Importance of tolerance

The Sunday Times: 26th December 2010

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

In an age where the electronic media has drawn us closer together into what is called a global village, or a global society, its benefits will only be felt when mutual goodness prevails, when mutual respect and understanding prevail.

If, instead of good feelings, hatred emerges, if restlessness usurps heartfelt peace, then we must accept that this is not progress, but is something that will take us towards unexpected results.

In this globalisation, where people of different backgrounds, cultures and religions are living together, and where the world has become multicultural and full of diversity, establishing tolerance and harmony has become very crucial and important, and fostering mutual love and affection has become vital.

Without tolerance and harmony the lasting peace of societies cannot be maintained, and loyalty for each other cannot be established.

Loyalty is borne from feelings of love and affection. At a personal level the feelings of love strengthens the feelings of loyalty. When a citizen loves his country, he exhibits loyalty and devotion and makes sacrifices for the sake of the nation.

If sentiments of love do not exist, then the spirit of sacrifice cannot be formed. Unless a person loves another he can never have good feelings in his heart towards him, and he cannot faithfully fulfil the rights due to that person.

Lack of tolerance leads to fighting, violence, and finally it destroys the peace and security of society. When people fail in their arguments they become intolerant, and then they use force and aggression to support their point of view.

We have seen considerable incidents in recent history where, because of lack of tolerance, people have attacked people of other faiths, their places of worship, their communities. How nice it would be if everyone tries to express himself in a decent and respectful way with tolerance.

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

The worldwide celebration of the International Day for Tolerance was an annual observance declared by Unesco in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance, and to help people understand the importance of tolerance.

The annual celebration of this day reminds us how important and crucial these values are. And it does not mean that we only observe tolerance on this day, but this day is just a reminder, so we carry on these values throughout the year.

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

Tolerance can be shown in many ways, on different occasions and at different times. A person might fully disagree with others on any issue, from religion to politics, while at the same time honouring and respecting those with different ideas and opinions and treating them with full dignity and honour.

Tolerance is needed in all spheres of life, and on every level and on every stage, because it plays a vital role to establish peace and love, from the smallest unit up to the highest unit of society.

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

Here, let it be clear that showing respect and tolerance to the opinions of others does not necessarily mean you have to compromise your principles or embrace or accept others’ ideas. It is simply a matter of fundamental human rights.

The right of every human being that his sensibilities and sentiments shall not be violated and offended must be recognised. And every human person has the right to have an opinion and to express it.

amjmalta@gmail.com http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101226/opinion/importance-of-tolerance

Islamic society condemns anti-Christmas campaign

www.di-ve.com

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

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

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

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

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

“This is not a time to sow the seed of hatred, malice, disrespect and intolerance because they will ultimately destroy the peace of our societies and will create disorder on this beautiful planet. But, please, let us sow the seeds of love, harmony, tolerance and universal brotherhood, because these values will grow fruitful trees and gardens of peace, tranquility and serenity for the whole mankind. And let us spread the message of love for all, hatred for none.”

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

Muslims in Malta condemn anti-Christmas poster campaign

The Times of Malta: www.timesofmalta.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hate Crimes against a Peace Loving Community

Hate crimes against Ahmadi Muslims being investigated

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

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

For more click here

Flimkien kollox hu possibbli

Meta nħarsu lejn l-istorja tal-umanità nsibu li l-bnedmin dejjem kienu fit-tiftixa tal-paċi li tibqa’ għal dejjem. Il-bnedmin kellhom għatx kbir għall-paċi. Fil-qosor, il-paċi baqgħet maħbuba tan-nies ta’ kull età, f’kull żmien u ta’ kull pajjiż tad-dinja.

Aħna ngħixu f’dinja ta’ kompetizzjoni u ta’ għira. Ngħixu f’dinja fejn inċertezzi li qed jikbru kuljum iħassbuna dwar l-istat ta’ paċi fid-dinja. Nemmen, u jien konvint tassew, li dan huwa messaġġ universali, tkun liema tkun ir-reliġjon, ir-razza, in-nazzjonalità jew il-kulur tiegħek.

Illum il-ġurnata s-suġġett tal-paċi u s-sigurtà huwa importanti daqs kemm kien mijiet u eluf ta’ snin ilu. F’dan iż-żmien meta l-bniedem sar iktar ċiviliżat u rċieva ħafna barkiet ta’ Alla, għandna nkunu l-bnedmin tal-paċi. Imma, sfortunatament naraw li hemm ħafna demm tal-bnedmin li qed jixtered madwar id-dinja. Il-bniedem għandu l-għatx tad-demm ta’ ħuh. Hemm nies li qed joqtlu l-ġirien tagħhom, hemm nies li qed ixerrdu d-demm tan-nies ta’ pajjiżhom. Fil-qosor, hemm nuqqas kbir ta’ rispett u ta’ paċi fid-dinja.

Meta naqraw l-istorja tal-bniedem, naraw li sa mill-bidu tal-ħolqien il-bnedmin fuq l-art, Alla bagħat ħafna għalliema reliġjużi, profeti u messaġġiera Tiegħu għall-gwida tal-umanità. U kull wieħed minnhom li kien mibgħut minn Alla ġab il-messaġġ tal-paċi, tas-sigurtà, tal-armonija u tal-imħabba.

Dawn l-għalliema reliġjużi magħżulin minn Alla, li ntbagħtu mis-sema biex jirriformaw l-umanità u jistabbilixxu għaqda ma’ Alla – il-Ħallieq, dejjem ħadmu u talbu biex jagħmlu d-dinja kenn ta’ paċi u l-bnedmin isiru verament il-bnedmin tal-paċi; l-iktar li jħobbu lil Alla u l-iktar li jixtiequ l-paċi lill-oħrajn.

Il-Kotba Mqaddsa kollha għandhom il-messaġġ ċar tal-paċi u tal-imħabba. Fil-Bibbja Mqaddsa naqraw: “Henjin dawk li jġibu l-paċi, għax huma jissejħu wlied Alla. Henjin dawk li huma ppersegwitati minħabba s-sewwa, għax tagħhom hija s-Saltna tas-Smewwiet. Henjin intom, meta jgħajrukom u jippersegwitawkom u jaqilgħu kull xorta ta’ ħażen u gideb kontra tagħkom minħabba fija.” (San Mattew: 5:9-11)

Fil-Koran imqaddes Alla jgħid: “Alla jmexxi lejn it-toroq tal-paċi u tas-sliem lil dawk li jħabirku biex jogħġbu lilu, u bir-rieda Tiegħu joħroġhom mid-dlamijiet lejn id-dawl u jmexxihom lejn triq is-sewwa.” (5:17)

“Ma hemmx ġid f’ħafna konferenzi tagħhom, ħlief ta’ dak li jamar il-karità, jew l-għemil it-tajjeb, jew il-paċi bejn in-nies. Min jagħmel hekk, bix-xewqa li jogħġob lil Alla, se nagħtuh ħlas mill-kbar.” (4:115)

Dawn il-versi juru biċ-ċar li kemm hu sabiħ li naħdmu għall-paċi bejn in-nies, u nwasslu l-messaġġ ta’ paċi lil kulħadd. Dan huwa għemil tajjeb ħafna u għandu ħlas kbir mingħand Alla. Alla jħobb il-paċi, għalhekk jgħid li se jagħti ħlas kbir lil dawk li jħobbu u jipprattikaw il-paċi bejniethom.

Jekk inħarsu lejn is-sitwazzjoni tad-dinja nsibu li d-dinja għandha l-bżonn tal-paċi, tal-imħabba u tal-ħbiberija. Id-dinja trid it-tmiem tal-gwerer. Minflok il-ħitan tal-mibegħda għandna l-bżonn tal-pontijiet li jgħaqqdu, għandna bżonn li l-paċi tostor il-ħażen u dak kollu mnissel minnu, u għal dan biex isir, in-nies ta’ fidi, ta’ kulur, ta’ razza u ta’ nazzjonalità differenti għandhom jingħaqdu flimkien.

Jiena nemmen li aħna bħala bnedmin, jekk nixtiequ, nistgħu nistabbilixxu l-paċi f’soċjetajiet tagħna kif ukoll fid-dinja kollha. Ejjew naħdmu billejl u binhar sabiex nagħmlu d-dinja kenn ta’ paċi. Nemmen u jien konvint tassew li, flimkien kollox hu possibbli.

[Il-Mument: Il-Ħadd 21 ta' Novembru 2010]

Peace Conference 2011

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta is organising its 2^nd Peace Conference on 25^th February 2011, at Excelsior Hotel Floriana, at 6.00pm.

It will be an inter-religious event, where representatives from different denominations will deliver their talks. Also two Honourable MPs will also deliver their talk in the event.

The event is open to all, and will be in English, in the end there will be Q & A session. Refreshment will be offered to all the attendees.

For more information please contact amjmalta@gmail.com ; 79320139.

Thanks and looking forward for the wonderful event “Peace Conference”.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat community in Malta condemns attack on Baghdad church

The Times of Malta : Friday, 5th November 2010

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat community in Malta has strongly condemned the attack on a Baghdad church by extremists on Sunday.

The attack resulted in the death of 58 Christian worshipers, including three priests.

The Ahmadiyya Community said it believed in the Quranic teaching of freedom of faith and worship that: “There should be no compulsion in religion”.

It believed in human dignity and condemned killing for any reason whatsoever - there is no place in Islam for violence, it said adding that Islam strongly establishes freedom of belief and worship and urged protection of places of worship of all faiths.

The community said Muslims were commanded to honour human dignity, and in the early times of Islam when Muslims were given permission for defensive wars, it was forbidden to kill religious leaders – priests or rabbis – in their respective places of worship, and to attack and demolish places of worship.

Muslims were made to promise that they would also help defend the followers of other faiths from unjust and cruel attacks.

“As members of the Ahmadiyya Community, we call on all Muslims to follow the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) and work to live in harmony with our non-Muslim brothers and sisters.

“We, the members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat express our condolences to the victims' families in this difficult time and hope for swift action against the perpetrators of this heinous, inhuman and barbaric act.

“And we pray to God the Almighty that He makes this world a haven of peace, tolerance, harmony, liberty and universal brotherhood,” they said.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101105/local/ahmadiyya-muslim-jamaat-community-in-malta-condemns-attack-on-baghdad-church

Ahmadiyya condemns attack on church in Iraq

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat strongly condemns the attack on a Baghdad church by extremists on Sunday, which resulted in the death of 58 Christian worshipers, including three priests. The Ahmadiyya Community condemns the attack with strongest terms.

The Ahmadiyya Community believes in the Quranic teaching of freedom of faith and worship that: “There should be no compulsion in religion”. It believes in human dignity and condemns their killing for any reason whatsoever; there is no place in Islam for violence. Islam strongly establishes freedom of belief and worship and urges protection of places of worship of all faiths. God the Almighty says:

“Whosoever killed a person — unless it be for killing a person or for creating disorder in the land — it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind.” (5:33)

This is the clear teaching that the unlawful killing or the shedding of innocent blood of someone is like the killing of the entire human race, that is to say, the taking of a single life is like the massacre of thousands of innocent lives. Now, everyone can very well imagine what kind of sentence would be passed on someone who is found guilty of the taking of thousands of innocent lives. So this is the beautiful teaching given to us by God, and whosoever acts against this, acts against the teachings of God – the Creator.

Muslims are commanded to honour human dignity, and in the early times of Islam when Muslims were given permission for defensive wars, it was forbidden to kill religious leaders – priests or rabbis – in their respective places of worship, and to attack and demolish places of worship. Muslims have been made to promise that they will help defend the followers of other faiths from unjust and cruel attacks as well. For example, in his charter for all time to come addressed to all Christians living as citizens under Muslim rule, the Holy Founder of Islam, states:

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

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

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

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

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

As members of the Ahmadiyya Community, we call on all Muslims to follow the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) and work to live in harmony with our non-Muslim brothers and sisters.

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

Ahmadis are loyal to their countries

“Religious extremism has no place in society”

-Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad the Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Community

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

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

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

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

His Holiness continued:

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

The importance of tolerance in society

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The concept of devil in Islam

The concept of devil in Islam

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Drugs: Are drugs real mean of satisfaction?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Il-kunċett veru tal-Ġiħad Iżlamiku?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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