Ahmadiyya wishes you all a Very Blessed and Happy Eid Mubark!

The Muslims celebrate Eid twice a year, Eid-ul-Fitr and the other, which comes about 10 weeks later, is called Eid-ul-Adha.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival that marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. This joyous day is celebrated to give thanks for the blessings of Ramadhan. Muslims attend the Congregational Eid prayer service which is held in the morning. They wear new clothing, cook delicious food and invite friends and neighbors to celebrate with them. Fasting during Ramadhan inspires sympathy for the hungry and needy, and encourages Muslims to donate generously to the poor.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta wishes all Muslim brothers and sisters living in Malta and worldwide, a very Peaceful, Blessed and Happy EID MUBARAK!

Loving Humanity: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta presented gifts to the elderly people living at old homes

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta visited the elderly residents, asked about their health, wished and prayed for their good health and presented them fruit packets as a goodwill gesture and gift at St. Vincent de Paul Residency, on 29^th August 2011.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is always committed to help those who are in need irrespective of their faith, creed, nationality or politics, on the basis of ‘humanity first’ and ‘love for all hatred for none’.

It organises charity events for the needy people of this planet, all around the year, and especially prior to the celebration of Eid festival in the end of Ramadan, a month of sacrifices, self purification and fasting. Fasting during Ramadan not only fosters discipline, strength and increased focus on worship; it also inspires sympathy for the hungry and poor and encourages Muslims to donate generously to those who need it the most.

Islam pays a great importance to serving mankind and looking after the old and elderly people. This activity of the Ahmadiyya Community is a clear manifestation of its care for the old and elderly people of society. The Founder of Ahmadiyya Community has given a very clear message of kindness to humanity, to his followers, he says:

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

Humanity First: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta Contributed in Humanitarian Aid for Libya

“My aim and the desired objective is to serve the mankind” (Promised Messiah as, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Community)

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta presented food items together with milk and water to the Civil Protection Department, as a Humanitarian Aid for Libya. He met with the officers at duty and presented them the items and explained about the services of the Ahmadiyya Community for humanity.

Laiq Ahmed Atif prayed and said that, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat hopes and prays for the peace and security of Libyan people as they are passing from a hard and difficult time. May God bless them all and may peace prevail soon in Libya.

The Promised Messaih^(as) , the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, declared more than hundred years ago, in his book, A Message of Peace’:

“Irrespective of whether we are Muslims or Non-Muslims, and although we have many differences, we believe in God Who has created this world and all that is contained in it. We also claim commonality as human beings. It is our duty that we should become friends with a clear conscience and honest intentions. We should sympathise with each other on all matters temporal or religious. My Friends! That faith is no faith that does not teach sympathy for mankind. A human being is not human unless he displays some element of sympathy. Our God has made no distinction in any nation. Whatever faculties were given to the ancient nations have been given to the Arab, Persian, Chinese, Japanese, European and American nations. The earth serves as a common ground for all and the Sun, the Moon and the Stars perform common service for all mankind. These divine manifestations teach us that we should also treat each other equally, with amity and with tolerance. Narrow-mindedness or hard-heartedness has no place in human relations.”

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) had a great compassion for mankind. He said, “Sympathy for all mankind is a moral obligation and a duty (Arbaeen)…that religion is no religion which does no inculcate sympathy, nor does that man deserve to be called a man who does no have sympathy in him (message of peace).”

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) said, “The teachings of the Holy Qurán can be divided into two major categories. The first being unity of God, love and obedience to Him. The second is to treat kindly your brothers and fellow beings… be kind and merciful to humanity…always work for the good of mankind.”

Taking the cue from the Promised Messiah (a.s.) you would note Ahmadi Muslims excel all others in their commitment to prayers, in praying for the needy and the suffering and serving mankind irrespective of their faith, colour, creed, nationality or politics. It holds it's famous motto at the top; Love for All, Hatred for None.

Ahmadiyya distributes fruit packets to families living at Hal Far Refugee Camp

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta distributed packets of fruit to the families living at Ħal Far Refugee Camp on August 29, 2011.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is always committed to help those who are in need irrespective of their faith, creed, nationality or politics, on the basis of ‘humanity first’ and ‘love for all hatred for none’. It organises charity events for the vulnerable people of this planet, all around the year, and especially prior to the celebration of Eid festival in the end of Ramadan, a month of sacrifices, self purification and fasting. Fasting during Ramadan not only fosters discipline, strength and increased focus on worship; it also inspires sympathy for the hungry and poor and encourages Muslims to donate generously to those who need it the most.

The best example of kindness is that of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). His kindness was limitless and without any discrimination. Once on shaking hands with a labourer, he realized that his hands were rough and calloused form the hard work. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) took the hands in his own and massaged them gently repeating several times: These hands are very dear to Allah. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) showed appreciation to his fellow beings. He said: One who is not grateful to mankind is not grateful to Allah. (Tirmidhi)

The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) had great compassion for mankind. Love of humanity and forgiveness were two of his major characteristics. He wrote:

“I look upon no one as an enemy. I have the same love for all mankind as a mother has for her children. I am only an enemy of false beliefs and untruths. Sympathy for all is a moral obligation and a duty. (Arbaeen)

That religion is no religion that does not inculcate sympathy, nor does that man deserve to be called a man who does not have sympathy in him. (Message of peace)

Ramadan – a Muslim month of fasting, sacrifice, prayers and self-purification

Who can understand the importance of food and water more than those who have ever passed through hunger, thirst or any kind of famine during their life time? The month of Ramadan is also an exercise for having such hard and difficult experiences. And these experiences, at one side provide opportunity to reform the spirituality and to increase in the love of God, on the other, they are also a time to understand the sufferings and problems of those who do not have sufficient food or water for their life; and to develop great feelings for the vulnerable and destitute people of this planet. Indeed, the Ramadan is a clear understanding of the two basic principles of Islam – rights of God and rights of people.

It is obligatory for Muslims to fast one month every year in the month of Ramadan. The Holy Quran states: “O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you during a fixed number of days as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may safeguard yourselves against every kind of ill and become righteous.”

The true purpose of Ramadan, as of all forms of Islamic worship, is to draw people closer to Allah and closer to mankind. Though normal pursuits and occupations are carried on as usual, the emphasis on moral and spiritual values and concentration on them are intensified, and everything is subordinated to the main purpose. The hearing, the sight, the tongue, the mind are all under stricter control. For instance, not only vain talk, but much talk is also eschewed, so that there should be greater concentration on remembrance of Allah and reflection upon His attributes.

The Holy Quran elaborates more and says:

“The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation — the feeding of a poor man. It is better if one performs a good deed with heart-felt pleasure and in obedience. If you possess knowledge, you would appreciate that fasting is better for you.”

According to one Hadith, the Holy Prophet saw said that in addition to one’s spiritual development, fasting is necessary for our physical health as well which is confirmed by today’s science and the physicians.

Therefore every Muslim should first keep this in mind that fasting has been prescribed for the sake of Taqwa and rigor is necessary to attain Taqwa. Sacrifice in the path of God is necessary for attaining His pleasure. We should take advantage of the exemptions that Allah the Exalted has granted us as a favor looking at our condition and inabilities but should not exceed the limits.

The Promised Messiah as, the Founder of Ahmadiyya Community said:

“The one, whose heart looks forward to Ramadan so he could fast, will not be deprived of the (blessings of) fast in the heaven if an ailment prevents him from fasting in Ramadan. There are many people in this world who are used to making excuses and think that they would be able to deceive God the way they deceive other people in the world. The ones who are accustomed to making excuses look for issues and add other tangential details to justify themselves, but they are not justified before God the Exalted. As far as the ancillary discussions are considered, they could go on forever. If one desires, one could offer salat in sitting position for his entire life and never keep fast, but God is aware of everyone’s intentions. God the Exalted knows the one who has a pure heart, and He rewards him more as He appreciates the heartfelt pain. The people who make excuses depend on self-concocted justifications but these explanations have no value before God the Exalted.”

“The Promised Messiah as further said, “When I fasted for six months, once a group of prophets met me (in a vision). They asked me why I had put myself through such hardship, and advised me to abandon it.” Promised Messiah as said, “So when man puts himself through hardship for the sake of God, He, very compassionately says like parents that why he has put himself through hardship.” (Malfoozat, Volume 2, p.564, New Edition)

Fasting in Islam begins everywhere at the first appearance of dawn, and ends with sunset. During this period one is expected to abstain from all food and drink completely.

It is not just physical hunger and thirst that constitute the Muslim fast, but the nights prior to the beginning of the fast acquire a far more important character and play a central role in the institution of fasting. The Muslims wake up many hours before dawn for individual prayer and the remembrance of God.

Also the Holy Quran is recited in every Muslim house much more than in ordinary days. A greater part of the night is thus spent in spiritual exercises which make up the very essence of fasting. During the day, apart from restraining oneself from food and water, all Muslims are particularly exhorted to avoid vain talk, quarrels and fights, or any such occupation as is below the dignity of a true believer.

In Islam, alms-giving and care for the destitute is so highly emphasised that it becomes part of a Muslim’s daily life. However when it comes to Ramadan, the month of fasting, Muslims are required to redouble their efforts in this field. It is reported of the Holy Prophet that spending in the cause of the poor was a routine daily practice with him which has been likened unto a breeze, never ceasing to bring comfort and solace to the needy. However during Ramadan, the reporters of the Ahadith – the sayings of the Holy Prophet (Peace be on him) – remind us that the breeze seemed to pick up speed and began to blow like strong winds. Alms-giving and care for the destitute are so highly emphasised, that in no period during the year do Muslims engage in such philanthropic purposes as they do during the month of Ramadan.

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

May Allah the Exalted help us to benefit the most from the blessings, bounties and favours of Ramadan, and may He forgive us all our sins and may He accept all our prayers. Ameen

By: Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta: amjmalta@gmail.com ; Photo: Google Images

A country with worst intolerance!

Tolerance, harmony, respect, human dignity, justice and fair and equitable dealing in all circumstances are the values of a civilised and educated society. And no doubt, these values are the backbone of the progress and success of any society. A society, barred from these fundamental qualities, cannot remain prosperous and competitive. And a brief analysis of the current developed and under-developed countries’ position will make it absolutely clear that those who abide by these values are progressing rapidly, and those who do not practise these qualities are barred from all sorts of progress and achievements.

Pakistan is also amongst those countries where intolerance is increasing rapidly and all the stakeholders of the country as politicians, lawmakers, the judiciary, the police and mostly the religious clerics and leaders are responsible for that. The latter have diverted their priorities from teaching religion and moral values, towards spreading hatred, issuing fatwas (religious edicts) against mankind, and promoting violence and bloodshed. Very sad!!!

A few days ago, just because of one single statement by a minister, which was totally impolite and provocative, against a political party, people of that political party came out in the streets protesting and many innocent people were killed and dozens of cars and buses were set on fire, buildings and infrastructures were destroyed. The result was a huge loss to the economy of the country. If one commits a mistake, others try to correct it by making another mistake, and even a bigger one.

One major aspect of this increasing intolerance is that all the main stakeholders of the country are only working for their interests and motives, preaching hatred and intolerance to their people, prioritising personal agendas and neglecting the national interests and are not showing broadmindedness. They exploit the people’s ignorance and vulnerability, they toy with the sentiments of people of other faiths and all sorts of intolerance is preached openly and loudly and the government turns a blind eye to what is happening so as not to lose its votes.

The result is that many people have started deciding their matters in streets, on the crime spots by themselves. And they try to take the law into their own hands neglecting the best interests of their country. The country therefore is facing disorder and lack of rule of law.

Let me give you an example by telling you of an incident, which is too terrible to be seen or to be narrated, as it was so heinous and was a grave insult to mankind. However, that directly relates to my subject and that is one clear example for this intolerance. A few days ago a drug addict entered a mosque and tried to steal a water pump and the imam of the mosque saw him and together with other people arrested the thief and they took the law into their own hands and punished the thief on the spot. The extrajudicial punishment they decided is a clear example of an intolerant and violent attitude of the ordinary people as well as the religious clerics. And that punishment is considered one of the worst and grave humiliations in Asian societies. They took the thief and cut the hair of one side of the head, shaved part of his moustache and the eye brows, coloured his face black, hung many torn shoes around his neck, they rode him on a donkey (which is a symbol of grave humiliation) and finally they marched him around the town with a crowd of people chanting slogans and raising voices against him. They humiliated him as much as they could and left him dying out of humiliation every day. This incident was shown on television, believe me, it was hard to see and I turned my eyes away from the TV screen and only listened to what had happened.

And this was not the first incident of this kind, but, similar incidents take place on a regularly basis but mostly remain unreported.

How nice it would have been if the state had provided security and easy justice to all the citizens so that such incidents could be avoided. And also, how nice and civilized it would have been if the people and the imam of the mosque would have handed over the thief to the police and he would have been brought to justice.

By: Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta: amjmalta@gmail.com

Very Happy and Blessed Ramadan

By the sheer grace of Allah the Almighty Ramadan has come once again in our lives to strengthen our relationship with God the Almighty and to serve His people.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta wish you all a very happy and blessed Ramadan.

For any information about Ramadan please contact: amjmalta@gmail.com