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

British Parliament debates about Ahmadiyya Muslims

"I understand that this is the first ever parliamentary debate specifically to discuss the Ahmadiyya faith, and it is a great honour to be leading it." [Siobhain McDonagh]
UK Parliament - Westminster Hall
Meeting started on Wednesday 20 October at 2.30pm - ended at 5.45pm
Private Members’ Debate: Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan
Read transcript here: Ahmadiyya Community [Annette Brooke in the Chair]

Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden, Labour)

Britain’s Ahmadiyya Muslims work hard and contribute greatly to this country. Their belief in peace and religious tolerance is an example to us all, and is to be expected from a community whose motto is, "Love for all and hatred for none." Their fifth spiritual head, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, [http://ahmadija.org.mt/?mod=kalifi] lives in the United Kingdom, and their headquarters are in south London. Indeed, one of the world's biggest Ahmadi mosques is in Morden. It has capacity for 10,000 people, which means that I have many Ahmadi constituents, as do many neighbouring seats. I am pleased to say that we now have the backing of enough parliamentarians to start up an all-party parliamentary group for the Ahmadiyyan community, and we will hold our first ever meeting in the next few weeks.

In my experience, my Ahmadi constituents are well-educated, cultured and have a sophisticated and peace-loving approach. I am therefore delighted to be granted this opportunity to talk about the Ahmadiyyan community. I understand that this is the first ever parliamentary debate specifically to discuss the Ahmadiyya faith, and it is a great honour to be leading it. However, I am extremely sorry to bring this community's concerns to the House at this particular time. The circumstances that led me to ask for a debate are extremely sad. On 28 May, nearly 100 Ahmadiyya Muslim worshippers were brutally murdered in two separate attacks in Lahore. However, what makes the story especially poignant is not just the fact that the Ahmadi are so peaceful but that their murderers were also Muslim. What I hope to do today is to examine why the attacks took place, then ask whether there is anything that we in Britain and the wider community can do to prevent such atrocities happening again in the future. Finally, I want to assess what the implications are for Britain of how the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan is treated and what we can do about it.

To begin, I need to say a few words of introduction about the Ahmadiyyans. Despite the fact that they have translated the holy Koran into more than 60 languages, span 195 countries and have more than 15,000 mosques and a membership exceeding tens of millions, theirs is a faith that is little known outside their community. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community was founded in 1889 and arose out of the belief that the long-awaited.

Messiah had come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian. [http://ahmadija.org.mt/?mod=messijamwieghed] Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming whose advent was foretold by Mohammed. Obviously, that contradicts the view of mainstream Muslims who believe that Mohammed is the last prophet. Nevertheless, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is a very peaceful religion. They believe that there are parallels between Ahmad and Jesus, as God sent both to end religious wars, contend bloodshed and bring peace. For instance, they reject terrorism in any form. Ahmad declared that jihad by the sword had no place in Islam. Instead, he wanted his followers to wage a bloodless, intellectual jihad of the pen to defend Islam.

In a similar vein, Ahmadis believe that theirs is the only Islamic organisation to endorse a separation of mosque and state and to champion the empowerment and education of women. Ahmad also warned his followers not to engage in irrational interpretations of the Koran or to misapply Islamic law. In Britain today, we regard such attributes as modern and tolerant. However, those values are not shared by some other Muslim traditions, particularly those with a more fundamentalist view point. For such fundamentalists, belief in a false prophet is heretical enough, but for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community also to follow teachings that fundamentalists believe are wrong is adding insult to injury. Consequently, Ahmadis have long faced persecution. Their first martyr was killed in custody in 1901, and it is estimated that there have been about 200 deaths in total. Of course, religious disagreements have cost countless lives over the years throughout the world. Religions have a long and very unhappy history of attacking each other for worshipping the wrong prophet, even much closer to home than in Pakistan.

To read more please click: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2010-10-20a.284.0

For Video please click: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=6641

Biography - Muhammad The Prophet

Biography:

Muhammad The Prophet – History Channel

A detailed biography of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh); it is a 60 minutes documentary.

For more click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev0VLg4tJ2Q

The 100 most influential persons in History

The 100

A Ranking of The Most Influential Persons In History

By Michael H. Hart

“My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the worlds’ most influential persons and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels. It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to be considered the most influential single figure in human history.”

Watch Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqzoF_zMX_A&feature=rec-LGOUT-exp_fresh+div-1r-7-HM

Let us all plant a tree

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me

But only God can make a tree.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sunday Times: Sunday, 10th October 2010

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

Why more people turn to drugs?

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 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 losing their lives, dreams and future 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 the UK shows that parents worry more about their children taking drugs than possessing knives or guns. 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).

Governments are spending big amounts of money in tackling drug misuse and fighting the war on drugs. But, they do not seem to be winning this fighting because, 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 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 prevailing economic depression is another contributory factor for more people to turn to drugs and gambling and, thus, lead to further crime in society.

While 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 run away from 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, where the thirsty one thinks there is water until, when he comes to it, he finds it to be just an illusion. Drug addicts also think that drugs could quench their thirst but drugs are no more than a mirage in a desert.

If we ponder over the problem, we find that man is lacking trust and faith in God and when there is no trust in God then man tries to find relaxation through the drugs. Unfortunately, the reality is that, even in drugs, man does not find either solace or satisfaction.

What leads one 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. Oh, you the restless society, oh, 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 seek the paltry goods of this life, the greater becomes the hunger and the consequent burning of their hearts.

But those who seek God, the more they turn to Him, the greater is their peace of mind. This shows that the search for God is the innermost yearning of human nature and the real goal of man’s life. 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. If only the people of the world would realise this great secret of happiness!

Drug addiction does not only ruin someone’s life but it also ruins children, families and societies. And, moreover, it becomes a social and international crime, which disrupts all society.

Drugs cause hatred and enmity among people, leading to murder, violence, immoral behaviour etc. and, finally, pushing 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, one ought to establish a close relationship with God, ask for His mercy, seek His help to fulfil every desire and look for inspiration from Him alone. God, the Creator of the universe and everything in it, can surely remove all the depression, misery and suffering.

May God save the world from the threat of the misuse of drugs and may the world become a place of lasting peace.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101006/opinion/why-more-people-turn-to-drugs

Churches in Muslim countries

Churches, synagogues and mosques are all places of worship, wherein the name of God the Creator and Lord of the entire universe is oft-commemorated. Thus, they all are very sacred and holy and deserve to be respected and honoured fully, irrespective of the denomination to which they belong.

But, unfortunately there are some countries which do not allow the building of churches or other places of worship in their countries. Also, there are some people who are not paying full respect to the places of worship which do not belong to them or which are not the symbols of their religion. But, I believe that all places of worship, whatever the religion they belong to, whoever are the worshipers, whatever the way they worship God, they are sacred and holy and must be respected fully, in every country, in every part of the world and by all people.

I always find the news I am going to mention of great discomfort, in which I read sanctions on building places of worship or attacks on the places of worship. I read such news with great grief, sadness and sorrow whenever any place of worship is attacked, damaged, demolished and disrespected. Or any religious symbol has been dishonoured by the people of other faiths.

I have been asked many times questions, also I have read many comments and writings about these subjects, that: ‘‘Why churches are attacked in Muslim countries? Why Muslim countries do not allow the building of churches?’’ Both these are very important and valid questions, and I will try to shed some light on these issues.

1. The burning of churches in Muslim countries:

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

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

These all are very sad and heinous attacks, they all are against the freedom of faith and against basic human rights. We condemn these attacks categorically, with the strongest terms and we appeal to the authorities to bring the culprits, who have taken the law into their own hands, in front of justice.

These attacks are completely against Islamic teachings, Islam does not provide any cover or justification to such inhuman and uncivilized attacks, but, on the contrary Islam teaches Muslims to protect and defend places of worship which belong to other religions. The Quran mentions that Muslims are to defend churches and synagogues if they are attacked, even before defending their own mosques.

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

Such heinous attacks were not allowed even during wars and it was forbidden to attack and demolish places of worship. In the charter addressed to all Christians living as citizens in Muslim countries, the Holy Founder of Islam, states:

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

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

2. Building churches in Muslim countries:

There are many Churches in present day Muslim countries e.g. Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia. This is in line with the freedom of religion given in Islam. Islam believes in full freedom of faith and rejects any sort of force or violence in the matters of religion, the Holy Quran says:

‘‘There should be no compulsion in religion’’ [2:257]; ‘‘for you is your religion and for me is my religion’’ [109:7].

That is to say, that no one has the right to force others into complying with their demands or compelling others to follow their line of thinking. These verses have clearly showed that no one has the right to force anyone against his will to believe or to deny any faith or religion. But the choice of faith is a personal matter of someone. And everyone is allowed fully to build the place of worship according to his beliefs and he can pray freely.

However it is right to note that some Muslim countries have gone against this Islamic injunction and prohibited collective worship by non-Muslims. This is wrong and completely unacceptable. Never did the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) forbid the building of a church, nor did he order the demolition of a church.

Once during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, a Christian delegation from Najran came to Medina to have inter-faith dialogues with Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad showed them great hospitality, had discussions, with them for many days in his mosque in Medina, which is called ‘‘Mosque of the Prophet’’. At one time during the discussion the Christian delegation asked for permission to go out for some time. The Prophet Muhammad asked them, ‘‘Why do you want to go out?’’ They replied, ‘‘It is our prayer time and we would like to go out and to pray outside this mosque.’’ The Prophet said: ‘it is also a house of Allah; you may pray and worship in this mosque’. And he spared them the place in his mosque and went out with his companions so that the Christians could pray easily according to their faith and beliefs.

This incident and above mentioned teachings of Quran clearly show that not only building churches is permitted in Muslim states but also it is permitted that Christians can pray in Muslim mosques. In the light of these teachings the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has opened the doors of its mosques to all, and to the people of different faiths, and tries to tie the bonds of love, respect and brotherhood.