Ahmadiyya Malta condemns attacks on churches in Nigeria

A string of bombs struck churches in five Nigerian cities on Sunday, leaving dozens dead and wounded on Christmas day – a time of celebration and religious activities; a very special day for all the Christians around the world.

The blasts mark the second holiday season that bombs have hit Christian houses of worship in the West African nation. These acts of violence and hatred against innocent citizens are provocative and inhuman.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Malta strongly rejects, and unreservedly and categorically condemns such violent attacks on Churches – the places of worship, in Nigeria.

The community said that these are no doubt, inhuman, heinous and cruel attacks, which should be condemned at every level. The Ahmadiyya Community condemns the attack in strongest terms, and demands the authorities to bring the culprits in front of justice as soon as possible”.

“We believe that, in this age, when certain powers, organisations and ideologies are engaged in destroying peace and when ill-feelings against each other are being sparked unnecessarily and walls of hatred are being erected in every part of the world and at every level possible, the objective of caring for the sentiments of each other, respecting other faiths, showing mutual tolerance and harmony and interreligious cooperation is all the more important. “

The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Laiq Ahmed Atif calls all the people to exhibit their kindness to one another, to show love and affection and for renewing ties of brotherhood and kinship so that peace in the best possible manner can be established in our societies. He also says:

“There is no religion in the world – be it Islam, or Christianity, or Hinduism or for that matter any other faith – that advocates the destruction of peace. Each person likes peace and hates disorder. Every heart is inclined towards good deeds and every good-natured person wants the peace should be established in the world. Everyone is restless in attaining this objective of peace.”

The community expressed their deepest condolences to the victims’ families in this difficult time and pray for the health of those who were injured in this attack.

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Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta’s message of Loyalty, Freedom, Respect, Equality and Peace

Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Malta was interviewed by Mr. Ivan Bartolo in his morning show “Stenbaħ” on Favorite Channel on 20.12.2011. In this interview the campaign of Peace Leaflets was discussed and Atif explained this campaign and the message of Loyalty, Freedom, Respect, Equality and Peace.

Brief Translation of this video:

Presenter: This week is very important for us as Christians. If we see the Jesus gave the message of peace and love, and this is also your message. So see how much we have in common. Allah is one.

Laiq Ahmed Atif: Yes that’s true. And we also believe in Jesus and we respect him by the depth of our hearts. We believe that whoever comes from God, he gives the same teaching of peace, love and respect. When we study the history of different prophets we find the same teachings, as human beings we are all the same, irrespective of different colors, creeds or nationalities, when we human beings are the same, and then the message should also be the same. Because the message comes from the same and One God, that’s why the basic message is always the same.

The Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peace makers,’ and we also believe in this message.

We not only believe but we practice it, we give this message to others too, as our motto is ‘Love for all – Hatred for none,’ it is really a wonderful and precious, that everyone, people of different faiths, colors and creeds can come together and work for the betterment of our country and for the whole world.

Many times I hear that people say that religion divides human beings. I say no. In reality religion unites human beings. If there is no religion how we can get the message of peace and love and respect. Religion gives this message of peace with full strength. Religion gives the message that we love each other and respect each other.

We believe in this message of loyalty, respect, freedom, equality and peace. This message has a great value. When we speak about loyalty; people say that are Muslims loyal to the countries they live? Yes, off course, we are loyal to the countries we live in. It is an integral part of our faith that we love the country we live in. After loyalty it is freedom. Freedom is a basic right of every human being, as God has created us free so we must give this freedom to every human person. And respect, is a basic value, even if there is no religion, still respect is considered as a basic value. And equality is also very important, and many problems take place because of lack of equality.

And when we will be practicing these values, in the end we can benefit from lasting peace. And as we are living in Malta our message is for everyone in Malta. We love this country from the depth of our hearts. We are part of this country.

Question: Is Ahmadiyya Part of Islam?

Answer: Yes, Ahmadiyya is a part of Islam. There is a difference that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, prophesized that in the Latter Days there will come a Promised Messiah and Mahdi, who will reform Islamic teachings. We believe that person has come and we believe in him and our community is reformed by him and other Muslims are waiting for that Messiah to come. When one studies more about our Community he will understand that we are very well reformed. We believe that every Muslim should respect the laws of the country. And I assure that we will always remain loyal to this country and we will never raise our voices against this country.

Question: How big Community you have in Malta?

Answer: In Malta we have a small Community, but we work very hard, day and night, because when you have an aim and mission you work hard to reach there.

Question: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is against terrorism; and you speak strongly against it.
Answer: There are many people who use religion for terrorism and suicide attacks to kill innocent human beings, to divide humanity. But we practice and use religion to bring and unite human beings on a single point and to establish human rights, human dignity, to establish peace and we strongly condemn terrorism. We believe that there is no place in Islam for terrorism, and not only Islam but no religion, whatever its name can teach terrorism. In the Holy Quran God says: “If you kill a single human being it is as you have killed all humanity”. And when in an incident they kill e.g. 100 people, it is not only the death of 100 people but, the death of humanity for 100 times. And it is really a grave sin. And God permitted no one to kill human beings.

I would like to wish all my Maltese brothers and sisters a very happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. Greetings to all! Love for All – Hatred for None.

For more information please log on: http://ahmadiyyamalta.org/

IL-FESTI T-TAJBA!

Il-Ħsara tas-Sigaretti, tax-Xorb u tad-Drogi │Laiq Ahmed Atif

Minn Laiq Ahmed Atif President – Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta│Source: It-TORĊA: Il-Ħadd, 18 ta’ Diċembru, 2011

Fid-dinja tal-lum il-bniedem kiseb suċċess kbir f’kull qasam. Il-progress fit-teknoloġija hu enormi u l-ħajja tal-bniedem inbidlet kompletament. Dawn l-inven-zjonijiet huma kollha tajbin u għamlu l-bniedem iktar progressiv, soċjevoli u ċivilizzat.

Imma, sfortunatament, mill-banda l-oħra niltaqgħu ma’ elementi negattivi fil-ħajja tal-lum, fid-dinja moderna. Naraw żieda sostanzjali fix-xorb, fit-tipjip u fl-użu tad-drogi. Issib nies ta’ kull età u minn klassijiet soċjali differenti li huma dipendenti fuq xi vizzju. Anki ż-żgħażagħ li huma l-futur tas-soċjetà, huma wkoll involuti fis-sigaretti, fix-xorb kif ukoll fid-drogi.

L-użu ħażin tad-drogi hu problema kbira ħafna li d-dinja qiegħda tiffaċċja llum. Issib żgħażagħ li jitilfu ħajjithom minħabba d-drogi, it-tipjip u x-xorb. Numru ta’ familji jiġġarrfu u l-kriminalità qiegħda tiżdied.

Hemm ħafna nies li jaħsbu li x-xorb u t-tipjip m’għandhomx x’jaqsmu mad-drogi. Iżda jekk nanalizzaw is-sitwazzjoni mill-qrib u nkunu realistiċi, nistgħu ngħidu li l-problemi l-kbar tad-drogi jibdew mit-tipjip u mix-xorb. In-nies li huma nvoluti f’xi sitwazzjoni ħażina minħabba d-drogi, bdew mill-affarijiet żgħar u fl-aħħar spiċċaw f’qagħda ferm agħar.

Kull sena iktar minn sitt triljun sigarett jinbiegħu. U iktar minn sitt miljun ruħ imutu minħabba t-tipjip mad-war id-dinja; kull 6.5 sekondi jmut wieħed li jpejjep. Huwa stmat li kważi 1.3 biljun ruħ ipejpu madwar id-dinja. Possibbilment in-numru se jiżdied sa 6.5 miljun ruħ fl-2015 u 8.3 miljun fl-2030.

Fl-Amerika biss hemm 46 miljun ruħ li jpejpu; u kważi 443,000 Amerikani jmutu minħabba t-tipjip kull sena. U fiċ-Ċina kważi 1.2 miljun persuna jmutu minħabba t-tipjip kull sena, jiġifieri 2,000 persuna kuljum. Mhux it-tipjip biss jagħmel ħsara lis-saħħa l-bniedem imma d-duħħan huwa wkoll perikoluż ħafna għal saħħitna.

L-użu ħażin tal-alkoħol huwa fattur ta’ riksju kbir għall-mewt prematura u d-diżabilità fid-dinja. Skont ‘l-Organizzazzjoni Dinjija tas-Saħħa’ kważi 1.8 miljun persuna jmutu minħabba l-alkoħol madwar id-dinja. U madwar 2.5 miljun ruħ imutu mid-drogi direttament jew indirettament, kull sena madwar id-dinja.

Il-gvernijiet qegħdin jonfqu flus kbar biex jindrizzaw din il-problema u jiġġieldu l-gwerra kontra d-drogi u l-użu ħażin tagħhom. Imma sfor-tunatament huma ma jidhrux li qegħdin jirbħu din il-gwerra u n-numru ta’ nies li jabbużaw mid-drogi qed jiżdied kuljum.

Ix-xorb, it-tipjip u d-drogi jagħmlu ħsara kbira fis-soċjetà, lis-saħħa, u lill-ekonomija tal-pajjiż. Nafu li l-abbuż huwa ħażin, imma l-mistoqsija hi: Għaliex in-nies qegħdin jersqu iktar lejn dawn il-vizzji aktar minn qatt qabel?

Hemm rapport dwar l-Ingilterra li juri li l-ġenituri jib-żgħu ħafna iktar li wliedhom jaqbdu l-vizzju tad-drogi milli jekk ikollhom xi arma. Erbgħa minn kull għaxar ġenituri qalu li l-użu tad-drogi huwa l-ikbar biża’ tagħhom għal uliedhom.

L-istudji dwar id-drogi juru li n-nies jersqu lejhom minħabba dawk ir-raġunijiet: tiċħid u nuqqas ta’ xogħol, abbużi emozzjonali u fiżiċi, trawma, uġigħ, tensjoni, pressjoni, dwejjaq, sikkatura, kur-żità, esperimentazzjoni b’xi ħaġa ġdida, vizzju, drogi rħas u minħabba xi disponibbilità faċli għalihom.

Dawn ir-raġunijiet juru li hemm vojt kbir fil-ħajja ta’ dawk li jaqgħu fil-vizzju. U n-nies jaħsbu li dan il-vizzju tat-tipjip, tax-xorb u tad-drogi se jagħtihom il-mistrieħ u s-serħan tal-moħħ.

Però, fir-realtà huma jżidu l-problemi tagħhom u ma jnaqqsu xejn mill-problemi u mill-mard tagħhom; l-uġigħ tagħhom jibqa’ hemm, anki jiżdied.

Nemmen, li jekk l-użu eċċessiv ta’ xi ħaġa huwa ħażin, importanti li jkollna sens ta’ bilanċ u ma nħallux dawn id-drogi jeqirdu s-soċjetajiet tagħna. U kif ngħidu bl-Ingliż ‘nip the evil in the bud’; ejjew nagħmlu l-gwerra kontra tagħhom u ngħinu lil kull min għandu problema bl-alkoħol, bid-droga jew bit-tipjip biex itejjeb il-kwalità tal-ħajja kif inhu xieraq illum stess.

For more info please visit: http://ahmadiyyamalta.org/

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.

To Read More log on http://ahmadiyyamalta.org/ "OR" http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Media-s-crucial-role-towards-cultural-integration-and-diversity

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)