Nistgħu nagħmlu l-ambjent aħjar

Fid-dinja kontemporanja tal-lum, in-nies qed jibbenifikaw mill-invenzjonijiet xjentifiċi, li bidlu l-ħajja tagħna kompletament. Dawn l-invenzjonijiet xjentifiċi huma ta’ benefiċċju kbir għalina lkoll. U issa ma naħsbux li nistgħu ngħixu mingħajrhom. U minħabba dawn l-invenzjonijiet naraw bidla kbira fil-klima u t-tniġġis qed jiżdied kuljum.

Kif nafu, dawn l-invenzjonijiet għandhom effetti negattivi għal saħħitna wkoll, kif ukoll mard ta’ tip differenti qed jaffetwa n-nies. Ħafna nies qed ibatu minn allerġiji, kanċers, problemi tan-nifs, problemi ta’ ġilda, eċċ. In-numru tan-nies li jużaw inhalers qed jiżdied.

Naraw ħafa laqgħat dwar l-ambjent fil-pajjiż kif ukoll madwar id-dinja, sabiex naslu li nsalvaw il-problemi dwar l-ambjent. Ħafna diskuzzjonijiet qed jiġu organizzati biex insibu s-soluzzjonijiet ta’ kif nistgħu nagħmlu l-ambjent aħjar.

Waħda mis-soluzzjonijiet hi li nibdew inħawlu ħafna siġar kemm nistgħu f’kull pajjiż tad-dinja. Il-mistoqsija hi, għaliex is-siġra hija ta’ importanza kbira? X’inhuma l-benefiċċji tas-siġra?

Meta naqraw dwar is-siġra insibu li siġra hi vera importanti għall-ambjent kif ukoll għal saħħitna. Is-siġra tagħtina frott, kenn, injam, arja friska kif ukoll l-ossiġnu li huwa importanti ħafna għall-ħajja tagħna fuq l-art.

Hawn irrid nikteb l-istorja li qrajt ħafna snin ilu, iżda l-messaġġ tagħha huwa importanti l-istess illum kif kien qabel, anki aktar minn qatt qabel.

Qrajt li darba waħda r-re ta’ xi pajjiż kien għaddej minn qalb għelieqi u ra raġel li kien xiħ ħafna u li kien qed ħawwel siġra. Ir-re kien sorpriż u mar ħdejh u qallu: ‘‘Għalxiex inti qed tħawwel din is-siġra?’’

Ir-raġel qal: ‘‘Għall-frott, għall-kenn, għall-ossiġnu u għall-arja safja.’’

Ir-re qal: ‘‘Int taf li inti raġel xiħ ħafna u ma tafx kemm se tgħix aktar, hu possibbli li tmut qabel din is-siġra tikber, issir siġra kbira u tibda tagħti l-frott u l-kenn.’’

Ir-raġel qal: ‘‘Maestà! Din is-siġra mhux għalija. Naf li aktarx immut fil-futur qrib iżda rrid li nħalli xi ħaġa tajba lill-ġenerazzjonijiet ta’ warajja u nagħti rigal ta’ valur kbir lin-nies li ġejjin warajja.’’

U kompla jgħid li: ‘‘Din se tkun karità minni għas-snin li ġejjin, u se nirċievi l-barkiet ta’ Alla sa dak iż-żmien li din is-siġra se tibqa’ tagħti benefiċċji lin-nies.’’

Din l-istorja għandha messaġġ sabiħ ħafna; li wara l-mewt in-nies jispiċċaw imma l-affarijiet u l-għemil tajbin tagħhom jibqgħu għal dejjem. Is-siġar li jagħtu l-frott, il-kenn u l-arja safja huma wkoll wieħed mill-għemejjel tajbin li se jibqa’ għal dejjem. Għalhekk, jekk aħna rridu li n-nies jitkellmu tajjeb dwarna, wara l-mewt tagħna, allura hija importanti li aħna nħawlu ħafna siġar, kemm nistgħu.

Jekk aħna rridu li ngħixu ħajja tajba, jekk rridu li uliedna jgħixu ħajja kuntenta, jekk irridu li nħallu xi ħaġa tajba warajna għall-ġenerazzjonijiet li ġejjini, hu wisq importanti li nħawlu ħafna siġar kemm nistgħu. U nagħtu importanza kbira lil dan il-pjan.

Wasal il-ħin, li kull wieħed minna jipprova iħawwel is-siġar f’pajjiżna, li hi gżira daqstant ċkejkna iżda ħafna għażiż għalina, sabiex inħallu warajna pajjiż sabiħ, ambjent aħjar u uliedna ferħanin. Ejjew niddedikaw ruħna sabiex insalvaw l-umanità mill-problemi tal-ambjent u nagħtu dan ir-rigal prezzjuż lill-ġenerazzjonijiet li ġejjin.

B’din il-viżjoni dwar l-importanza tas-siġar, il-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana f’Malta ħawlet siġar ‘‘fil-Park Nazzjonali tas-Salini’’, fil-preżenza tal-Ministru tar-Riżorsi u Affarijiet Rurali l-Onor. George Pullicino.

Għalhekk, din id-darba l-Ordni Aħmadija qed tikkontribwixxi fil-qasam tal-ambjent ukoll. Il-Komunità ħawlet tletin siġra fosthom ukoll siġar taż-żebbuġ. Kif nafu li l-friegħi taż-żebbuġ huma simbolu tal-paċi u l-imħabba. Għalhekk, il-Komunità Aħmadija trid tagħti l-messaġġ tal-paċi u l-imħabba lill-poplu Malti, u trid twassal il-messaġġ tal-imħabba għal kulħadd, mibegħda għal ħadd, lejn aħwa tagħna Maltin.

Hawn ukoll irrid nikteb li hemm ukoll xi nies li jivvandilizzaw is-siġar li huma ta’ ġid kbir għall-umanità. Qrajt il-poeżja ta’ Victor Fenech dwar dan il-suġġett, u jiena nixtieq li niktibha għall-qarejja tagħna. Din hi l-poeżja li jisimha ‘‘Iż-Żabra’’:

Is-siġra tal-misraħ sa lbieraħ kienet tfakkarni fir-riti antiki

tal-mara fertili qed tongħos ħedlija fuq ħaġra godlija.

Tfakkarni f’disinji ta’ dell u ta’ dija, ta’ lwien fantasija.

Tbenninni ġo nieqa ta’ friegħi u friegħ, twennisni ġo wejla

ta’ wens u mistrieħ...

Imbagħad ġewwa l-misraħ ilbieraħ, bi srieraq u slielem

armati, ġew erba’ pirati. U dritt marru ħdejha u lbiesha

ċarrtulha/qaċċtulha idejha, u xagħarha minn rasha, sa waslu

sa ngħasha. U s-siġra la tniffset, protesta la lissnet la karba

t’uġigħ.

U telqu l-pirati bis-srieraq u s-slielem. U s-siġra sserrata

ħallewha waħedha titniehed fl-ispazju ta’ misraħ li krieh.

U ġew filgħaxija l-għasafar u stagħġbu b’dil-ħerba qatigħ, u

wħud minnhom bkew. U telqu ħosbiena fuq ġwienaħ iċ-

ċomb f’kenn ieħor ifittxu dil-ħerba jinsew. U ruħi, tithenna

mdorrija b’għanjiethom mis-siġra kennija, ħassejtha

sseħibhom f’titjir(a) gunija.

U baqa’ ġo moħħi l-lejl kollu, bla friegħi bla weraq bla tjur

u bla kenn, zokk oħxon ġo misraħ iqattar id-demm.

X’nista’ ngħid aktar minn hekk!!

Local Islamic society condemns Koran burning

By Vanessa Macdonald - editorial@di-ve.com [www.di-ve.com]

The local branch of an Islamic society, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, has strongly condemned plans to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of September 11.

On the 9th anniversary of the attacks, the Dove World Outreach Center, a Chris¬tian church in America, is planning to hold a “Burn a Koran Day,” citing Islam as an evil religion and claiming that “Islam is of the devil.”

The centre is defending its plans with a Biblical reference from The Acts of the Apostles, the only reference in the New Testament to “book burning”.

“For verse 19:19 to be used in support of Christians gathering together to burn the scriptures of other faiths publicly is not logical and is unsupported by any other Christian teaching. The scrolls that are burnt in this verse are burnt by their owners them¬selves, the implication being that they are aware that what is contained within is not truthful and they fear being dis¬graced as those who had been using Jesus’ name to drive out demons were disgraced. They openly confess their actions and then burn the scrolls to show they are putting an end to such practices in the future.

“This is a completely different scenario from the one being presented by the Dove Center to justify burning the Qur’an,” the society said.

“In light of these clear teachings, we urge the Dove World Outreach Center to reflect upon the peaceful message of Jesus (peace be upon him) which is clearly a message of peace, not hatred,” it said.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat said the burnings would be a most provocative act which would achieve nothing but to cause distress and anger for millions of peace loving persons worldwide.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said it had always expressed deep concern that some so-called Muslims tarnished Islam’s name with their cruel and hate-filled acts.

“Those who perpetrate such acts fail to realise the true teachings of Islam,” it said, stressing that Islam categorically rejects and condemns every form of terrorism.

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=43&Action=1&NewsId=76284

Ahmadiyya helps Dar tal-Providenza

18^th September 2010

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president and director Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta presented 25 food packets to Fr. Martin Micallef, the director of Dar tal-Providenza, as a donation for residents of this institution.

Laiq Ahmed Atif explained about the social, charitable and humanitarian work of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. He also presented some quotes from the writings of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Founder of Ahmadiyya Jamaat, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi of this time, whose advent was prophecised by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, to reform Islamic teachings.

‘‘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.”

‘‘Remember that, according to me, the circle of those to whom kindness must be shown, is vast. No people or individuals should be excluded. I do not tell you, like the ignorant people of this age, to confine your kindness to Muslims. No! I say that you must be kind to all of Allah’s Creatures, whoever or whatever it may be, be it a Hindu or a Muslim or anyone else. I never like the discourse of such people who seek to confine kindness to their own. I repeatedly admonish you that you should never ever restrict your circle of kindness.’’

Laiq Ahmed Atif also explained that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat provides its services to mankind irrespective of their colour, creed, race, nationality, politics and faith, on the basis of humanity first. It promotes its famous slogan ‘Love for all, Hatred for none.

Illum : Sunday, September 26 , 2010 ; www.illum.com.mt

Tree planting by Ahmadiyya Community Malta

Thursday 16th September 2010

The Hon George Pullicino Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs attended a tree planting event this morning by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Community.

Mr. Laiq Ahmed Atif, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta said; “We are always willing to contribute in every section of the society, in every social, charitable, humanitarian and welfare activity”.

“This year we are also contributing in environmental matters through planting some trees. As we know there is a big climate change, and pollution is on the increase, so there cannot be any better gift than to plant a tree for the nation and this beautiful country, Malta. And today we have planted olive trees, which are symbols of peace and love. Through planting these trees we also want to give the message of peace, love, harmony and brotherhood to all our Maltese brothers and sisters. And a message of, Love for all, hatred for none’’

http://doi.gov.mt/EN/press_releases/2010/09/treeplanting.asp http://doi.gov.mt/EN/press_releases/2010/09/16.asp (Pic. Reuben Piscopo)

Ahmadiyya donates to Hospice

Laiq Ahmed Atif, the president and director of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta visited the offices of The Malta Hospice Movement to make a contribution in the noble work of the Hospice Movement.

During his visit to the Balzan offices, Mr. Laiq Ahmed Atif was briefed by Ms A. Shah, the Hospice General Manager about the services offered by the movement. Ms Shah emphasized about the importance of such donations and that thanks to similar acts of solidarity such as this, that for the past 21 years, the Movement has been able to continue with its mission of providing free-of-charge Palliative Care services to families experiencing cancer or motor neuron disease. Mr. Atif admired the work of the movement and also told about the services of Ahmadiyya Community for humanity, in Malta as well as around the world.

In the end of the visit Ms Shah, General Manager, on behalf of The Malta Hospice Movement, was presented with a donation of €500 by Mr. Laiq Ahmed Atif. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is a universal religious organisation, with members in over 198 countries. It advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths. It serves mankind irrespective of their faith, coulour, creed, nationality or politics, and promotes its famous slogan ‘‘Love for all, hatred for none’’.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=112297

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100926/social/ahmadiyya-donates-to-hospice

Let us build bridges not walls

Let us build bridges not walls

Today the world is riddled with problems; East to West, North to South, everywhere there are countless troubles and difficulties; in brief, every part of this planet is surrounded with huge discomfort. Human beings are suffering through poverty, fighting, killing, unrest, disorder, as well as with social and economical crisis. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, rains, famine, lack of food, etc. are also seen in large numbers and on a huge scale.

But, unfortunately, and very amazingly, for man who is already riddled with endless problems, there are certain powers, certain organisations, and certain groups of people who are building walls of hatred. And these walls are getting higher nowadays, even more now than ever before in the history of mankind.

In recent days the plan of burning the Quran was a hot issue, and in response demonstrators were burning the flags of some countries and were raising the slogans of hatred and malice.

Aren’t the walls of hatred already too high; is there any need to make them even higher? Aren’t the bridges, which can unite us, already lacking? Isn’t the world already full of unrest, instability and uncertainty? Aren’t these walls of hatred already causing so many troubles on this planet?

In these circumstances such plans and actions, and such demonstrations and protests only help in destroying world peace. These provocative acts achieve nothing but to cause distress and anger to millions of peace-loving persons worldwide. Burning any religious scripture is a horrific act and is directly contrary to the teachings of all the world’s major religions. And such demonstrations and protests in which they burn flags, which are the symbols and honours of countries, raise slogans of hatred, use violence and damage properties are also categorically condemnable.

These actions are not a service to humanity or to any religion, but they surely destroy the peace, tranquility and serenity of the world. We have to show great respect to all the sacred books of all the religions, whatever the name is.

This plan was condemned by many political and religious leaders of the world. The Vatican condemned the plan saying it would be ‘‘an outrageous and grave gesture’’. The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for International Dialogue said in a statement that: ‘‘each religion, with its respective sacred books, places of worship and symbols, has the right to respect and protection’’.

The Holy Bible and the Holy Quran are both sacred books and were revealed by the same Almighty God for the guidance of mankind, and they both deserve to be respected and shown great honour. They are sacred to the people so we should not offend them. I think tolerance and respect for each other is very important.

I am very pleased that this plan was cancelled and did not take place; and cancellation statement was issued saying: “Not today, not ever”. I pray that we never see any such plan in future which may cause anger to the peace-loving persons and may good prevail always.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat always condemned such acts of hatred; weather against Judaism, Christianity, and Islam or against any other religion. And always promotes tolerance, harmony, universal brotherhood and inter-faith dialogues so that the respect and love among religions can be established.

However, it is true that there are some differences in the teachings of every religion, but this is also a reality that there are hundreds commonalities among them; we have so much in common. How nice and decent it would be if believers of all the religions would focus on commonalities rather than on differences, to create the atmosphere of harmony and tolerance.

But, if someone wants to discuss and to get answers to his questions, still this is not the way to disrespect the Sacred and Holy Books and to play with the sentiments of their believers. These discussions, exchange of ideas, experiences and teachings can take place; and I think they must take place, so we come to know more about each other, but in a very decent and respectful way, with the aim of knowledge and establishing harmony among believers of different faiths.

There is nothing wrong with intellectual or theological debate but this should be conducted with the bounds of decency and tolerance. These discussions should take place in a peaceful and respectful environment.

Today the world needs peace, love and brotherhood. The world needs an end to wars. Instead of walls of hatred being erected we need peace to prevail and for this to occur people of all faiths must join together.

As the Jesus Christ said: ‘‘blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:9-10). We all must try to be the peacemakers so we can benefit from this glad-tiding and be called the real children of God to whom He loves.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat with great sympathy and sincerity appeals to the world that this is not a time to sow the seed of hatred, malice, disrespect and intolerance because they will ultimately destroy the peace of our societies and will create disorder on this beautiful planet. But, please, let us sow the seeds of love, harmony, tolerance and universal brotherhood, because these values will grow fruitful trees and gardens of peace, tranquility and serenity for the whole mankind.

It also appeals to different schools of thought and people of different religions and faiths to join together in building bridges which will unite us, and let us demolish all the walls of hatred and malice which separate us from each other. Let us all carry the message of peace and brotherhood to everyone, and let us spread the message of love for all and hatred for none to all corners of the world so we can all enjoy security and peace of mind, and pass something valuable to our children and generations to come, and let us save humanity.

Ahmadiyya donates at Refugee Camp

Xogħol ta’ karità fil-Kamp tar-Refuġjati

Laiq Aħmed Atif, president u direttur tal-Komunità Aħmadija Musulmana f’Malta, qassam pakketti ta’ ikel lill-familji tal-Kamp tar-Refuġjati, f’Ħal Far fl-4 ta’ Settembru 2010.

Il-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam hi organizzazzjoni reliġjuża, b’fergħat f’aktar minn 198 pajjiż, ġiet imwaqqfa minn Ħażrat Mirża Gulam Aħmad (1835-1908) fl-1889 ġewwa raħal żgħir remot jismu Kadjan fil-Punġab, l-Indja. Hu afferma li hu r-riformatur mistenni tal-aħħar żminijiet. 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 bbażata fuq twemmin f’Alla, Ħanin u li Dejjem Jaħfer.

B’din il-konvinzjoni, fi żmien seklu, il-Komunità Aħmadija fl-Iżlam kibrat globalment u taħdem biex tippratitika t-tagħlim tal-paċi tal-Iżlam billi tiġbor mijiet ta’ eluf ta’ Ewro għall-karitajiet, bini ta’ skejjel u sptarjiet miftuħin għal kulħadd u billi tinkoraġġixxi t-tagħlim permezz ta’ djalogu fost ir-reliġjonijiet.

Il-Komunità Aħmadija taħdem biex ittejjeb il-kwalità ta’ ħajja tan-nies l-iktar foqra u l-iktar vulnerabbli tad-dinja. Hija tħaddan il-prinċipji tal-paċi, tat-tolleranza, tal-imħabba u r-rispett bejn segwaċi ta’ twemmin differenti. Hija żżomm sod u taġixxi fuq it-tagħlim Koraniku: “Mhemmx sfurzar fir-reliġjon”; u tipprattika l-motto tagħha “Imħabba għal kulħadd, mibegħda għal ħadd”.

Illum : Sunday, September 12 , 2010 ; http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100919/social/ahmadiyya-donates

Ejjew nirbħu l-pjaċir ta’ Alla

Ejjew nirbħu l-pjaċir ta’ Alla

Illum il-ġurnata nsibu faqar kbir imxerred ma’ kullimkien fid-dinja. Hemm ammont kbir ta’ nies li huma inqas fortunati fil-pajjiżi kollha tad-dinja – fil-pajjiżi foqra kif ukoll fil-pajjiżi sinjuri. U b’xorti ħażina dan-numru ta’ nies li huma foqra qed jiżdied kuljum. Fis-snin riċenti rajna żieda kbira minħabba kriżijiet ekonomiċi li jdawru d-dinja kollha, mil-lemin għax-xellug u minn fuq għal isfel.

Issa, il-mistoqsija hi li kif nistgħu neliminaw din il-problema tal-faqar mis-soċjetajiet tagħna kif ukoll mid-dinja kollha inġenerali?

Ħafna drabi nsibu li n-nies għandhom klejms kbar; għandhom pjanijiet ambizzjużi li, iva se nibnu l-sptar fil-parti l-fqira tad-dinja, iva se niftħu skola għan-nies li huma inqas edukattivi meta jkollna flus bil-miljuni, ukoll se nipprovdu l-ilma safi fil-pajjiżi l-foqra ta’ din il-pjaneta li aħna ngħixu fiha.

Imma huma jinsew li l-ġrien tagħhom huma bil-ġuħ; huma jinsew li l-qraba tagħhom huma f’ pożizzjoni ħażina; huma jinsew li kemm hemm nies bla djar fil-belt jew fir-raħal tagħhom stess.

Hemm ukoll nies li jgħixu fid-djar tax-xjuħ u m’hemm ħadd li jitkellem magħhom imqar ftit kliem. Xi drabi inti tmur għandhom u tgħid ftit kliem ħanin u sabiħ u tara t-tbissima u d-dawl tal-ferħ fuq wiċċhom. U għal dan m’għandniex il-bżonn tal-miljuni, imma għandna l-bżonn tal-imħabba għall-umanità.

Ir-reliġjonijiet differenti wkoll jgħallmuna dwar il-ħidma għall-umanità. Meta nistudjaw ir-reliġjonijiet il-kbar tad-dinja nsibu żewġ punti komuni ħafna fit-tagħlim tagħhom; l-imħabba u l-qima lil Alla u s-servizz għall-umanità. Dan is-servizz huwa wieħed mill-iktar kwalitajiet importanti ta’ kull reliġjon. Dik ir-reliġjon mhijiex reliġjon vera jekk m’għandhiex is-simpatija, bħalma lanqas dak ir-raġel ma jistħoqqlu jitqies bi bniedem jekk m’għandux is-simpatija u l-imħabba fih innifsu.

Hawn niftakar tradizzjoni tal-Profeta Muħammad, il-paċi miegħu. Għalkemm kien qed jitkellem ma’ sħabu xorta waħda din il-lezzjoni hija tajba ħafna u kulħadd jista’ jgawdi minnha. Hu qal li f’ Jum il-Ħaqq Alla se jikkonfrontakom u jgħidilkom li: “Kont marid u inti ma staqsejtx dwar saħħti”. Il-bniedem se jgħid: “O Alla Inti s-Sid tad-dinja kollha, u qatt ma timrad, u ma kellekx bżonn tal-għajnuna tagħna”. Alla se jgħid: “Le, wieħed mill-qaddeja Tiegħi kien marid u kellek tistaqsi dwar saħħtu u kont issibni hemm”. U wara dan se jkompli jafferma u se jgħid: “Kelli l-ġuħ u ma tajtnix ikel, kelli l-għatx u ma tajtnix ilma, ma kellix libsa u ma libbistnix”. U kuldarba l-bniedem se jgħid: “O Alla Inti s-Sid tad-dinja kollha, għandek kollox, u ma kellekx bżonn tal-għajnuna tagħna”. Alla se jgħid: “Wieħed mill-qaddeja Tiegħi kellu bżonn ta’ dak”. U kuldarba se jgħid: “Li kieku inti għamilt dan kollu, kont issibni hemm”.

Din it-tradizzjoni turi biċ-ċar, li jekk aħna rridu li nsibu l-Alla, il-Ħalieq tagħna u rridu relazzjoni personali miegħU, allura huwa importanti li aħna mmorru għand il-foqra u ngħinuhom, immorru għand xi ħadd li hu fil-bżonn u nieħdu ħsiebu, immorru għand xi ħadd li hu marid u nwennsuh. Jekk trid tiltaqa’ ma’ Alla tiegħek u wkoll trid tirbaħ l-imħabba tiegħU, mur għand in-nies li għandhom bżonnok u għinhom.

Għeżiż ħuti, jekk għandna klejms kbar u pjanijiet ambizzjużi għas-servizz tal-umanità dawn kollha huma tajbin. Imma, dan hu wkoll importanti ħafna li nħarsu madwarna u ngħinu n-nies li qed jgħixu fis-soċjetajiet tagħna. Jekk aħna ġenituri u ma niħdux ħsieb tajjeb tat-tfal tagħna, jekk aħna tfal u ma nurux rispett kbir lejn il-ġenituri tagħna, jekk ma nittrattawx lin-nisa tagħna bil-ħniena, jekk il-ġrien tagħna mhumiex fil-paċi minħabba fina, jekk għandna l-flus u ma rridux naqsmu mal-foqra u ma’ dawk li huma fil-bżonn u mal-orfnijiet u mar-romol, u jekk għandna l-ħobż u m’aħniex lesti li nagħtu nofs lill-fqir jew lil dak li hu fil-bżonn, allura, jiena nibża’ li ma nistgħux inservu ‘l-umanità kif suppost. U ma nistgħux nagħmlu l-klejms u l-pjanijiet tagħna realtà. Il-karità tibda mid-dar, kif ngħidu bl-Ingliż “Charity begins at home”. Jekk maħniex ngħinu n-nies li huma qrib tagħna, li huma jgħixu madwarna, u li huma fis-soċjetajiet tagħna kif jista’ jkun possibbli li ngħinu ‘l dawk li huma ‘l bogħod minna.

Għalhekk huwa importanti li l-ewwelnett nibdew servizz għall-umanità mis-soċjetajiet tagħna u mbgħad nespandu din il-ħidma fid-dinja kollha, f’kull naħa tad-dinja, f’kull pajjiż li hu fqir.

Il-ħidma għall-umanità hija xi ħaġa sabiħa ħafna. Meta ngħinu lil xi ħadd u naraw il-ferħ kbir fuq wiċċu, żgur inħossu sodisfazzjon liema bħalu. U meta dawk in-nies se jkunu ferħana, jiena nemmen li Alla li jista’ kollox se jkun ferħan ukoll. Jista’ jkun hemm xi ħaġa isbaħ fid-dinja mill-ferħ ta’ Alla? Le, żgur le, qatt ma jista’ jkun hemm xi ħaġa isbaħ mill-ferħ ta’ Alla.

Allura, ejjew, aħna kollha naħdmu flimkien biex inbiddlu l-ħajja tan-nies li huma inqas fortunati. Ejjew inservu ‘l-umanità kollha u biex neħilsu ‘l-umanità maħqura mill-uġigħ u l-mard tagħha. Ejjew nagħmlu s-servizz għall-umanità l-mira u l-oġġettiv mixtieq u mitlub tagħna. Ejjew niddedikaw lilna nfusna għall-ħidma u għas-servizz tal-umanità biex nirbħu l-pjaċir ta’ Alla.

Laiq Ahmed Atif

IT-TORĊA: Sunday, September 5, 2010

http://www.it-torca.com/news.asp?newsitemid=10218

A Message of Peace

A Message of Peace

The Founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as, calls the world towards peace and writes a golden principle for the establishment of peace. In his book ‘A Message of Peace’ he writes:

“O Dear Ones! Age-old experience and repeated trials have established, without question, that to insult and abuse the Prophets and Messengers of different countries and peoples is such a deadly poison which not only destroys the body but also kills the soul, thereby ruining the worldly prospects as well as the spiritual. A country whose inhabitants are always after finding faults in the leaders of others, and constantly assassinate their characters, can never rest in peace themselves. Such people can never achieve true unity who, individually or mutually, refer to each other’s Prophets or saints or divines with malice or foul language. Who would not be outraged at the insults hurled at their Prophet or leader? In particular, Muslims are such people who, although they do not believe their Prophet to be God or the son of God, do regard him sa to be the most revered of all the holy men born of a human mother. To make peace with a sincere Muslim is not possible unless during discussion, their Holy Prophet sa is mentioned with respect and refined language.

“As for us [The Muslims - Publisher], we never use indecent language with regard to the Prophets of other peoples. In fact, we believe that for all the Prophets who have come to different peoples of the world and have been accepted by millions of people in all parts of the world, and love for them and their greatness has been firmly established in any one part of the world, and further that this state of devotion and love for them has endured the test of time, is evidence enough of their truthfulness. Had they not been from God, they could not have been accepted on such a wide scale by millions upon millions of hearts. God does not bestow such honour upon those whom He favours not. If an imposter aspires to occupy their position, he is soon brought to ruin. (A Message of peace 22-23)

“My dear ones, there is nothing like peace and compromise. Let us unite with the blessing of this treaty and be one nation. You know full well that denial [i.e. denial of each other’s holy personages. publisher] on both sides has thrown us apart and that our country is suffering greatly. Visualise how blessed it could prove to testify to each other’s truth. Come, give this a try now. This is the best course for achieving peace. Pursuing any other course would be like ignoring a dangerous abscess merely because it looks clear and shiny, while, in reality, it contains rotten and putrid matter. (A Message of peace 27)

“Here, I do not wish to censure any particular people nor do I intend to hurt anyone’s feelings. But, with a deep sense of mortification, I observe that Islam, being a religion of peace, never attacked the founder of any religion. The Qur’an is that revered book which laid the foundation of peace between nations and acknowledged the truth of all Prophets belonging to all the different nations. It is the Holy Qur’an which enjoys the unique distinction of teaching us with regards to the Prophets of the entire world that:‏ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ اَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ

[We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we submit. Al-e-‘Imran, 3:85] Therefore, O Muslims, you should declare: We believe in all the Prophets of God belonging to this world and we do not discriminate between them as to reject one and accept the others.

“Name one book like the Holy Qur’an which is so dedicated for the cause of peace. The universal beneficence of God has not been confined by the Qur’an to any specific House. It acknowledges the Prophets of the House of Israel, one and all, be they Jacob as, Isaac as, Moses as, David as or Jesus as. And it acknowledges the Prophets of other nations regardless of whether they dwelt in India or Persia. None of them have been labeled as deceitful or imposters. On the contrary, it clearly proclaims that Prophets appeared in every nation and in every township and laid the foundation of peace between all the peoples. Alas, this Messenger of Peace is abused and treated with contempt by all peoples alike.

“O my dear countrymen, I have not expressed this view to offend you or to hurt your sensibilities in any way. But I do desire to submit, in all sincerity, that those who have made it their second nature to vilify the Prophets of other faiths and consider this unjustified behaviour to be a part of their faith commit an act of unwarranted interference in others’ affairs. They not only sin against God, but they are also guilty of sowing the seed of discord and enmity among mankind. Now answer me with hand on heart: if someone abuses another’s father or accuses another’s mother of unchaste conduct, will this not be tantamount to assailing the honour of his father himself? If anyone retaliates with similar abuses, will it not be appropriate to say that in reality the blame lies with the person who initiated it? In that case he himself would be the offender of his parents’ honour.

God, through the Holy Qur’an, has cultivated refined and respectful etiquettes. He admonishes:

وَلَا تَسُبُّوْا الَّذِيْنَ يَدْعُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ فَيَسُبُّوا اللّٰهَ عَدْوًۢا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ‌

In other words, do not even abuse the idols of the nonbelievers lest they abuse your God out of ignorance. (Surah al-An‘am, al-juzw, 7)” (A Message of peace 31-32)

(A Message of Peace: by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat)

Fasting a commonality among religions

Fasting a commonality among religions

Laiq Ahmed Atif: The author is president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

When we study the history of religions we find plenty of commonalities among different religions of the world. One commonality is fasting for the sake of the Almighty God, the Creator and Lord of the entire universe.

Remembrance of God the Almighty and pondering over His attributes helps man in refining his spirit, bringing it more into harmony with the nature of God. Man who was created on the image of his Lord and he must ever strive to gain closeness to Him. Man is supposed to adopt the attributes of God and he should reflect them in his personality and in everyday life. If we think about it we can see that those who develop a close relationship with God, those who think according to His will and try their best to act like Him within the limitations of the human sphere constantly improve in their relations with all other human beings and even other forms of life.

Fasting is a great form of worship found universally in the world religions. Although there are vast differences regarding the mode of fasting and the conditions applied to it, the central idea of fasting is present everywhere. Where it is not mentioned clearly, it is likely that it may gradually have either been discontinued or petered out through gradual decay in practice.

The people of all the religions of the world give great importance to this worship because, on the one hand, this worship will bring man close to his Lord and, on the other, it will provide an opportunity for him to think about the vulnerable and needy human beings and, thus, establish a great relationship with God and mankind.

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.

Muslims are going through the month of Ramadan when they fast each day from dawn to the sunset. The Quran states: “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil.”

The very basic and primary essence of the fast is not to experience hunger and thirst but the main purpose is to get closer to God and better oneself as human beings.

Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, said: “Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness.”

It means that just being hungry and thirsty is not enough. One must spend all the days of Ramadan observing all the conditions in both letter and spirit. One has to struggle a lot, make sacrifices that go much beyond hunger and thirst, worship one’s Creator and serve and help His people.

During the fast, apart from resisting food and water, Muslims are required to abstain from all evils, vain and immoral talks, abuse, fights, quarrels, causing harms to others and from committing any such action unbecoming the dignity and honour of a true believer in God.

They are required to spend as much time as possible in prayers, worship, seeking the everlasting paradise of His pleasure, asking for His forgiveness and begging for His blessings and bounties. Fasting is a spiritual practice to attain the love of God. Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him said: “If a person does not eschew falsehood and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from food and drink.”

Alms-giving and care for the destitute is also one great objective of fasting and Islam gives a lot of importance to it. Zakat (charity) is one of the five pillars of Muslim faith but in Ramadan Muslims are expected to spend even more on charity.

They are required to double their spending in aid of the poor, the vulnerable and those in need.

In brief, Ramadan is a month of self purification, attaining everlasting pleasure of the Almighty God, establishing a close relationship with the Creator, helping and serving humanity and enhancing sincerity for mankind.

This is the month which gives us the opportunity to seek peace with God, to spread peace in the world and to take care of society.

This is the time to find real peace of mind, which lies in the remembrance of Allah the Almighty and in the service of humanity.

The Times: Saturday, 28th August 2010

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100828/opinion/fasting-a-commonality-among-religions