Media's crucial role towards cultural integration and diversity

Source/Credit: Maltatoday: 17 December 2011│ By: Bianca Caruana

SOS Malta launches project to mainstream the integration and diversity of third-country nationals through the media, first highlighting intercultural gastronomy.

Director of SOS Malta Claudia Taylor-East said that the main aims of the Media InterAct project being organisation in collaboration with the Public Broadcasting Services was to see how media can engage with third-country nationals on a culinary front.

"PBS will be producing and showing 13 programmes on television to bring food and cultures into Maltese homes. It has been an interesting process to date. We have also collaborated with Malta Journalism Awards to award journalists with writing on the same topic," Taylor-East said...

President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Malta Laiq Ahmed Atif is a Pakistani national participating in the project and said that migration was a phenomenon for all creatures and compared humans to birds in their migratory process.

"Just like birds, humans sometimes leave their home countries to find better and safer environments. It can be for various reasons ranging from employment to saving their lives from persecution," Atif said.

Atif believed that integration was essential for the betterment of countries but it was a two-way process which needed to be respected by both the migrants as well as the host-country.

"Both parties need to respect the dignity of each other and the fundamental human rights. We should accept and respect all races. Migrants must respect and be thankful for the culture, customs and laws of their host-country as a right which when honoured will create harmony," Atif said.

The Pakistani said that while he was not saying that migration should happen, but that when it does happen, both the host-country and the migrants should look for the positive contributions which can be made to benefit the country.

Atif added that the media can play a crucial role where integration is involved because "everyone has something good to offer" and these can be highlighted by the media.

"We can all learn from each other and share our customs. Like, in Pakistan, we have one custom where men on a bus will always offer and give up their seats to women if there are no seats available," Atif said.

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Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta was also among the panel who addressed the Press Conference called by SOS Malta, to launch a project to mainstream the integration and diversity of third-country nationals through the media. Laiq Ahmed Atif said that the true integration is not only possible but highly essential for the progress and betterment of Malta. For more information visit: http://ahmadiyyamalta.org/

A Great Show of Unity and Solidarity

Unity and solidarity are the strength of a nation. And for the promotion and establishment of such high qualities a noble and great leadership is required. A leadership that can motivate its people about national matters, a leadership that can deliver.

On December 4, the streets of Malta witnessed a great sense of unity and solidarity behind the strong leadership of President George Abela. He once again proved that he is really a man of commitment and deliverance. For the third consecutive year he united the whole of Malta for a noble cause to show solidarity with needy brothers and sisters.

A record-breaking 11,000 people gathered on the streets to make this event a success. The enthusiasm, encouragement, readiness and high aims were seen clearly on every face. People of all ages, classes and backgrounds including families, couples, individuals, colleagues, friends and communities took part in the noble cause.

Everyone was ready and willing to extend his favours to others. Our benevolence is extended in such a manner that we consider it to be our duty or obligation and not a favour to others.

May God bless Dr Abela with a long, healthy and peaceful life. He said a few days ago that the spirit and joy of people filled him with great happiness and he was glad to see the entire nation united.

We pray, in his words, “J’Alla nibqgħu dejjem hekk!” Amen.

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Jesus is also loved by Muslims, during festive season

Each year with the start of December many discussions, publications, activities are directly focused on the topic of ‘Christmas’; in brief, it becomes the talk of the town. Streets become brighter with different lights and decorations; homes, shops and offices are also very well decorated, to welcome the Christmas. The Holy Quran gives great honour and respect to Jesus and Mary (peace be on them), and both are mentioned repeatedly in the Holy Quran. Allah Almighty says:

“When the angels said, ‘O Mary, Allah gives thee glad tidings of a word from Him; his name shall be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, honoured in this world and in the next, and of those who are granted nearness to God.” (Quran 3:46) “And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and strengthened him with the Spirit of holiness.” (Quran 2:254)

These verses, just to mention a few, are clear evident to the reality that Islam pays a great honour, respect and dignity to beloved Jesus and Mary (peace be on them). And having affection and respect for such great and noble personalities and to follow their footsteps is part and parcel of Islamic faith. Christmas is a time to remember the work and accomplishment of Jesus; it is a reminder for following their footsteps.

We hold great respect and affection for Jesus and Marry in our hearts. We wish “Marry Christmas” to all our Christen brothers and sisters. Also a blessed and prosperous New Year; peace and blessings of Allah be upon the entire humanity. Read More:

http://ahmadiyyamalta.org/2011/12/12/jesus-and-mary-are-equally-loved-by-muslims/

UK: World Muslim leader sends Message of Peace to Pope Benedict XVI

The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has sent a direct message to Pope Benedict XVI calling for the Pope to use his influence to encourage religious tolerance and the establishment of human values throughout the world.

The message was delivered personally by the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Kababir, Muhammad Sharif Odeh, who met the Pope as part of an official delegation of renowned Israeli religious scholars.

In his message, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, spoke of the perilous state of the world. He said:

It is with regret that if we now observe the current circumstances of the world closely, we find that the foundation for another world war has already been laid. As a consequence of so many countries having nuclear weapons, grudges and enmities are increasing and the world sits on the precipice of destruction.

I believe it is essential, that we urgently increase our efforts to save the world from this destruction. There is an urgent need for mankind to recognise its Creator as this is the only guarantor for the survival of humanity.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also said that the world should judge religions on their true teachings, not on the misguided acts of individuals or groups. He said:

If a person does not follow a particular teaching properly whilst claiming to subscribe to it, then it is he who is in error, not the teaching.

From cover to cover, the Holy Qur’an teaches love, affection, peace, reconciliation and the spirit of sacrifice. Hence, if anybody portrays Islam as an extreme and violent religion filled with teachings of bloodshed, then such a portrayal has no link with the real Islam.

Speaking about the role of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community practises only the true Islam and works purely to please God Almighty. If any Church or other place of worship stands in need of protection, they will find us standing shoulder to shoulder with them. If any message resonates from our mosques it will only be that of Allah is great and that we bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Him and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.

His Holiness concluded by praying for world peace and urging all other parties to play their respected roles for this all important pursuit. He said:

It is my prayer that we all understand our responsibilities and play our role in establishing peace and love, and for the recognition of our Creator in the world. We ourselves have prayer, and we constantly beseech Allah that may this destruction of the world be avoided. I pray that we are saved from the destruction that awaits us.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta set a Book Stall

The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector which is the National Coordinating Body for the European Year of Volunteering 2011 hosted as its highlight activity the European Tour,which was touring all European cities and finally came to a close in Malta. The tour consisted of various events, exhibitions, discussions, demonstrations and other activities. The event was organised by having a tent at the Old Bus Terminus, Valletta, Malta, between Monday 28^th November and the 5^th December, 2011.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta also participated in this event by setting a Book Stall for two days on Saturday 3^rd and Sunday 4^th December, 2011. Many people attended the event and showed their interest and got books.

The visitors were also offered booklets about the introduction and activities of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Malta, together with the leaflets with the message of Loyalty, Freedom, Respect, Equality and Peace.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta participated in President’s Charity Fun Run 2011

A record-breaking some 11,000 people filled the streets from San Anton to Valletta in the third – and biggest - the yearly President’s Charity Fun Run for Istrina that took place this morning. The aim of this annual event is to collect funds for the Malta Community Chest Fund. Funds are mainly collected from the €10 donation made by each participant.

President George Abela was at the forefront of the run, whilst First Lady Margaret Abela lead a walk from Santa Venera.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta also showed its solidarity and participated in the President’s Charity Fun Run 2011. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has a wonderful slogan of “Love for All, Hatred for None”, believes in serving mankind, and always tries its best to contribute for this noble cause.

Service to mankind is the essence of Islam. The Holy Quran places great emphasis on charitable works. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, has said he was sent for two missions: “One for service of Allah and the other for the service of mankind”.

The Holy Quran states: “And do not forget to do good to one another” (2:233)

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat celebrates African Independence

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad urges African countries to protect the freedoms they have gained

On 26 November 2011, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat celebrated the Golden Anniversary of the Independence of Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Tanzania in an event organised by the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK. Dignitaries representing a number of African countries attended the function that took place at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, Surrey.

The highlight of the event was the attendance and address given by the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. His Holiness spoke of the need for unity amongst the people and leaders of Africa. He said that if all parties preferred the national interest to their personal interests, then Africa could become a true global power.

The event began with a welcome address by Issah Ahmed Wehma, the Chairman of the Pan-African Association, who said that it was always a pleasure for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat to host such events that promoted peace and unity.

Thereafter, various African Dignitaries took to the stage. His Excellency, Wesley Momo Johnson, Ambassador of Liberia, said that it was his fourth visit to the Baitul Futuh Mosque and that each time he came, he felt emotionally moved by the mosque and great warmth within it.

Mr Alhaji Bawah Gilbert Ayembillah, Consular Minister for Welfare at the High Commission of Ghana spoke of the contributions made by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat to his country. He said:

“I would like to thank the Ahmadiyya Community for its contribution to the development of Ghana. The work done for our people by your Community is incalculable. Thus I thank you on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana.”

His Excellency, Mr Edward Mohamed Turay, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat had shown true commitment to bettering the lives of the people of Sierra Leone through its humanitarian projects.

During his keynote address, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke of the inequalities that continued to exist between the people of various nations and their leaders. He said that in countries where monarchies or dictatorships existed, the rulers withheld most of powers, leading to restlessness and dissent within the society. On the other hand, even though democratic countries claimed to provide justice and equality, in many instances they were failing to do so. Unfair polices were being implemented and this too was leading to civil unrest.

His Holiness said that Islam had provided the solution to such problems. It taught selflessness rather than selfishness, where each party should be willing to compromise his own rights for the sake of the greater good.

Speaking about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s humanitarian efforts, His Holiness said that the community had opened hundreds of schools and hospitals in various parts of Africa. Also, Ahmadi engineers were engaged in efforts to provide water, electricity and other services in remote parts of Africa as a means to help the deprived locals. Such services were rendered without any desire for recognition or reward.

Speaking about African Independence, His Holiness said:

“It is my heartfelt prayer that the African people are able to take full advantage and benefit from their independence. All countries should keep in mind that the leader of a country is the servant of that nation. Whichever laws or regulations are in force should apply just as much to the rich as to the poor. If this approach is maintained, then, God Willing, the freedoms that you have gained after long periods of colonial slavery, will come to be everlasting.

I firmly believe that if the African countries and people unite together and fulfil the requirements of justice, then one day, Africa will emerge as a true global power.”

Read More: http://ahmadiyyamalta.org/

HAJJ - Pilgrimage to Mecca: A Documentary

Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca (the Holy Place of Muslims) fifth pillar of Islam; here it is presented a brief documentary on this blessed event, Hajj, prepared by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

Ahmadiyya wishes you all a very Blessed Eid Mubarak!

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-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) is a festival comes about ten weeks after Eid-ul-Fitr, and marks the completion of Hajj (Holy pilgrimage to Mecca). It is the festival of Sacrifice that commemorate the obedience of Hadhrat Ibrahim and his son Hadhrat Ismail to the commandment of Allah. Hadhrat Ibrahim had a series of dreams in which he saw himself sacrificing his eldest son Ismail. He inferred that it was perhaps the will of God that he should sacrifice the life of his son.

Hadhrat Ibrahim, being most obedient to God, was about to sacrifice the life of his son Ismail, when God commanded him to stop and gave him the good news that he had indeed fulfilled His command. God was so pleased with Ibrahim because of his obedience that He multiplied his progeny into billions. He was also given the great honor of being the forefather of the Holy Prophet of Islam . On the day of Eid those Muslims who can afford to sacrifice an animal are enjoined to do so after Eid Prayer.