IL-FESTI T-TAJBA

Mill-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana f’Malta

L-Isbaħ xewqat għall-Milied u s-Sena l-Ġdida 

Mimlijin barka, sliem, risq u ferħ

Saħħiet!

Peace and service to humanity a response to anti-Islam film

Freedom of speech!

Source/Credit: THE-TIMES Saturday, October 20, 2012 by Laiq Ahmed Atif

Freedom of speech, expression and conscience is a noble value and is vital to spread a message and to restore the dignity of man. Freedom of speech is also a pillar of democracy. Moreover, such freedom is both essential and crucial for a society to register progress.

Thus, such freedom should not be compromised and people should not be deprived of this basic and fundamental human right.

I also believe that one must be very responsible when practising this freedom. And, as the world has become a global village, it is very important for the greater benefit and the common good of the entire world that we all consider the sensitivities of the immense diversity and pluralism in our global village when practising this right for free speech.

According to Wikipedia, “freedom of speech is the political right to communicate one’s opinions and ideas. The term freedom of expression is sometimes used synonymously but includes any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used”.

It is very important that we must differentiate between freedom of speech and vulgarity, indecency and hate speech. And we must not forget that any irrational and insensitive action when practising freedom of speech can be exploited by fundamentalists and terrorists who are always there to destroy the peace of our global society.

So, a huge responsibility lies on our shoulders as a global family when freedom of speech comes into play.

Unfortunately, we find many cases around the world where freedom of speech and expression is grossly misused and abused and there are many who would want to make this an absolute and unquestionable right. Of course, it is not possible to take everything as an absolute and humans enjoy no right that is totally unconditional.

Wikipedia states: “In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country and the right is commonly subject to limitations, as with libel, slander, obscenity, sedition (including, for example, inciting ethnic hatred), copyright violation, revelation and incitement to commit a crime”.

The recent notorious case of an anti-Islam film and caricatures of Prophet Muhammed attracted different reactions from people from all walks of life and were condemned by many, including by US President Barack Obama, who said: “I believe its message must be rejected by all who respect our common humanity. It is an insult not only to Muslims but America as well.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said: “My position is that freedom of expression, while it is a fundamental right and privilege, should not be abused by such people, by such a disgraceful and shameful act”.

The head of the global Ahmadiyya Muslim Community also condemned these insulting actions together with the violent reaction of Muslims around the world. He expressed concern over such inappropriate, divisive and derisive resort to freedom of speech and highlighted how hurtful and abusive the ‘free speech’ of the anti-Islam film is to the sentiments of the 1.5 billion Muslims.

I believe that hurting one’s sentiments, injuring feelings, humiliating, malice and spreading hate do not fall within the ambit of freedom of speech and expression. And when insulting holy personages and sacred people of different faiths, it becomes even harsher and more painful.

The head of our community said that the law on freedom of speech is not heavenly scripture and that there can be flaws in man-made laws; some aspects can be missed while legislating because man does not possess the knowledge of the unseen.

While a law on freedom of speech gives an individual freedom, which is fine, there is no law against injuring the sentiments of others. To treat freedom of speech as paramount at the expense of world peace and harmony was a flawed concept. He said: “Let it not be that, in the name of freedom of speech, the peace of the entire world be destroyed.”

As mentioned above, the law about free speech is commonly subject to limitations. Thus, it would be nice if there are also laws to respect the sentiments of each other and promote respect and honour for the founders of all the religions of the world, without any discrimination.

I firmly believe that nobody should denigrate or encourage disrespect to such noble personages as Buddha, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Likewise, no law can heighten their nobility, honour and dignity. However, laws can prevent hurting each other’s feelings and lay the foundation of reconciliation, harmony and tolerance between all religions. Furthermore, extremists will not have an excuse to destroy the peace of our beautiful global village.

Let me also make it clear that I am not saying that people should be stopped from criticising religions. My point is that everyone has a right to criticise, speak and ask questions about any religion but one should express one’s opinions in a decent and respectful manner. Yet, the film and caricatures mentioned above were clearly intended to mock and insult. Their purpose was neither education nor discussion. They were simply an outburst of prejudice and hatred. They were the extreme example of hate speech.

Both the film and the cartoons were insulting but violence can never be justified. Responsible free speech is good and gives us the opportunity to express ourselves. Thus, freedom of expression should and must be guaranteed and protected when it is used for the common good. But hate is evil and brings out the worst in people.

We must learn that swords can win territories but not hearts; force can bend heads but not minds. We need to remember that, at the end, love conquers and hate divides, so hate needs to go.

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True love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

TRUE LOVE FOR THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD^sa

Maltese Translation of the Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Masih V aba, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, on 21^stSeptember 2012 from the Baitul Futuh Mosque, London.

In response to the crude film depicting the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa in the most offensive manner and in light of Muslim and non-Muslim reaction to the film worldwide, His Holiness explained how an Ahmadi—a true Muslim—should react and how true love for the Holy Prophet^sa should be displayed by all Muslims worldwide. He also drew the attention of the world towards its responsibilities.

Please read full translation in Maltese language through the links below:

IMĦABBA VERA GĦALL-QADDIS PROFETA MUĦAMMAD^sa

True Love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad

http://ahmadiyyamalta.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/true-love-for-the-holy-prophet-muhammad.pdf

Mindset needs to be changed!

The extremist, fundamentalist, fanatic and terrorist have once again proven that they will target anything that comes in their way, and they care least for shedding blood of innocent people – even if it is of an innocent 14-year-old girl.

The news about the terrorist attack on a school van, which left three school girls injured, among whom was Malala Yousafzai, in Swat, Pakistan, spread like wildfire. This incident of target killing was one of the worst of its kind. This attack is widely being condemned.

The attack was inhuman, cruel, brutal, satanic, vicious and barbaric. And those who did it are being called humans. I wonder if they have a heart, and if it was beating when they were fulfilling their vicious intentions.

We condemn this attack unreservedly and categorically; violence has no justification at all. Violence must be rejected and condemned unreservedly.

These terrorists hold a mentality that they have every right to enforce their ideology on others, and for that they are using guns, weapons and bombs. They find some vulnerable and illiterate children and then brainwash them, showing them beautiful gardens of heavens, and that they will be welcomed by angels and will become very close to the Almighty God.

Malala Yousafzai won international recognition for highlighting Taliban atrocities in Swat through writing a diary for the BBC three years ago, when militants and hardliners destroyed girls’ schools in the area claiming that it is non-Islamic to send girls to school. And they threatened that if people will not abide by their principles, they should become ready to face harsh circumstances.

During those difficult and hard days, she stood up and started writing with her pen name. Her biggest concern was the ban on education, and she decided to raise her voice against this grave injustice. She describes those days as a ‘bad dream’.

After the military operation in Swat, and when the situation ameliorated, she started a scheme for the education of women and for that she also gave interviews on television. And she was seen as a hope for the better. She also expressed that she will work for the education of women and to achieve that goal she will do her utmost and will leave no stone unturned.

In 2011, she received the first national peace award from the government of Pakistan, and was also nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize by advocacy group Kids Rights Foundation.

Malala is recognised as ambassador of peace and as a symbol of bravery and determination. She was the voice for all those who wished to carry on with their education, she stood against the atrocities and resisted the compulsion of extremists. She fought them with her power of pen, instead of weapons. She took a bold stance in the line of fire, and didn’t care for her life.

I firmly believe all this, and Malala’s story is clear evidence that the extremist mindset needs to be changed, and this kind of ideology should be discarded by society. And for this change, the candle of education which was lit by Malala should be kept illuminated. Education, a non-violent approach, true interpretation of religion, and a united action and battle against this mindset is very crucial and has become a need of the time.

All the stakeholders should join for this noble cause. The responsibility also lies on the shoulders of religious leaders and representatives who should stand up and speak loud and clear against this mindset and show the true face of religion. Do not let these people use the name of religion for their inhuman atrocities. This element of violence and hatred should be nipped in the bud.

Killing any human being is a grave crime; it is terrorism, it is barbarism and inhuman – every religion, society and good-natured person condemns it. These terrorists are using the name of Islam, but in reality Islam does not teach such atrocities. Islam categorically rejects and condemns every form of terrorism. It does not provide any cover or justification for any act of violence, be it committed by an individual, a group or a government. These terrorist acts have nothing to do with Islam or humanity. These people are the worst enemies of Islam and mankind.

The Holy Quran states:

“Whosoever killed a person... it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and who so gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind.” (5:33)

I think these so-called Muslims should also read the Farewell Address of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, when he stood before a large gathering of Muslims and said; “God has made the lives, property and honour of every man sacred.”

I want to convey my message to such mindsets that swords can win territories, not hearts. Force can bend heads, not minds. To win hearts, this violent ideology must stop.

Malala is in hospital and is in a very critical condition. We hope and pray for her speedy recovery and to regain complete health. May she get well soon. Long live Malala – the ambassador of peace and symbol of bravery.

Read Original Post in the Malta Independent 

Response to anti-Islam film by Ahmadiyya Malta

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeZepzU-xvE

Response to anti-Islam film

Violence has no justification at all!

Wara l-ħruġ tal-film dwar il-Profeta Mohammed… Ir-reazzjoni vjolenti ta’ xi Musulmani hija insult ikbar minn dik provduta mill-film – Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta

minn joseph farrugia 

“Il-film dwar il-Profeta Muhammad huwa insult iżda hija insult ikbar ir-reazzjoni minn xi Musulmani biex jiġġustifikaw in-nuqqas ta’ qbil tagħhom dwar dan il-film. L-Iżlam tfisser paċi u fl-ebda ħin la l-Profeta Muhammad u lanqas il-Koran ma jappellaw għal din it-tip ta’ reazzjoni.”

Dan qalu Laiq Ahmed Atif, president tal-komunità Ahmadiyya f’Malta li hija fergħa mir-reliġjon Iżlamika. Il-film Amerikan dwar il-Profeta Muhammad, “The Innocence of Muslims”,  qajjem reazzjoni vjolenti fejn saħansitra  nqatel ambaxxatur Amerikan f’Benghazi fil-Libja. Iżda r-reazzjoni vjolenti nfirxet fl-Asja u fil-Lvant Nofsani, bl-ambaxxati Amerikani jkunu l-mira ewlenija.

Għall-Musulmani l-Profeta Muhammad huwa l-bażi tar-reliġjon Iżlamika. “Il-Profeta Muhammad huwa l-bażi tar-reliġjon tagħna għax kien mibgħut minn Alla bħala profeta biex imexxi l-messaġġ tiegħu. Il-Musulmani jemmnu fil-profeti u l-messaġġiera kollha li ntbagħtu minn Alla, inklużi Abraham, David, Mosè u Muhammad. U għall-Musulmani l-Profeta Muhammad huwa l-fundatur tal-Iżlam. Il-Koran huwa ġabra kompleta tal-messaġġi ta’ Alla kif żvelati lill-Profeta Muhammad permezz tal-Arkanġlu Gabriel.”

Din mhix l-ewwel darba li stqarrijiet jew filmati dwar il-Profeta Muhammad jew kontra l-Koran wasslu għal reazzjonijiet ta’ rabja u vjolenza fost il-komunità Iżlamika. Atif jgħid: “Fil-passat nafu x’ġara meta qassis ried jaħraq il-Koran jew fid-Danimarka meta tpinġiet karikatura dwar il-Profeta Muhammad. U din id-darba r-reazzjoni kienet l-istess. Irridu nammettu li l-film kien provokattiv u ried jumilja u jweġġa’ s-sentimenti tal-Musulmani u tar-reliġjon Iżlamika.

“Naħseb li l-intenzjonijiet tal-film kienu tlieta: Li jweġġa’ s-sentimenti tal-Musulmani; Li jipprovoka l-vjolenza u joħloq il-kunflitti fid-dinja u jagħmel ħsara lill-paċi tad-dinja; U biex jumilja lill-Profeta Muhammad u lill-persuni li jemmnu fit-tagħlim tiegħu.”
Mistoqsi allura jekk hemmx ħtieġa għal din it-tip ta’ reazzjoni kull meta jkun hemm xi ħaġa kontra l-Koran jew il-Profeta Muhammad, Atif mill-ewwel insista li ma jaqbilx mal-imġieba vjolenti.

Huwa qal: “Jekk il-film kien insult, il-vjolenza li qiegħda titwettaq bħala reazzjoni hija insult ikbar.Dak li qiegħed iseħħ huwa biss barbariżmu u la l-Profeta Muhammad u lanqas il-Koran ma jesiġu tagħlim ta’ dan it-tip.”

Huwa qal: “Il-Profeta Muhammad sofra attakki kontrieh u kien imżebblaħ ukoll iżda qatt ma uża l-vjolenza kontrihom u qatt ma pprotesta fit-toroq u qatt ma għamel ħsara lill-proprjetajiet pubbliċi jew privati. Qatt lanqas ma qatel lil xi ħadd minħabba insult jew umiljazzjoni. Barra minn hekk l-Iżlam jipproteġi l-ħajja umana għax jgħid: ‘Min joqtol bniedem… ikun bħallikieku qatel il-bnedmin kollha’.”

Ħafna jassoċjaw il-vjolenza Musulmana mal-Ġiħad, li għal ħafna tfisser gwerra qaddisa. Iżda Atif qal: “Ġiħad hija kelma Għarbija li tfisser tistinka biex tilħaq xi oġettiv partikolari. Il-Ġiħad jista’ jsir b’diversi modi iżda kollha biex jistabbilixxu u jippromwovu l-paċi fis-soċjetà. Il-Koran jenfasizza li l-Ġiħad isir bil-għaqal, bit-tolleranza u b‘rispett lejn l-oħrajn u t-twemmin tagħhom u jipprojbixxi l-użu tal-isfurzar fir-reliġjon. Il-Musulmani jistgħu jaqbdu l-armi biss biex jiddefendu lilhom infushom kontra moħqrija, theddid għal ħajjithom u persekuzzjoni għax ikunu pprattikaw ir-reliġjon tagħhom. Għalhekk l-iskop tal-Ġiħad huwa biex terġa’ tirrenja l-paċi.”

Mistoqsi dwar il-ħidma tal-komunità Ahmadiyya fir-reazzjoni għall-film dwar il-Profeta Muhammad, Atif qal: “Il-komunità Ahmadija tikkundanna dak kollu li sar mill-bidu. Nikkundannaw il-film għax kien provokattiv u bla bażi u nikkundannaw ir-reazzjoni vjolenti tal-Musulmani għax ma għandhom ebda dritt jattakkaw proprjetajiet u persuni oħrajn u wisq anqas joqtlu.”

Allura x’inhi l-ħidma tal-komunità Ahmadiyya f’dan kollu? Atif qal li l-komunità tiegħu taħdem ħafna għall-paċi u t-tolleranza u jwasslu l-messaġġ tagħhom billi jippriedkaw it-tagħlim tal-Profeta Mohammed fejn qatt ma ppromwova l-vjolenza. “Il-motto tal-komunità tagħna huwa  ‘Imħabba għal kulħadd u mibgħeda għal ħadd’. Dan billi kull Ahmadi fi kwalunkwe pajjiż ikun ċittadin tassew leali ta’ dak il-pajjiż, juri rispett lejn id-diversità, jirrispetta l-ugwaljanza u jippromwovi l-paċi. Fi żmien meta ċerti forzi huma involuti biex jagħmlu ħsara kbira lill-paċi tad-dinja, u meta qed iseħħu ċerti  konfrontazzjonijiet bla bżonn bħal fil-każ tal-film u l-ħitan tal-mibgħeda u l-intolleranza qegħdin jinbnew, l-oġġettiv tal-istabbilizzazzjoni għall-paċi u l-imħabba hija dejjem iktar importanti.

“Nemmen li ħruq ta’ bnadar, qtil jew attakki mhumiex aċċettabbli biex jipprotestaw u l-Iżlam estremament jiskoraġġixxi xi mġiba negattiva bħal din. U aħna bil-qawwa nikkundannaw xi reazzjoni bħal din li toħloq diżordni u timmina l-paċi tad-dinja. Din ir-reazzjoni ma tagħmilx ġieħ lill-Profeta Muhammad li huwa kompletament kontra t-tagħlim u l-prattiċi tiegħu.

“Il-komunità Ahmadiyya qatt ma użat vjolenza, imma r-reazzjoni tagħna kienet ta’ paċi u paċenzja. Nemmnu li bil-paċenzja u t-talb nuru lid-dinja l-karattru veru tal-Profeta Muhammad, li kien kien ħanin mal-popli kollha u favur il-paċi.”
Atif appella: “Nappellaw għal reċiproku dwar l-unur u d-dinjità u biex ikun stabbilit il-veru sens ta’ rispett u ġieħ għall-profeti u l-fundaturi tar-reliġjonijiet kollha.”
Il-komunità Ahmadiyya fl-Iżlam hija organizzazzjoni reliġjuża, b’fergħat aktar minn 202 pajjiżi mferrxin madwar l-Afrika, l-Amerika ta’ Fuq, l-Amerika t’Isfel, l-Asja, l-Awstralja u l-Ewropa. 

Twaqqfet minn Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Ahmad fl-1889, f’raħal żgħir u remot jismu Kadjan fil-Punġab, fl-Indja. Il-komunità li beda hi l-inkorporazzjoni tal-messaġġ benevolenti tal-Iżlam u l-purità oriġinali tiegħu li jippromwovi l-paċi u l-fraternità universali mibnija fuq twemmin f’Alla, Ħanin u li Dejjem Jaħfer. Din il-komunità hija denominazzjoni moderna, b’membri internazzjonali li jgħoddu l-miljuni.

Find original article in Torca:

Respecting religious feelings and sentiments!

Respecting the feel­ings and sentiments of each other is a noble virtue. The basic ethics, morals, principles and decency are the assets of human beings. And every religion of the world – be it Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, or Judaism – they all teach, promote and highly recommend these noble virtues and ethics.

Islam does not prescribe any punishment for blasphemy in this world nor vests such authority in anyone

- Laiq Ahmed Atif

These values guarantee the promotion of love, harmony, tolerance, respect and brotherhood in the society, which will ultimately result in a serene, tranquil, secure and peaceful environment.

Every heart is inclined towards good and every good-natured person wants peace established in the world. And when we analyse and examine the current situation in the world we find that many are restless in attaining this objective of peace. Yet, we keep seeing certain individuals, organisations and powers engaged in destroying peace and spreading spite, animosity and malice, building walls and fences of hatred. And sometimes they even target and challenge the prophets of God and founders of religions. History of mankind is full of such people who have adopted a brazen attitude towards the messengers of God and holy personages of the world’s faiths.

Recently, certain elements using the slogans of liberty and freedom of speech have made a foul, provocative and false film about the Prophet Muhammad.

As a result of this, there has been a violent reaction among various organisations and countries. To vent their anger and displeasure, they have resorted to furious protests, often leading to arson and destruction of private and public property.

There were also attacks on foreign embassies and their staff, and in Libya the American ambassador together with three other staff members were killed.

I believe that killing, burning flags, creating general turmoil, or going on strike is not an acceptable way to protest. Like many other world religions, Islam also extremely discourages such actions.

We strongly condemn any reactions which create disorder and destroy peace. This reaction shows no respect to the Holy Prophet Muhammad. On the contrary, it goes completely against his teachings and practices.

A recent film which mocks the Prophet Muhammad hurt the feelings of Muslims. It was only intended to hurl insult and hurt the feelings and sentiments of Muslims. This attitude of prejudice, hatred and malice gained nothing except destroying peace.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat strongly condemns the making of the extremely contemptible, provocative, and blasphemous film about the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

We believe that free speech is a valuable right – but not at the cost of the much higher value of, and right to life. We appeal for mutual respect, honour and dignity and to establish the true sense of respect and honour for all the prophets and founders of religions.

Let me make it clear that Islam does not prescribe any punishment for blasphemy in this world nor vests such authority in anyone. There is not a single verse in the Holy Koran or a single example from the practices of the Prophet Muhammad, for the punishment of blasphemy.

Islam teaches its followers to be kind, respectful to others and must take care of the feelings and sentiments of the people of other faiths. It strongly discourages indecent behaviour and indecent talk, or hurting the sensitivity of others. Muslims are required to remember they should abstain from any actions that may cause others to feel hurt. And they should never compromise the peace of the world.

As far as Islam is concerned, it sets a fundamental article of faith and that is to believe in all the prophets and messengers of God, without exception, and they are required that they should make no distinction between them by accepting some and rejecting others.

The Holy Koran states: “This Messenger of Ours believes in that which has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers: all of them believe in Allah, and in His angels, and in His Books, and in His Messengers, saying, ‘We make no distinction between any of His Messengers’.” (2:286)

I will conclude by quoting the founder of our community who summarised the Islamic belief of paying great respect and honour to all the messengers, prophets and founders of different religions:

“One of the principles which forms the basis of my belief refers to the established religions of the world. These religions have met with wide acceptance in various regions of the earth. They have acquired a measure of age, and have reached a stage of maturity. God has informed me that none of these religions were false at their source and none of the prophets impostors.

“This is a beautiful principle, which promotes peace and harmony, and which lays the foundation for reconciliation, and which helps the moral condition of man. All prophets that have appeared in the world, regardless of whether they dwelt in India or Persia or China, or in some other country, we believe in the truth of them, one and all.”

Mr Atif is president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

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Dark clouds of terrorism!

Source:  By: LAIQ AHMED ATIF, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta amjmalta@gmail.com

The world is not at rest and much of it today is embroiled in wars, disorder and enmities. Some countries are threatened by foreign powers, while some are facing internal uncertainty. Tribes are fighting against tribes, religious entities and denominations are adopting intolerant way of doing things with those who confess to adhere to different beliefs or faith, countries are fighting against countries, nations are armed against nations, rulers are bombing their own people and public is out there to fight for their rights and freedom.

Religious, economic and political uncertainties have emerged in countries in the face of war or conflict. The financial crises which are looming over the world are making the situation worse. Greed, selfishness, thirst of power and superiority are creating many other problems and disorders in the world.

The situation in Afghanistan is still critical, and from time to time we witness certain attacks and killings by the extremists. It looks like there is a long way to go to establish certainty, credibility, real democracy and peace in Afghanistan. Also, the world is very conscious about the current situation in the Middle East and especially in Syria, and it is a reality that there is critical need and hard work to make their revolutions a success. Many people express their concerns about the current situation in these countries, and the situation in Syria is getting worse every day. The relations between Iran and Israel are also not trustworthy.

Violence against the Muslim minority in Burma, the attacks on churches and Christian community in Kenya, and clashes between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria are also worrying the millions of peaceful people around the world. The political situation in Iraq has not developed properly and from time to time we read news about certain attacks and suicides bombs. 

Thousands of innocent men, women and children have been killed in these horrific incidents around the world in recent years.

These occurrences are not new; however, 11 September is known as a day of human tragedy, when in few hours around 3,000 innocent human beings, including women and children, died. This year we are marking the 11^th anniversary of these heinous and inhuman attacks.

Since the 9/11 attacks, the extremists have extended their activities to many parts of the world. In fact, extremism and terrorism do not only harm human beings physically, but also emotionally and physiologically. Moreover, terrorism and extremism have also shaken the world economy and a huge burden has been put on the world economy to combat these acts of terrorism. Billions have been invested on fighting against terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism, and there seems to be no end to these heinous and inhuman crimes and cruelties against humanity. Many countries are sparing a big portion of their annual budgets to combat this terrorism so that mankind can have a peaceful haven and environment.

In the EU’s Schengen area, Schengen Information System (SIS) was set up and it was felt that organised crime is becoming ever more sophisticated and regularly uses European or international networks for its activities. Terrorism has clearly shown that it can strike, with great brutality, anywhere in the world. And this system of information sharing will help to combat terrorism and extremism within the Schengen area. And through this system the competent authorities in the Member States are working in cooperation and it has become a vital factor in the smooth running of the area of security, freedom and justice.

Before I conclude this piece, I think that after so much hard work, investment, and loss of human lives, the world is still facing threats of terrorism and dark shades of terrorism are visible. Moreover, dark clouds of terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism are still looming over mankind.

It should be our goal to establish high values of tolerance, harmony, love, and respect, in every village, every town, every city, every country, every society and indeed, in every part of the world, to save humanity from such dark clouds of extremism and terrorism and thus the world becomes a haven of peace, love, brotherhood and friendship.

I will conclude by quoting from a speech of the Head of our community, delivered in the UK Parliament: 

“It is my fear, that in view of the direction in which things are moving today, the political and economic dynamics of the countries of the world may lead to a world war. It is not only the poorer countries of the world, but also the richer nations that are being affected by this. Therefore, it is the duty of the superpowers to sit down and find a solution to save humanity from the brink of disaster.”

 The article was published in the Malta Independent on 11 September 2012.

Strieħ fis-sliem, Perit

Saturday, September 1, 2012 by 

Laiq Ahmed Atif, President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, 

News of the death of former prime minister Dom Mintoff on August 20 spread quickly in Malta and abroad. He was mourned by thousands of Maltese and many sent messages of condolence to his family.

I never had the chance to meet Mr Mintoff personally, but I always heard people talking about his strong character and commitment.

This shows that he left an indelible mark on Maltese politics and on the history of this beautiful island.

People mostly appreciate his reforms in the social sector especially those helping the poor and the needy. An architect by profession, he was also considered the architect of the Maltese welfare state.

We wish to express our sincerest condolences to Mr Mintoff’s family, friends and dear ones. May God bless them with the patience and strength to deal with this sad loss.

May he rest in peace. Strieħ fis-sliem, Perit.

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Celebrating Eid with the needy people

President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta distributes fruit baskets to families and single women at Hal Far Refugee Camp ____________________________________

The President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta Laiq Ahmed Atif distributed fruit hampers to families and single women living at Hal Far Refugee Camp as part of the Muslim celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr festival.

“Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is always committed to helping those who are in need irrespective of their faith, creed, nationality or politics, based on the philosophy of ‘humanity first’ and ‘love for all hatred for none’,” Atif said.

In a statement today, Atif said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat organizes charity events for vulnerable people all year round particularly prior to the celebration of Eid festival towards the end of Ramadan.

“Ramadan is a month of sacrifices, self purification and fasting which not only fosters discipline, strength and increased focus on worship. It also inspires sympathy for the hungry and poor, encouraging Muslims to donate generously to those in most need,” Atif said. 

Read Original Post of MaltaToday:   Read The Sunday Times:    Read in ‘Ilum’ August 26, 2012

Mourning Mintoff’s death

 News of the death of former prime minister Dom Mintoff on August 20 spread quickly in Malta and abroad. He was mourned by thousands of Maltese and many sent messages of condolence to his family.

I never had the chance to meet Mr Mintoff personally, but I always heard people talking about his strong character and commitment.

This shows that he left an indelible mark on Maltese politics and on the history of this beautiful island.

People mostly appreciate his reforms in the social sector especially those helping the poor and the needy. An architect by profession, he was also considered the architect of the Maltese welfare state.

We wish to express our sincerest condolences to Mr Mintoff’s family, friends and dear ones. May God bless them with the patience and strength to deal with this sad loss.

May he rest in peace. Strieħ fis-sliem, Perit.

: Saturday, September 1, 2012 by 

Laiq Ahmed Atif, President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, Ta’ Xbiex:  

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Fasting

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

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, and 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 religion – rights of God and rights of people.

Fasting is a form of worship found universally in the world religions; for religious and spiritual reasons it has been a part of human custom since pre-history. Although there are differences regarding the mode of fasting and the conditions applied to it, the central idea of fasting is present everywhere. This also is a clear evidence that how important this way of worship is. Fasting is clearly mentioned in the Holy Bible, in the Holy Quran as well as in the Mahabharata (Hindu Holy Book). 

Fasting in Judaism means completely abstaining from food and drink. Traditionally observant Jews fast six days of the year. Fasting is also a very integral part of the Hinduism. Individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on personal beliefs and local customs.                    

In Christianity, especially Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, they used to observe a 40-day fast during Lent, a spring period of penitence before Easter, and during Advent, a penitential period before Christmas. Among Roman Catholics the observance has been modified with mandatory fasting only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday during Lent. Protestant churches generally leave the decision to fast to individual church members. 

Islam also emphasis a lot on fasting, and 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.” (2:184) 

The true purpose of fasting 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.

It is indeed God’s promise that He guides those to Him who come towards Him with absolute sincerity, He runs to those who at least walk towards Him. A great source to attain nearness to God is fasting. Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, said that Allah puts a distance of more than 70 years (Arabic idiom meaning a great deal) between the face of a person who fasts in the way of Allah seeking His blessings and the hell-fire. Indeed it is vital to fast in the quest of God’s grace and if the attainment of His pleasure is the sole objective, He not only saves one from the fire but also grants the paradise of His pleasure, in this world and the Hereafter.

And one who makes a solemn endeavour to seek Allah never fails. Because, if we can feel compassion for a student who works hard for school exams how could God not have mercy and compassion to allow one who endeavours to seek him to come near Him? Certainly not!

The Sufis have written that this month is great for the enlightenment of the heart. Blessed visions are frequently experienced in this month. Safar purifies the self and fasting enlightens the heart. The purification of self means that one gets away from the lust of the self that incites. It distances us from it. The enlightenment of the heart means that door of blessed visions opens up for us to see God. 

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. Sacrificing self desires and needs for the sake of the pleasure of God, and individual and congregational prayers, obligatory as well as optional, are very important factors of fasting. And it is not just physical hunger and thirst that constitute the fast, but it is expected to fill the nights with prayers and supplications. And 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. 

Through fasting one learns through personal experience about what hunger, poverty, loneliness and discomfort mean to the less fortunate sections of society. Thus, one develops a great sense of sacrifice, almsgiving, helping those in need and serving the destitute and vulnerable fellow human beings. Therefore, charity and almsgiving is highly emphasised during Ramadan and it is required that those who help the needy during other period of the year should try to redouble their charities for the needy.

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