communities and our societies. Indeed, peace is a golden key to unlocking the door to collective progress and development and ensuring that our future generations can thrive and prosper.

This year we had many communities represented during the Fasting event and their representatives also had the opportunity to present some thoughts and prayers for the peace building and about fasting.

More than 300 people attended this event. After the Iftar (fast-breaking) all the guests were offered dinner. It was really a wonderful event which was enjoyed by all the participants and they thanked the organisers for their valuable initiative.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Fasting, Ramadan | Tagged Celebrating Fasting Together, europe, Gozo, Malta | 2 Comments

Soften your hearts

Posted on March 17, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

RATTBU QALBKOM

L-imħabba u s-servizz għall-umanità huma dejjem importanti, iżda fi żmien tas-sawm huma jsiru ħafna iktar importanti. Għalhekk, għandna biex nieħdu ħsieb lil ħutna partikolarment f’dawn il-ġranet tas-sawm — ġranet ta’ sagrifiċċju, riforma spiritwali, purità, safa u tjubija. Għax jekk verament nixtieque li qalbna titrattab, mela nagħtu l-ikel lil dawk fil-bżonn u nieħdu ħsieb lill-fqir u ż-żgħir fis-soċjetà tagħna.

Laiq Ahmed Atif|It-Torca, 17.03.2024|amjmalta@gmail.com

“Jekk tixtieq li qalbek titrattab, mela agħti l-ikel lil dawk fil-bżonn u qiegħed idek fuq l-irjus tal-orfni u ħu ħsiebhom.” F’dawn il-ftit kelmiet il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, spjega r-realtà u s-sigriet tal-aqwa ħajja – ħajja kuntenta, prospera, sana u sodisfatta. Jiġifieri, jekk aħna rridu ngħixu ħajja deċenti mimlija kuntentizza dejjiema, allura huwa importanti anzi obbligatorju li nħobbu u ngħinu lil ħutna kemm u fejn nistgħu.

Il-messaġġ l-ieħor li nistgħu nieħdu minn dan il-kliem huwa li l-għajnuna lejn is-sezzjonijiet żgħar, dgħajfa u foqra tas-soċjetà hija għemil mill-aktar nobbli, li Alla jħobb l-aktar, u jippremjaha bl-aqwa mod. Is-sodisfazzjon, il-kuntentizza u l-umiltà li bniedem iħoss meta jgħin lill-aktar nies fil-bżonn u foqra huwa indeskrivibbli, u s-sentimenti u l-emozzjonijiet ta’ dawk il-mumenti partikolari jrattbu tassew il-qlub tan-nies.

Il-pilastru ewlieni

L-imħabba lejn l-umanità hija pilastru ewlieni lejn it-triq paċifika li tista’ twassalna għal sodisfazzjon tal-qalb u tar-ruħ. Jekk nanalizzaw lis-soċjetà ta’ madwarna u naħsbu fuq l-istat attwali tad-dinja jsir evidenti li dawk li verament jixtiequ u jaħdmu għall-benesseri tal-umanità huma tassew dawk li jgħixu fil-paċi u fis-serenità, anke jekk m’għandhomx riżorsi biżżejjed.

Iżda, min-naħa l-oħra, huwa wkoll bil-wisq evidenti li nsibu nies madwarna li għandhom il-lussu kollu tal-ħajja, imma mhumiex fil-paċi; għaliex? Għax huma impenjati wisq fid-dinja materjalistika u konsumerista, u ma jagħtux kas ta’ ħuthom li jgħixu madwarhom, xi drabi anke l-ġirien tagħhom.

Jien nemmen bis-sħiħ, u dan huwa t-tagħlim tar-reliġjonijiet kollha inkluż l-Iżlam li Alla biss huwa s-sors ta’ paċi, u jekk m’hemmx Alla fil-ħajja tagħna, allura m’hemmx paċi f’ħajjitna. Meta nħobbu lil Alla, ma jistax ikun li ma nħobbux lin-nies Tiegħu.

Iż-żewġ imħabbiet

Jien dejjem nieħu pjaċir u dejjem inħobb u ngħożż meta naqra l-kliem għaqli u profond tar-raba’ Kalif tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya li darba qal li, “Jekk tħobb lill-Ħallieq, allura għandek tħobb il-ħolqien Tiegħu.”

Jiġifieri l-imħabba ta’ Alla u l-imħabba tal-bnedmin imorru paralleli ma’ xulxin u ma nistgħux nagħżlu waħda u ninsew l-oħra u viċiversa. Iżda nżommu ż-żewġ imħabbiet – imħabba ta’ Alla u tal-umanità – qrib qlubna sabiex nistgħu niksbu sliem u sodisfazzjon dejjiema li ma tispiċċa qatt.

Il-ġenituri u l-anzjani

L-aktar dmir importanti li rridu nikkunsidraw huwa dak lejn il-ġenituri u l-anzjani tagħna. Aħna obbligati lejn il-ġenituri tagħna. Alla jħeġġiġna biex nittrattaw lill-ġenituri tagħna b’ġenerożità, imħabba u għożża; u li nkunu qalbna tajba u rispettużi lejn qrabatna. Li nieħdu ħsieb l-orfni u lil dawk fil-bżonn u li nintegrawhom fis-soċjetà huwa wkoll mezz importanti ta’ kif ikollna sodisfazzjon kbir.

Alla jgħid: “Kunu ġenerużi mal-ġenituri tagħkom, u ma’ qrabatkom, u mal-orfni, u ma’ dawk fil-bżonn, u mal-ġar li hu qarib u mal-ġar li hu barrani, u mal-kumpann ta’ maġenbek, u mal-vjaġġatur.” (Il-Koran, 4:37)

Tabilħaqq, meta ngħinu lis-sezzjonijiet kollha fis-soċjetajiet tagħna li huma fil-bżonn niksbu l-paċi ġewwiena. Irridu niftakru li l-veri devoti huma dawk li jaqdu lill-umanità kif ukoll lil Alla. M’għandhomx jissieltu biss għad-drittijiet tagħhom iżda jkollhom il-passjoni li jiġġieldu għad-drittijiet tal-oħrajn. Jekk nifhmu dan it-tagħlim ta’ Alla l-Ħanin, mela nagħtu ferħ kbir lill-eżistenza tagħna.

Appell ġenwin u sinċier

Għalhekk, b’ġenwinità sħiħa, nappella lil dawk kollha li huma xxurtjati ħafna u Alla tahom ħafna barkiet u rikkezzi ta’ din id-dinja li għandhom jaqsmu dak ma’ ħuthom li huma fil-bżonn sabiex huma wkoll igawdu mis-sbuħija tal-ħajja b’mod hieni u seren.

Nappella lil dawk ukoll li għandhom il-ġenituri tagħhom ħajjin li nkunu grati lejhom u nuruhom imħabba u kompassjoni bla kundizzjoni u nagħtuhom ħin biżżejjed li jixirqilhom, u qatt ma ninsew dak kollu li tawna meta konna żgħar.

Barra minn hekk, inkunu spalla ma’ spalla ma’ dawk li huma fil-bżonn u għandna dejjem inżommu l-kliem tad-deheb ħaj u frisk f’moħħna u f’qalbna, li, jekk verament nixtieque li qalbna titrattab, mela ngħinu lil dawk fil-bżonn u nieħdu ħsiebhom. Għax l-għajnuna u l-mogħdrija lejn is-sezzjonijiet żgħar, dgħajfa u foqra tas-soċjetà huma jrattbu tassew il-qlub tan-nies.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Islam, Malta, Quran, Rattbu Qalbkom, Soften your hearts, Torca | Leave a comment

When children should fast?

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

When the month of Ramadan arrives, the parents of Muslim children become concerned whether their children should fast or not while them are attending the school; similarly, the teachers are also not sure what to do in such cases and how to deal with the Muslim students during the Ramadan.

Every Islamic commandment is based on profound wisdom and rationality. The five daily prayers – the second amongst the five pillars of Islam – become obligatory at the age of ten. However, even before it becomes obligatory, proper training and education for children is not only necessary but mandatory; and a three year proper training is therefore recommended. It is for this reason that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, has said that children should be urged to offer Prayer (Salat) when they are seven years old, and when they reach the age of ten, the parents can, if necessary, use strict measures to make them regular in Prayers.

Fasting is the third amongst the five pillars of Islam. Thus it cannot become obligatory before the age of ten. However, there is also need some proper training before it becomes obligatory, as in the case of daily Prayers (Salat).

Once an Ahmadi girl asked this question to His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^aba, the Spiritual Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community; he replied:

“Fasting becomes compulsory upon you when you have fully matured. If you are a student and you are sitting your exams and you are 13, 14 or 15 years of age, then you should not fast. If you are able to bear them, then fasting at the age of 15 or 16 is also fine.

“However, usually it is at the age of 17 or 18 that fasting becomes compulsory. One should definitely start fasting thereafter. If you are really fond of it, you can try out one, two, three or four fasts at the age of eight or ten. However, that would not be compulsory.

“Fasting will become compulsory upon you when you grow older and are able to endure the fasts… The endurance will come once you have become a young adult. When you reach the age of at least 17 or 18 years, then it is okay to fast. Then, you should fast. Understood?

“What do your parents say? Do they say that fasting has become compulsory upon you at the age of ten? Anyhow, you should inculcate the habit. Younger children should also keep two or three fasts every Ramadan so that they can experience the arrival of Ramadan. However, even if you decide not to fast, then, wake up in the morning and eat sehri [early morning food] along with your parents, offer nawafil [voluntary prayers] and offer the [obligatory] Prayers regularly.

“Ramadan for students and girls like you is that you should definitely wake up during Ramadan, eat sehri, make all the arrangements, offer two or four nawafil before that, offer the [obligatory] Prayers regularly and recite the Holy Quran regularly.” (Al Hakam)

This is very comprehensive guideline for the children, parents and teachers. Children at an early age should not fast because it could affect their growth. Allah says in the Holy Quran that, “Allah desires ease for you and desires not hardship for you (2:186).”

However, teenagers are encouraged to fast and to make a habit of their upcoming responsibility. Teenagers when they are strong enough should fast regularly in the month of Ramadan. Meaning, from the age of 13 to 16 they should train themselves and inculcate a habit of fasting by fasting for a few days during the Ramadan, until they become 17 or 18 and then they should fast for the whole month.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Fasting, Ramadan | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Fasting, Id-Dawl, Malta, Muslims in Malta, Ramadan, Sawm, Should children Fast?, When children should fast? | Leave a comment

Unity in diversity

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged Diversity, Interfaith harmony, religious diversity, Unity, Unity in diversity | Leave a comment

Why do Muslims fast?

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

Muslims fast in obedience to the commandment of God Almighty. Alla jgħid fil-Koran Imqaddes: “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.” (Holy Quran, 2:184)

Fasting teaches us self-control and discipline. It is month of self reflection and understanding that what it means to be human. How we can develope moral values. Fasting is not mere abstention from food, but from every evil and every wrong doing. The Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa said that, God does not need a person to give up his food and drink if he does not forsake falsehood during Ramadan.

It helps to understand the sufferings and deprivation of other fellow human beings; and develops the disposition of giving, helping others, generosity, empathy and sympathy for the needy people.

Fasting provides us opportunity to reflect upon the countless favours and blessings of Almighty Allah upon us; it also helps us to think if we are becoming truly grateful and show our gratitude to our Lord for his unconditional blessings upon us.

Ramadan is a month of sacrifice for the sake of the Lord to please Him. It is a month to attain nearness to God. Ramadan provides an atmosphere which facilitates attaining piety, righteousness, purity, spiritual elevation and moral uplifting. Merciful God brings closer all the remote ways of acceptance of prayer.

The doors to Paradise

It is mentioned in a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa that during Ramadan God opens the doors to Paradise and shuts down the doors leading to Hell and restrains Satan. Meaning that, a spiritual atmosphere is set for all those who truly would like to benefit from the grace of Almighty Allah, have their sins forgiven and fill their lives with countless blessings from their Lord. Therefore, believers are expected to try to gain maximum benefits from these special blessings of Ramadan, and reach the heights of spirituality and morality.

In brief, fasting has two dimensional benefits, on one side it provides shield against evil and wrong doings, and on the other it provides an atmosphere of spiritual elevation, moral uplifting and making every possible effort to become better persons – who turn wholly and solely to God and have a burning desire to serve mankind.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Fasting, Ramadan | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Fasting, Id-Dawl, Islam, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Malta, Quran, Ramadan, Why do Muslims fast? | Leave a comment

Ramadan 2024 Mubarak

Posted on March 10, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta — #Ahmadiyyamalta #Malta —http://ahmadiyyamalta.org — Wishing You All — #Ramadan — #Ramadan2024 — #RamadanKareem — #RamadanMubarak

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Fasting, Malta, Ramadan, www.ahmadija.org.mt | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Fasting, Malta, Ramadan, Ramadan Kareem, Ramadan Mubarak | Leave a comment

Smiling is a charity

Posted on March 10, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

It-tbissima: Karità b’xejn imma prezzjuża

Ibqgħu tbissmu dejjem; dan iżommkom attivi. Ipprovaw agħmlu n-nies ta’ madwarkom kuntenti, ferrieħa, komdi, pjaċevoli, u ferħanin bit-tbissima tagħkom. Kunu ġenerużu u xerrdu l-karità tat-tbissima. Dejjem żommu t-tbissima fuq xufftejkom, għax din hija karità li tmiss il-qlub u l-erwieħ.

Smiling: free but precious charity| It-Torca 10.03.2024 | Laiq Ahmed Atif – President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta – amjmalta@gmail.com

Illum, iktar ma jkollna konvenjenzi u faċilitajiet fil-ħajja tagħna, aktar nies qed isofru minn problemi u stress minn qatt qabel. Xi wħud minn dawn il-problemi u sofferenzi huma maħluqa mill-bnedmin stess, u xi wħud huma parti normali tal-ħajja. Il-ħajja hija mimlija nżul u tlajja’, jiġifieri xi drabi l-ħajja hija mdawla bid-dawl tax-xemx u xi drabi tiġi taħt xi dell. Xi drabi l-bniedem huwa b’saħħtu u xi drabi jkun ma jiflaħx, u xi drabi jħossu kuntent u xi drabi mdejjaq. Dawn il-bidliet huma parti mill-ħajja.

Imma, minkejja l-impenji kollha tal-ġurnata, għandna nippruvaw inkunu grati lejn Alla f’kull mument, imma partikolarment fil-mumenti taʼ ferħ. Għandna nitkellmu ma’ Sidna kontinwament f’qalbna, nirringrazzjawH għall-barkiet kollha li jtina u nesprimu l-imħabba tagħna lejn Sidna. Għax meta l-bniedem jiftakar f’Alla fil-mumenti ta’ ferħ, Alla jgħinu wkoll fil-mumenti diffiċli.

Jiġri x’jiġri, irridu nibqgħu nkunu kuntenti, għax meta l-bniedem jibqa’ kuntent Alla jgħinu. Dawk li dejjem jibqgħu jitbissmu fil-mumenti ta’ ferħ, u t-tbissima ssir parti integrali tal-karattru tagħhom, emmnuni, anke fi żminijiet diffiċli, se jżommu t-tbissima fuq xufftejhom.

Għalhekk, il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, enfasizza u qal: “Hija karità li tiltaqa’ ma’ ħuk bi tbissima.” Jiġifieri, meta bniedem jiltaqa’ ma’ bniedem ieħor bi tbissima dan ma jkun xejn inqas minn karità; fi kliem ieħor, it-tbissima hija wkoll forma ta’ karità u ġenerożità, għax din ukoll iġġib riżultat pożittiv fil-ħajja tal-persuna li tkun.

Il-karattru ferrieħi u ta’ tbissima

Ħafna drabi aħna ninkwetaw ħafna anke dwar affarijiet żgħar u nħossuna mdejqa; naħseb dan mhux tajjeb, imma għandna nadattaw karattru ferrieħi u ta’ tbissima, għax dan jagħmel l-ambjent iktar paċifiku u pjaċevoli. Huwa minnu li l-bniedem ma jistax jibqa’ ferħan il-ħin kollu, imma huwa wkoll importanti li ma nibqgħux imdejqa għal ħin twil, għax dan ma jsolvi xejn imma jżid il-problemi.

Għandna biex nitgħallmu mit-tfal. It-tfal jifirħu b’affarijiet żgħar u anke jekk jirrabjaw dwar xi ħaġa, jinsewha malajr u jibdew jidħku fil-mument ta’ wara. Ħafna drabi meta n-nies jikbru fl-età, jibdew jaħsbu iktar u anke jibdew jiddejqu fuq l-iżgħar affarijiet, u ma jħalluhomx joħorġu minn moħħhom. Meta dawn il-ħsibijiet jirkbu fuq moħħhom, huma jibqgħu mdejqa u siekta l-ġurnata kollha, u xi nies jidraw ikunu mdejqin u irritabbli.

Id-daħk huwa l-aqwa mediċina

Jekk neħduha drawwa li nitbissmu matul il-ġurnata waqt li nagħmlu xogħolna, anki jekk xi drabi nkunu waħidna jew anke jekk nitbissmu magħna nfusna, dan mhux biss ikun ta’ benefiċċju għalina imma wkoll inġibu tbissima f’wiċċ dawk li jarawna bi tbissima. Li nkunu kuntenti huwa wkoll tajjeb għal saħħitna, għax kif jgħidu, “laughter is the best medicine”, jiġifieri, id-daħk u t-tbissim huma l-aqwa mediċina.

Għalhekk, naħseb li għandna nużaw din il-mediċina li hija b’xejn u għandha effetti u valuri għolja ħafna; u mhux nużawha biss imma naqsmuha wkoll mal-oħrajn sabiex is-soċjetajiet tagħna jsiru kuntenti, paċifiċi u ferrieħa.

Kelmtejn bi mħabba

Huwa wkoll tajjeb wisq li jekk naraw xi ħabib jew xi qraba inkwetati madwarna, jekk ma nistgħux nagħtu xi ħaġa, xi kultant it-tislima ta’ ġurnata, jew nistaqsu kif sejrin u kelmtejn bi mħabba jkunu wisq għalihom u jistgħu jtaffu l-ansjetà tagħhom u jġibu t-tbissima u l-ferħ fuq wiċċhom.

Ġieli seta’ ġralek li, waqt il-mixja ta’ filgħodu, jekk tara koppja anzjana jew mara anzjana li jiġu quddiemek, jitbissmu lura u jgħidulek l-għodwa t-tajba ħafna drabi. Jekk naħsbu dwarha, hija ħaġa vera normali u żgħira, iżda kemm hi utli u għalhekk importanti li tipprattikaha, u għaliex le.

Ħafna drabi aħna ninjoraw affarijiet żgħar imma fil-verità huma għandhom effetti profondi u isbaħ fuq in-nies u s-soċjetà. Il-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad, is-sliem għalih, enfasizza fuq dan il-punt li kull att tajjeb huwa importanti; agħtu importanza għal kull tjubija anke jekk tkun żgħira, u qal li, “Ma tinjora u tiddisprezza xejn fit-tjubija, anke jekk tiltaqa’ ma’ ħuk fidil b’wiċċ jitbissem.”

It-tbissima żżommkom attivi

Il-Mexxej Spiritwali Dinji tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, li huwa persuna li jaħdem għal sigħat twal sebat ijiem fil-ġimgħa mingħajr ebda vaganza, darba ġie mistoqsi minn tifel kif isib il-ħin biex jistrieħ u jagħmel affarijiet oħra waqt li jimmaniġġa l-iskeda bieżla ħafna tiegħu.

Il-Qdusija Tiegħu stqarr, “Jiena naħdem fl-uffiċċju tiegħi u nlaħħaq ma’ xogħol ieħor ukoll, bħal nisma’ l-aħbarijiet. Kollox jinsab fil-moħħ; jekk raġel jitgħażżen u jgħid li ma jorqodx biżżejjed, mela xejn ma jitwettaq. Tridu tkunu sodi u tgħidu lilkom infuskom li tridu tagħmlu dan u dak ix-xogħol.” Hu kompla jgħid: “Ibqgħu tbissmu dejjem; dan iżommkom attivi.”

Dejjem ibqa’ tbissem!

Huwa l-fatt li anke jekk nitbissmu b’mod mhux naturali dan ukoll jaffettwana b’mod tajjeb. Skont ir-riċerka, jekk saħansitra nilbħu tbissima falza fuq wiċċna u nidħku b’daħka falza, moħħna jiġi mqarraq li aħna kuntenti. Imbagħad naturalment jonqsu l-istress u l-ansjetà tagħna billi l-moħħ jipproduċi ormoni li jgħinuna nibqgħu kuntenti.

It-tbissima tagħmel il-personalità tagħna attraenti. Nies b’personalità attraenti jistgħu jattiraw lejhom lil kulħadd bil-qawwa tat-tbissima tagħhom. Mela pprova ma tħallix il-ħsieb negattiv jiddominak għal żmien twil kull meta tkun imdejjaq. Dejjem ipprova agħmel in-nies ta’ madwarek kuntenti, ferrieħa, komdi, pjaċevoli, u ferħanin bit-tbissima tiegħek. Kun ġeneruż u xerred il-karità tat-tbissima. Dejjem ibqa’ tbissem! Dejjem żommu t-tbissima fuq xufftejkom, għax din hija karità meraviljuża u bla limiti.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Islam, It-tbissima, It-tbissima: Karità b’xejn imma prezzjuża, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Malta, Quran, smile a charity, Smiling is a charity | Leave a comment

Forbearance

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

Forbearance is a valuable moral quality. It not only provides calmness in adversity but also facilitates to sail out successfully and smoothly from the storm. Those who remain calm and steady during the undesirable circumstances are more likely to perform better than those who panic or become nervous. Therefore, we must furnish ourselves with this moral quality; and teach our children from childhood that if someone has said something unpleasant to them or something has happened to them then there is no need to panic or become nervous, but remain calm and keep your courage and morale high.

___________ The Holy Quran ___________

“Those who spend in prosperity and adversity, and those who suppress anger and pardon men; and Allah loves those who do good.” (3:135)

“Make forbearance thy rule and enjoin equity and turn away from the ignorant.” (7:200)

“The wronged one, who endures with fortitude and forgives, indeed achieves a matter of high resolve.” (42:44)

___________ Ahadith ___________

You possess two qualities which Allah loves: gentleness and endurance. (Muslim)

Allah is Gentle and loves gentleness and bestows upon gentleness that which He does not bestow upon harshness or anything else. (Muslim)

On an occasion, a Bedouin ran up to the Prophet Muhammad^sa and pulled his cloak with such force that it bruised his neck. Then he vehemently demanded to be given money. In this moment, the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa did not instruct for this person, who had acted in such an unbecoming manner to the most beloved Prophet of God to be attacked; instead, the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa remained calm, smiled, and instructed that the Bedouin should be given some money. (Bukhari Kitabul Nafaqat wa Kitabul Libas, Bab Al-Bard, taken from Gardens of the righteous, p. 132)

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Fasting, morality, Morals, Ramadan | Tagged Books, faith, Forbearance, Is-Sabar, morality, Morals, poetry | Leave a comment

Id-Dawl 75

Posted on March 5, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

ID-DAWL-75 Download

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Fasting, Ramadan, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged Children and Fasting, Fasting, Id-Dawl, Id-Dawl 75, Id-Dawl Magazine, Malta, Ramadan | Leave a comment

Ramadan Timetable Malta 2024

Posted on March 5, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Posted in Ahmadiyya, Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Fasting, Ramadan | Tagged Ramadan 2024 | Leave a comment

Use of soft and decent language

Posted on March 5, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Użu ta’ lingwaġġ artab u deċenti

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

Kif jingħad li, ‘is-siġra tingħaraf mill-frott tagħha’, bl-istess mod, il-bniedem jingħaraf bl-għemejjel, il-morali u l-valuri tiegħu. Huwa assolutament veru u fatt bla dubju u realtà kategorika li, mingħajr karattru sod u konvinċenti l-bnedmin huma bħal siġar li huma bla ebda frott. Għalhekk, jekk il-bniedem jixtieq li jkun jingħaraf bl-isem tajjeb fis-soċjetà allura għandu jkun b’valuri morali għolja ħafna, qalbu għandha tkun tad-deheb, għandu jkollu lsien mimli bl-għasel; u dejjem joqtor għasel minn kliemu. Min-naħa l-oħra, kif ngħidu li, ‘l-giddieb għomru qasir’, huwa wkoll minnu li dak li għandu lsien twil m’għandux rispett u standing fis-soċjetà; iċ-ċirku ta’ nies tiegħu jibqa’ dejjem żgħir u ħadd ma jħobb ikun madwaru.

___________ Il-Koran Imqaddes ___________

“Kellmu bil-grazzja u bil-qalb lin-nies, agħmlu t-talb u agħtu l-karità.” (2:84)

“Għid lill-qaddejja Tiegħi biex jgħidu dak li huwa l-aħjar (id-diskors tagħhom ikun mill-aqwa f’kull aspett). Tabilħaqq li x-Xitan iġib il-firda bejniethom. Tassew li x-Xitan huwa għadu fil-beraħ tal-bniedem.” (17:54)

“Dawk li jisimgħu l-Kelma u jsegwu l-aħjar tagħha; huma dawk li Alla ggwidahom, u dawk huma n-nies ta’ dehen.” (39:19)

___________ Diskorsi tal-Qaddis Profeta Muħammad^sa ___________

“Kelma tajba hija karità.” (Bukhari u Muslim)

“Ma tinjora u tiddisprezza xejn fit-tjubija, anke jekk tiltaqa’ ma’ ħuk fidil b’wiċċ jitbissem.” (Muslim)

“Persuna li temmen ma tqarraqx jew tisħet jew tabbuża jew titkellem b’mod indiċenti.” (Tirmiżi)

“L-indeċenza tisfigura kollox u l-pudur isaħħaħ is-seħer ta’ kollox.” (Tirmiżi)

“M’hemm ebda karatteristika oħra agħar għall-bniedem minn persuna bi lsien twil.” “Il-fidil veru huwa wieħed li minn ilsienu u minn idejh fidili oħra huma siguri u jinsabu fil-paċi u s-sliem.”

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Id-Dawl, Islam, Muslim | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Islam, Lingwaġġ Deċenti, Malta, Muslims in Malta, Speak decent language | Leave a comment

Interfaith Fasting Event 2024

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta in collaboration with Msida Local Council, Msida Parish Church and the Moroccan Community cordially organizes an open event to understanding the concept of Fasting in different religions and to bring communities and cultures together. We would like to invite YOU ALL to this unique event being organized in the Garden in front of Msida Church, on Saturday 16^th March 2024 at 5:00pm. For more information please contact: 79655255 or 9964 3962, or visit Facebook Msida LC.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, Fasting, Ramadan | Tagged Fasting, Interfaith, Ramadan, Sawm, Sharing cultures | Leave a comment

Flimkien – Together

Posted on March 3, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

“Il-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana tipproponi biex jiġu organizzati l-konferenzi interreliġjużi fejn ir-rappreżentanti tar-reliġjonijiet kollha jingħaqdu flimkien b’mod paċifiku u jintroduċu t-twemmin u t-tagħlim tagħhom, sabiex nifhmu lil xulxin, naqsmu l-ħsibijiet, u nitgħallmu minn xulxin. Għax mingħajr djalogu effettiv ma nistgħux nibnu soċjetajiet edukati u infurmati biżżejjed fid-dinja multikulturali u multireliġjuża.”

Laiq Ahmed Atif | It-Torċa, il-Ħadd 3 ta’ Marzu 2024 | amjmalta@gmail.com

Huwa importanti li minflok nitbiegħdu, noqorbu lejn xulxin; minflok nobogħdu, inħobbu lil xulxin; minflok ngħidu kelma li tweġġa’, ngħidu kelma tajba; minflok niktbu kontra, niktbu favur xulxin; minflok insibu n-nuqqasijiet, nippruvaw insibu tjubija f’xulxin; minflok dak li jifridna, niffukaw fuq dak li jgħaqqadna, għax fl-għaqda hemm is-saħħa. Kemm tajjeb meta jingħad, “United we stand, divided we fall.”

Illum meta d-dinja saret villaġġ globali, tinħass ħtieġa akbar minn qatt qabel li nitgħallmu kif nistgħu ngħixu flimkien bl-imħabba u r-rispett. Bla dubju ta’ xejn, il-pajjiżi kollha saru multikulturali u multireliġjużi. Għalhekk, huwa ferm importanti li nuru r-rispett lejn il-kulturi u r-reliġjonijiet differenti.

Ir-reliġjon hija strument effettiv ħafna li mhux biss tista’ tifforma lill-bniedem spiritwalment u moralment, iżda wkoll soċjalment, kif wieħed irid iġib ruħu waqt li jgħix flimkien ma’ nies oħra, fis-soċjetà, bid-diversità kollha.

Ir-rispett reċiproku

Iżda, qabel kollox, huwa importanti li jkun hemm rispett reċiproku bejn in-nies li jħaddnu r-reliġjonijiet differenti u, biex dan isir realtà, id-djalogu huwa kruċjali.

Il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, Ħażrat Mirża Ghulam Aħmad, kien avukat kbir tad-djalogu bejn ir-reliġjonijiet. Huwa enfasizza ħafna fuq it-tagħlim Koraniku li, “M’għandux ikun hemm sfurzar fir-reliġjon” (2:257); u kull bniedem għandu jkollu libertà sħiħa li jagħżel għalih dak li jrid hu. Għax, il-fidi hija kwistjoni ta’ qalb u ta’ moħħ, u qatt ma tista’ tirbaħ il-qlub u l-imħuħ tan-nies bil-qawwa u l-isfurzar.

Id-djalogu u l-konferenzi interreliġjużi

Barra minn hekk, il-Fundatur tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana ppropona biex jiġu organizzati l-konferenzi interreliġjużi. Fil-fatt fl-1897 hu kiteb lir-Reġina Vittorja li, peress li hija kienet l-Imperatriċi ta’ parti kbira tad-dinja u aderenti ta’ varjetà ta’ reliġjonijiet kienu jgħixu taħt il-ħakma tagħha, għalhekk tkun idea kbira li hi tirranġa biex issir konferenza interreliġjuża f’Londra. Din il-konferenza, ippropona, setgħet tara rappreżentanti tar-reliġjonijiet kollha jingħaqdu flimkien b’mod paċifiku u jintroduċu t-twemmin u t-tagħlim tagħhom.

Dan huwa punt importanti li jsiru konferenzi bejn ir-reliġjonijiet sabiex nifhmu lil xulxin, naqsmu l-ħsibijiet, nikkoreġu kunċetti żbaljati dwar ir-reliġjonijiet ta’ xulxin u nitgħallmu minn xulxin. Għax mingħajr djalogu – nisimgħu u nitkellmu – ma nistgħux nibnu soċjetajiet edukati u infurmati biżżejjed fid-dinja multikulturali u multireliġjuża.

Eżempju eċċellenti tar-rispett

Il-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana għandha storja rikka u sabiħa ħafna ta’ promozzjoni tal-kunċett ta’ djalogu bejn ir-reliġjonijiet. Il-mexxej preżenti tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, Ħażrat Mirża Masroor Aħmad, ukoll ħadem bla heda fil-promozzjoni ta’ dan il-mezz paċifiku ta’ paċi u armonija bejn ir-reliġjonijiet. Mindu sar il-Kap, huwa indirizza tant konferenzi u laqgħat fejn kienu preżenti nies ta’ twemmin u fehim differenti.

Fid-dawl ta’ dan, anke f’Malta, il-Komunità Ahmadiyya dejjem tippromwovi d-djalogu bejn in-nies u r-reliġjonijiet kollha, u torganizza laqgħat, konferenzi u anke tipparteċipa f’laqgħat u intervisti differenti biex tippromwovi d-djalogu u r-rispett reċiproku għall-bini tal-paċi fi ħdan il-komunitajiet u l-poplu tagħna. Eżempju prattiku bħal dan kien meta kellna diskussjoni kostruttiva ħafna f’intervista li xxandret dan l-aħħar, kif jidher fir-ritratt. Kienet diskussjoni verament mill-isbaħ u ta’ rispett; tabilħaqq kienet konverżazzjoni bejn tlett iħbieb – jiena, Patri Mario Attard u Karl Bonaci li huwa preżentatur magħruf u maħbub ħafna.

Il-libertà tar-reliġjon

Nixtieq nikkonkludi bil-messaġġ tal-mexxej preżenti tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana lill-Konferenza Ministerjali Internazzjonali, li saret fiċ-Ċentru Reġina Eliżabetta II, Londra, fl-2022, fejn saħaq li hu jinsab kuntent ħafna li qiegħda ssir din il-konferenza sabiex tippromwovi u tipproteġi l-prinċipji fundamentali tal-libertà tar-reliġjon u t-twemmin. Huwa qal:

Il-libertà tar-reliġjon u t-twemmin huma drittijiet fundamentali tal-bniedem li jridu jiġu ppreservati u protetti għal kulħadd u kullimkien. Għalkemm qed ngħixu f’dinja dejjem aktar sekularizzata li fiha n-nies qed jitbiegħdu mir-reliġjon, ħafna miljuni ta’ nies madwar id-dinja għadhom iżommu l-valuri reliġjużi, u huwa essenzjali li jkunu jistgħu jgħixu ħajjithom skont it-twemmin u l-fehim tagħhom. Għalhekk, il-Koran Imqaddes għamilha d-dmir reliġjuż tal-Musulmani li jipproteġu d-drittijiet tan-nies ta’ kull twemmin u għamel il-libertà tat-twemmin pedament tar-reliġjon tagħna.

Fl-istess ħin, bħala persuna reliġjuża, huwa t-twemmin mill-qalb tiegħi li l-libertà vera u l-paċi dejjiema fid-dinja mhumiex possibbli sakemm l-umanità tagħraf lill-Ħallieq tagħha, twettaq id-drittijiet Tiegħu u taġixxi fuq il-Kmandamenti Tiegħu. Kemm jekk inklinati reliġjożament jew le, irridu nagħrfu li hemm Alla wieħed li huwa l-Ħallieq, u li f’idejh jinsab il-ħolqien kollu, u għalhekk huwa dmir tagħna li nwettqu d-drittijiet Tiegħu u tal-bnedmin kollha. Jalla Alla li Jista’ Kollox jippermetti li tirbaħ il-libertà u l-armonija reliġjuża vera għall-komunitajiet u n-nies kollha madwar id-dinja biex jgħixu ħajjithom liberament skont it-twemmin tagħhom. Ammen.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Interfaith, Interfaith dialogue | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Flimkien, Inter-religious dialogue, Inter-religious Peace, Interfaith, Islam, Malta, Muslim, Quran | Leave a comment

Social justice: The way forward

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Il-ġustizzja soċjali: It-triq ’il quddiem

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif |In-Nazzjon, 2 ta’ Marzu 2024| amjmalta@gmail.com

Dan l-aħħar, fit-22 ta’ Frar 2024, ħabib tiegħi l-Onorevoli Ivan Bartolo, f’kollaborazzjoni mal-President tal-Kamra tar-Rappreżentanti organizza konferenza tant importanti fuq it-tema tal-ġustizzja soċjali, fil-Parlament Malti. Jien kont wieħed mill-kelliema ta’ din il-konferenza ta’ valur kbir. Nixtieq li naqsam ukoll dawk il-ħsibijiet b’xi żidiet oħra għad-diskors tiegħi mal-qarrejja tagħna.

Jien u l-Onorevoli Ivan Bartolo nafu x-xulxin għal ħafna snin u ħdimna flimkien fil-qasam soċjali; u dejjem nippruvaw li nġibu xi bidla pożittiva fil-ħajja ta’ ħutna li huma fil-bżonn kemm nistgħu; u dejjem nagħtu sehemna f’din il-missjoni nobbli favur il-bniedem.

Huwa minnu li huwa d-dmir tal-Istat li jipprovdi l-bżonnijiet bażiċi tal-ħajja liċ-ċittadini kollha, imma bħala soċjetà għandna wkoll ħafna doveri li jaqgħu fuqna.

Nemmen li biex il-ġustizzja soċjali tkun mibnija fuq pedament u valuri sodi, huwa importanti li rridu naħdmu flimkien, id f’id, b’għerf kollettiv u għall-għan komuni biex inġibu bidla pożittiva fil-ħajja ta’ kulħadd li jgħix fis-soċjetà, u fejn kulħadd jista’ jgħix ħajja dinjituża.

Is-suġġett tal-ġustizzja soċjali huwa għal qalbi ħafna, u jien personalment inħobb ħafna lill-umanità, għax, “Jekk tħobb lill-Artist, allura trid tħobb ukoll l-arti Tiegħu. U jekk tħobb lill-Ħallieq, allura għandek tħobb il-ħolqien Tiegħu.”

Jiġifieri, mhux possibbli li wieħed verament iħobb lill-Mulej, mingħajr ma jħobb u jaqdi d-drittijiet tal-ħolqien Tiegħu. L-imħabba ta’ Alla hija marbuta mal-imħabba tal-bnedmin, u bl-istess mod, l-imħabba tal-umanità hija marbuta mal-imħabba ta’ Alla, Kollu Grazzja, il-Ħanin.

Għalhekk, nixtieq nippreżenta xi rakkomandazzjonijiet plawsibbli u fattibbli rigward il-ġustizzja soċjali, bħala t-triq ’il quddiem għalina bħala soċjetà.

L-ewwel nett, irridu nibnu soċjetà b’qalb kbira – soċjetà li tħobb u tagħti kas tal-proxxmu – ejjew nibnu soċjetà li titbissem, ejjew nadottaw attitudni ta’ għożża. Il-Koran Imqaddes jiggwidana li rridu nitkellmu bi grazzja u qalb tajba man-nies (2:84).

Għalhekk, għandu jkollna lsien mimli bl-għasel, jiġifieri mimli ħlewwa; u dejjem iqattar l-għasel minn kliemna meta nitkellmu; u nuru ħniena meta niktbu kelma. U ma inweġġgħu lil ħadd. Għax kelma ħanina hija verament parti mill-ġustizzja soċjali.

Ejjew insellmu lil kulħadd u ngħidu ‘Bonġu’, ‘Il-paċi miegħek’, ‘Alla jbierkek’, jew, ‘Asslamo-alejkum’ ma’ kull min niltaqgħu matul il-ġurnata. B’dan il-pass żgħir, kulħadd jibda jħossu stmat u rispettat, u b’hekk nistgħu noħolqu rivoluzzjoni soċjali fil-pajjiż.

It-tieni, nixtieq nissuġġerixxi li għandu jkun hemm aktar seminars u konferenzi li jressqu lil nies anke minn reliġjonijiet differenti aktar lejn xulxin biex jiżdied id-djalogu interreliġjuż, u jkun hemm aktar kollaborazzjoni fi proġetti soċjali u umanitarji.

Illum, meta d-dinja saret villaġġ globali, tinħass ħtieġa akbar minn qatt qabel li nitgħallmu kif nistgħu ngħixu flimkien bl-imħabba u r-rispett, ma’ nies ta’ kulturi u reliġjonijiet differenti. Biex dan isir realtà, huwa importanti li kulħadd juri rispett sħiħ lejn id-dritt sagrosant u bażiku tal-libertà tar-reliġjon ta’ kulħadd u kullimkien, madwar id-dinja, skont Dikjarazzjoni Universali tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti. Jien, bħala Aħmadi Musulman, nemmen bis-sħiħ fil-libertà tar-reliġjon u l-Koran Imqaddes jgħid ukoll li, m’għandux ikun hemm sfurzar fir-reliġjon; u li kulħadd huwa liberu fl-għażla tiegħu (2:257).

Il-libertà tar-reliġjon hija fundamentali meta nitkellmu dwar il-ġustizzja soċjali. Imma sfortunatament għad hawn ħafna pajjiżi fid-dinja fejn din il-libertà ma teżistix; dan huwa ksur ċar tal-ġustizzja soċjali.

It-tielet, jiena nemmen li meta nieħdu ħsieb tal-ambjent tagħna, inkunu qed naffettwaw pożittivament is-sistema soċjali, u għalhekk nixtieq nissuġġerixxi li kull familja għandha tiżra’ mill-anqas pjanta jew siġra waħda fis-sena, fil-lokalitajiet rispettivi tagħna bl-għajnuna tal-kunsilli lokali. Jekk naħdmu flimkien, jiena ċert li nistgħu noħolqu rivoluzzjoni soċjali ħadra ġewwa pajjiżna.

Ir-raba’, li ma naħlux l-ikel żejjed li għandna, u jekk għandna iktar minn dak li għandna bżonn minflok li narmu fiż-żibel, huwa ferm aħjar li nippreservawh u nagħtuh lil dawk li huma fil-bżonn. Imma sfortunatament aħna sirna egoisti ħafna u, minflok nippruvaw nilħqu biex ngħinu lil xi ħadd, nagħżlu biex narmuh fiż-żibel għax possibbilment huwa aktar faċli, imma b’hekk qatt ma jista’ jiġi apprezzat.

Kuljum qed jinħela ħafna ikel; anke jekk nafu li l-faqar qed jiżdied fis-soċjetajiet tagħna u hemm ħafna familji li ma jaffordjawx biżżejjed ikel, xorta waħda naħlu l-ikel. Ftit sforz jista’ jagħmel differenza kbira.

Il-ħames, nixtieq nissuġġerixxi li kull familja li tista’ għandha tgħin lil familja oħra fil-bżonn billi tgħinhom fix-xirja tal-ikel kull xahar; kemm jistgħu. Mhux il-kwantità hija importanti, iżda l-att ta’ mħabba u rispett li nkunu qed nuru ma’ ħutna fil-bżonn li jkun meqjus bħala xi ħaġa meraviljuża u li wkoll ikun pass pożittiv rivoluzzjonarju lejn il-bini ta’ soċjetà msejsa fuq il-ġustizzja soċjali u l-valuri umani.

Nixtieq nagħlaq, bil-motto tal-Komunità Ahmadiyya Musulmana, li huwa bla dubju l-aktar diskors u prinċipju eċċezz-jonali li jixhed kulma jaqa’ taħt il-ġustizzja soċjali, li huwa:

Imħabba għal Kulħadd __ Mibegħda għal Ħadd

Posted in Ahmadiyya: The True Islam, www.Ahmadiyya.mt | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Islam, Malta, malti, Quran, Social Justice | Leave a comment

Environment of our homes

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

L-ambjent ta’ djarna

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

Meta niltaqgħu ma’ sħabna, mal-membri tal-familja jew mal-kollegi tagħna, suġġett wieħed spiss jiġi diskuss b’interess u b’xewqa kbira u dik hija l-‘paċi’. Meta jkollna xewqa daqshekk profonda u taħraq għall-paċi, allura għaliex ix-xewqa tagħna mhix qed issir realtà, anzi, qed issir ferm aktar ’il bogħod milli ssir realtà?

Nemmen li, mhux biss li nitkellmu jew li nixtiequ l-paċi, imma għandna dmir, kull wieħed u waħda minna, li naqdu l-akbar irwol tagħna biex nistabbilixxu l-paċi f’din id-dinja. Madankollu, il-paċi fid-dinja ma tistax tiġi stabbilita sakemm nagħmlu djarna residenza ta’ serenità, trankwillità u ta’ paċi; sakemm nagħmlu l-ħajja tal-familji tagħna riflessjoni vera ta’ paċi dejjiema u ta’ sodisfazzjon.

Huwa importanti li dejjem inżommu f’moħħna ħaj u frisk li, jekk aħna ma nkunux kapaċi li noħolqu u nżommu ambjent paċifiku fi djarna, allura mhix tama valida ta’ soċjetà paċifika jew b’mod ġenerali d-dinja kollha mimlija mħabba u paċi. Tassew, djarna huma s-sisien għall-paċi u l-ġustizzja fis-soċjetà u fid-dinja inġenerali. Verament, m’hemm xejn li jixbah il-paċi; hija prezzjuża ħafna. Il-paċi mhijiex is-sempliċi assenza ta’ gwerra, iżda ambjent ta’ serenità, kompetenza, prosperità u benesseri. Il-paċi hija l-istat tal-moħħ li tgħinu jiżviluppa aktar, jivvinta u jiffjorixxi. Jalla Alla jagħtina saħħa, għerf u abbiltajiet kollha sabiex nagħtu sehemna sabiex nagħmlu dak kollu li nistgħu biex id-dinja verament issir ġenna tal-art. Ammen.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Environment of our homes, Islam, L-ambjent ta’ djarna, Malta, Muslims in Malta, Quran | Leave a comment

How can we strengthen our families?

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

The subject of family is not only important but has become crucial in the contemporary times, the situation of family has worsened in many countries, and there are serious concerns about it, and it seems that there is a complete breakdown of the family structure, relatively the situation in Malta is better comparing to other western societies, however, we are not immune to this social fragmentation.

Therefore, it is ‘the call of the hour’, that we learn the modes, means and ways to strengthen our families and put them into practice very strictly. The fact is that the strong and healthy families are the backbone of a society, and a strong society is the backbone of a vibrant nation, and indeed, vibrant nations are the backbone of a peaceful and prosperous world. Islam has given great importance to this subject and deals it with profound significance; and has set golden rules to make our homes an abode of peace, love and affection.

Two aspects of good parenting

Islam discusses the subject of happy parenting with two different aspects; firstly, how to become good husband and wife, and good parents and secondly, how to give proper upbringing to the children. Islam looks upon these both aspects in a very realistic, profound and spiritual manner. The verses that are recited at the time of announcement of an Islamic marriage ceremony, in a nutshell, shed abundant light on both of these aspects. Almighty God says in the Holy Quran:

O ye who believe; Fear your Lord, and say the complete truth. (If you do so, in return) He will reform your conduct and forgive your sins. And whoso obeys God and His Messenger shall surely attain a mighty success… O ye who believe, be mindful of your duty to Allah, and let everyone look to that which they send forth for tomorrow.

These verses draw our attention towards self reformation, attaining the highest moral and spiritual standards, setting valuable examples and being closer to the Creator, because that will pave the way to ‘attain a mighty success’, meaning a successful and happy family life.

Pious and righteous progeny

The words ‘let everyone look to that which they send forth for tomorrow’, clearly draw our attention towards a proper and worthy upbringing of the future generation: to raise them piously, to raise them with the highest morals, to raise them with a firm resolve in their faith, to raise them as loyal citizens and to make them excel in every aspect of life. This will not only adorn their lives in this world and their lives in the hereafter and earn the pleasure of God Almighty, but it will also make us deserving of reward owing to the good upbringing we provided them. The Holy Quran also teaches us a prayer: “Our Lord make my seed righteous for me” (46:16). How rightly it is said that: ‘you reap what you sow’.

The essence and significance of the above is that, if we really want to prosper, live better, peaceful and satisfied lives, and moreover, if we want our coming generations to be morally, ethically, spiritually, academically, financially and socially strong and immune from the social harms, then we must build strong, vibrant and healthy families.

The Question is: How to make our families stronger and happier for better parenting and proper upbringing of future generations? What are the means and remedies one can apply to achieve this paramount objective?

In this brief time available, I would like to underline some basic and key principles that if adhered to sincerely and faithfully, the above objective of an utmost value will become smooth; and I am certain that, it will be truly helpful to give a valuable meaning to our dreams of making our homes an abode of peace, love, respect and compassion.

First and foremost important point is regular prayers and to have close relationship with the Almighty God. Both husband and wife should always strive to abide by righteousness, and pray for the relationship to grow stronger and have regard for the respective relatives. When couples establish a relationship with God, their every action will be blessed and rewarded, as the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, once said that: “a man who puts a morsel, a piece of food into his wife’s mouth with a desire to earn merit in the sight of God, does a noble deed and it will bring its reward.”

Second: Husband and wife as life partners have great responsibilities and obligations. Both of them must have a great concern and feelings of love and compassion for each other. Their sentiments and emotions must reflect love and sympathy for each other. The Holy Quran has given an excellent example of husband and wife in the following verse, “Wives are a garment for their husbands, and husbands are a garment for their wives.” (2:188)

Meaning that, both should protect each other, both should become a means of care and affection for each other, and both should cover the weaknesses and shortcomings of each other; and they become as one, as the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: ‘You will find believers as one body as regards their shared lifestyle, love and affection. When any one limb or part of the body is not well, the rest of the body suffers with sleeplessness and fever.’

Therefore, both the husband and wife should always look on the positive aspects of each other, instead of each other’s shortcomings. In this regard, we have been instructed by the Founder of Islam, that if you see a flaw in the other or dislike a habit of theirs, there would be many things about them that you may like and admire. These favourable aspects should be kept in view to selflessly create a harmonious air and environment of conciliation.

Third: It is also of a paramount importance that the husband and wife always spare time for each other, where they can freely and respectfully talk to each other. If anything crops up, both husband and wife should clear it up immediately by talking to each other lovingly and affectionately.

Fourth: “Adorn yours and your children’s future in this world and in the hereafter.” These are the beautiful words of the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community as a guiding principle for the parents; and when husband and wife have adorned themselves properly then they would become wonderful role models for their children.

Fifth: To make the family life healthy, prosperous and to add in it the sweet-flavour of happiness it is highly recommended that the parents must spend their valuable and quality time with their children and establish effective communication between all family members. In addition, children should be provided serene and understandable open platform to discuss their matters freely with their parents. Home environment should always demonstrate the core values of faithfulness, kindness, unconditional love and respect.

I would like to conclude with the words of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who has explained this subject in a nutshell and says: “Become pious and righteous yourselves and become an example of piety and righteousness for your children.” May God Almighty enable everyone to live in a way that their actions become a source of God’s pleasure and they inherit paradise in both worlds. Ameen.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Family, Islam, Kif nistgħu nsaħħu l-familji?, Laiq Ahmed Atif, Malta, Quran, strengthen our families, strong families | Leave a comment

Truthfulness

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

___________ The Holy Quran ___________

“O ye who believe! Fear Allah and be with the truthful.” (9:119)

“And confound not truth with falsehood nor hide the truth, knowingly.” (2:43)

“O ye who believe! fear Allah, and say the right word. He will bless your works for you and forgive you your sins.” (33:71-72)

___________ Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) ___________

“When you speak, do not lie. When you promise, do not break it. When you are trusted, do not betray it.” (Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir)

“Leave alone that which involves thee in doubt and adhere to that which is free from doubt, for truth is comforting, falsehood is disturbing.” (Tirmidhi)

“Truthfulness leads to virtue, and virtue leads to Paradise. A man continues to be truthful and strives for truthfulness until he is written as a truthful person with God. And beware of falsehood, for indeed falsehood leads to sinning, and indeed sinning leads to the Fire. A man continues to tell lies and strives upon falsehood until he is written as a liar with God.” (Muslim)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa had very high standards of truthfulness. He regarded truth as the basis of all virtue, goodness, and right conduct.

It is narrated that, there was a man who did many bad things. He went to the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa and asked, “How can I stop doing bad things?” The Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa answered, “Always be truthful.” A few days later, the man was going to comit an immoral or sinful act, but he thought, “What if the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa asks me about it? I can’t lie.” So he didn’t do the immoral or sinful act. The next day, he was going to steal something, but he thought, “What if the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa asks me if I stole anything? I can’t lie.” So he didn’t steal it. Slowly the man stopped doing all of his bad things just by having to tell the truth.

That’s how important telling the truth is. Therefore, we should never tell a lie because Allah does not like people who tell lies and will not help us if we do. Allah helps and likes people who tell the truth.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, morality, Morals | Tagged Il-Morali, Il-Verità, morality, Morals, Truthfulness | Leave a comment

Six years of success

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

Six years ago we have conceived an idea of printing a monthly magazine to address different concerns and questions that many people have in their minds; and also to address the current national and international issues. Id-Dawl magazine is our brain child and one of its core objectives is to provide our readers a different, educated, well researched and thought provoking content.

It has been a journey of six year since we had the pleasure and blessing to print the first edition of Id-Dawl magazine in January 2018. By the grace of Almighty Allah, together with the content, we have also worked hard to make this magazine very attractive, presentable and of high quality. We have also been presenting to our readers content on different topics in a high standard Maltese language.

Now, with the start of its 7th year, we are starting two new columns for our readers. One will be dedicated to discuss one basic moral quality and this series of moral values will continue in the upcoming editions; and secondly, we are starting a Q&A column, where we will be replying to questions that we receive time-to-time from our readers. Please do write to us, if you have any question, or anything you would like to know or read in Id-Dawl; moreover, your feedback is truly helpful for further improvement. In this edition of Id-Dawl we are discussing one very basic and core moral quality of ‘truthfulness’ and we will also be addressing the subject of suffering in the world, a question many people ask, and more particularly the youth.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Id-Dawl, Id-Dawl Magazine, Islam, Malta, Quran | Leave a comment

Is disability the result of sin?

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | Read this article in Maltese

“He who follows the right way follows it only for the good of his own soul: and he who goes astray, goes astray only to his own loss. And no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another.” (17:16) “And no soul acts but only against itself; nor does any bearer of burden bear the burden of another.” (6:165)

Both these verses of the Holy Quran shed sufficient light when we discuss the subject of ‘religion, disability and suffering’. Both these verses categorically reject the notion that any illnesses or disabilities in babies born are due to the sin or burden of any other soul. This notion has nothing to do with religion and Islam also in clearest terms rejects this ideology or stigmatisation.

The above mentioned verses purport to say that every man shall have to carry his own cross and bear his own burden; and that man himself has to face the consequences of his actions.

What is Sin?

Before, going further, let us discuss: What is Sin? Sin is an activity which renders the human soul spiritually sick and incapable of truly viewing the face of God or gaining his nearness. When the soul moves towards the purpose of its creation, challenges must be encountered through this undertaking. Activities which amount to sin are either physical, whose dangers are visible to oneself as well as to others, or are spiritual.

According to Islam, “Every child is born true to nature.” The children who have not yet reached an age of understanding remain innocent and are not liable to any punishment, nor can their misbehaviour or any wrongdoing on their part be called a sin. For example, if a young child steals a bar of chocolate, he will not be charged with theft and will be considered innocent due to his understanding not having matured enough to make the distinction between right and wrong or virtue and sin, or what is legal and illegal. Furthermore, if God forbid, that child dies at an early age, he will go to heaven as according to Islam, a child that dies before their understanding of sin and virtue, their every deed will qualify as being innocent.

So, how does Islam see the situation of someone who was born with any particular condition?

First of all we must acknowledge that the blessings God has bestowed upon us are innumerable and that our knowledge is incomplete in comparison to God, therefore, we are unable to fully comprehend the wisdom of every action of God the Almighty.

Secondly, if there wasn’t any suffering, how would we have understood what happiness and contentment is? Suffering was crucial for humans to evolve into conscious beings and in understanding happiness. Another aspect of the existence of suffering is that human beings learnt the lesson of benevolence as well as the values of humanity through it. Had there not been any suffering, how would we have learned the values of gratefulness, kindness, and empathy?

Now, imagine a world where terrible diseases do not exist and that all humans are equal. This would again mean that life comes to a complete halt and there would be no need for human progress. The burning inner desire of every human in striving to bring about improvements within themselves and their conditions is undoubtedly the result of coexistence of suffering and happiness.

A driving force for scientific investigation

Furthermore, there are many secrets of human progress hidden in the divine decree of Allah the Exalted. Suffering becomes a driving force for scientific investigation, discovery, and progress for mankind. Very recently, we have witnessed with our very eyes and experiences how the Covid-19 pandemic drove humanity to a complete standstill and there was unspeakable suffering all over the world. It moved humans towards an unprecedented struggle to get rid of human suffering and discomfort. This hardship and affliction led to the invention of vaccinations that have provided cure, health, and comfort to mankind along with better ways of thinking and working.

Factually speaking, many defects that exist are due to genetic disorder or human negligence but the important thing to note is, it still has nothing to do with the sin. For instance, medical science has proven that certain weaknesses of parents affect their children. If full care is not taken during pregnancy, it can sometimes have a detrimental effect on the health of the unborn child. Mothers who are dieting sometimes have weak babies.

Similarly, if a mother uses illicit drugs during her pregnancy, naturally it will also have negative effects on the child. This is why doctors advise women to avoid alcohol consumption, smoking and sugary drinks during their pregnancy and should instead eat healthy and adopt a healthy lifestyle for the sake of their child’s health and their own. It is therefore a law of nature that children inherit both good and bad aspects from their parents, they take good health and genetics from them as well as illnesses. If they did not inherit diseases or ailments from their parents, they would also not inherit the good things.

True inheritors of Allah’s unlimited reward

I would like to conclude with a quotation of the Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad^aba, from his Friday Sermon delivered on 2^nd October 2015; he says:

“Those who persevere through hardships and remain patient are the true inheritors of Allah’s unlimited and incalculable reward. Therefore, it is necessary for a believer to understand the meaning of patience. Patience does not mean that a person should not feel sorry for any loss, but rather that one should not let any loss or pain overwhelm them to the point of losing their senses, becoming hopeless, and not utilising their practical abilities. So, to some extent, it is okay to allow ourselves to feel regret or sadness, but it is important to channel those emotions into positive actions even more than before and move forward with renewed determination to achieve even higher goals.”

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, www.ahmadija.org.mt | Tagged Disability, Dnub, God, Happiness and suffering, illness, Is disability the result of sin?, Sin, Suffering | Leave a comment

Id-Dawl 74

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

ID-DAWL-74 Download

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Id-Dawl, Id-Dawl Magazine | Tagged Ahmadiyya Malta, Decent Language, Environment of our homes, Family Life, Id-Dawl, Id-Dawl 74, Id-Dawl Magazine, Islam, Malta, principles of peace, Quran, righteous progeny | Leave a comment

Social justice conference in parliament

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta participated in a conference organized at the Parliament of Malta on the theme of ‘Social Justice’ on Thursday 22 February 2024. Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Malta, was one of the speakers of this conference. In his speech, he presented a five-point action plan as a way forward in the local context with reference to Social Justice. This highly important conference was also addressed by the Hon. Speaker of the House of Representative, Hon. Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights, Hon. Leader of the Opposition, other Members of the Parliament and other distinguished speakers from different backgrounds.

Posted in Ahmadiyya Malta, Malta | Leave a comment

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