Govt urged to work with all political leaders
In a resolution passed Thursday, the US House of Representatives urged Bangladesh government to work together with all political leaders to continue and deepen reconciliation, reports UNB as received from Washington Saturday.
Congressman Joseph Crowley, the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Bangladesh, spearheaded passage of the resolution expressing the US House of Representatives' support for Bangladesh's return to democracy.
"Bangladesh has become an important partner of the United States.
Even as it faces challenges with serious poverty, threats from climate change and extremism, the Bangladeshi people have shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and principle,"Crowley said at the US House of Representatives.
Sponsoring the resolution in the House to congratulate Bangladesh on achieving democracy, he said: "This is exactly the kind of country the United States ought to work with and do more to support, not because the situation on the ground is perfect, but because by working together we have clearly created a better path forward."
Crowley added: "I hope the international community would more quickly wake up to the positive changes Bangladesh has made."
The resolution was passed by the US House of Representatives by a vote of 380 to 7.
"I rise in strong support of House Resolution 1215, a measure to honor Bangladesh's return to democracy. I would like to thank Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for their support of this resolution. I would also like to thank the gentleman from California, Congressman Royce, for leading this effort with me, along with other members of the House Caucus on Bangladesh,"Crowley said.
The resolution also urged Bangladesh government to ensure the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, including Hindus and Ahmadiya community.
It said Bangladesh is 'making progress' to join the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US aid programme that had granted billions of dollars to nations deemed as respecting political and economic freedom.
Crowley noted that a year and a half ago, the US Congress passed a resolution out of fear that Bangladesh was 'creeping toward authoritarianism' after the military took charge in 2006 and cancellsed elections.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Ahmadiyya Times: Humanity First: Regina doctor travelling to Haiti to help those in need
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Humanity First: Regina doctor travelling to Haiti to help those in need
Dr. Habib Rehman said he has been encouraged by the willingness of Canadian people to contribute to charities in Haiti's time of need.
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: Edmonton Journal
By Angela Hall, Leader-Post | January 21, 2010
REGINA — A Regina doctor leaves for Haiti on Friday to help with the enormous task of tending to the injured.
Dr. Habib Rehman is making the long journey to the earthquake ravaged country on short notice, where he'll work in makeshift facilities with limited essential medical supplies. But Rehman was quick to volunteer.
"It is challenging but it is also an opportunity to pay back to the community," said Rehman, who added he feels privileged to be a doctor. "I like challenges and this is a good opportunity to help out."
Rehman is traveling with Humanity First, the same charitable organization he worked with in the aftermath of the 2004tsunami. The Humanity First team of doctors and nurses that is already in Haiti is living in tents, said Rehman, an internal medicine specialist. The hospital that has been set up is also operating out of a tent.
"From the news and from the feedback from Humanity First, it is critical," Rehman said of the need for medical aid.
Rehman said he expects to encounter sanitation issues and the risk of disease outbreak will be high. Poor water supplies can lead to diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems, he said.
"I think there are going to be major issues," said Rehman, who will be in Haiti for about eight days.
An e-mail he received from Humanity First indicated the organization needs medical supplies such as dressings,
painkillers and antibiotics, plus regular items such as powdered milk, blankets and toothbrushes — the things we take for granted on a daily basis, Rehman said.
People interested in making donations can check the website at www.humanityfirst.ca, he said.
Rehman said he has been encouraged by the willingness of Canadian people to contribute to charities in Haiti's time of need.
"It's good to see people donating in circumstances like these, but they still need a lot more so I would encourage people to donate as much as they can."
In addition to physical injuries, people will be struggling with psychological issues — a problem that was also evident in the wake of the tsunami because everybody had lost somebody, he said.
"I think we're going to see a lot of psychological issues there and it's not just a short-term management issue. It's going to be long term management issue because these psychological issues don't go away straight-away, unlike the physical ailments which we can treat," he said.
"They'll need help in the future as well."
ahall@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
Read the original post here: Regina doctor travelling to Haiti to help those in need
Ahmadiyya Times: Faith & Common Sense: Earth Hour 2010 Saw Enormous Participation
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Faith & Common Sense: Earth Hour 2010 Saw Enormous Participation
Europe’s all popular landmarks like – Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, Rome’s Colosseum, and others fell dark during the earth hour on Saturday following other major landmarks like Sydney’s Opera House, Beijing’s Forbidden City and others.
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Green+
Source & Credit: Seven-Sided Cube | March 27, 2010
The ‘Earth Hour 2010’ was extensively celebrated across the world on Saturday night and almost all nations joined the fight against the Climate Change for the fourth year in row.
According to reports the observations of black out or switching of lights from 8.30 PM to 10.30 PM this year saw more participants from all groups of society than last year. Though such movements always see enthusiasm among school children and college students, but this time adults too had show keen interest and lights went out and festivities under candle light or any other modes of illumination began. Such celebration of Earth Hour shows one single commitment from all these groups and nations – the commitment to save and protect ‘Mother Earth.’
Organizers of such a mass participating event were really heartened to see the effort of people. This is a small step but such step would make a big difference slowly and steadily.
Europe’s all popular landmarks like – Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, Rome’s Colosseum, and others fell dark during the earth hour on Saturday following other major landmarks like Sydney’s Opera House, Beijing’s Forbidden City and others. They all joined hand to protest against the climate change and switched off the lights to mark the Earth Hour Event.
In the US the landmarks that observed the Earth Hour are the Mount Rushmore presidential monument, the marquee lights of Broadway theatres, the glittering Las Vegas strip and to name a few. Thanks to World Wildlife Fund for initiating such a movement where we all take part irrespective of all other differences we have in this world!
Read the original post here: Earth Hour 2010 Saw Enormous Participation
Ahmadiyya Times: Tourists flock to 'Jesus's tomb' in Kashmir
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Tourists flock to 'Jesus's tomb' in Kashmir
...And in Islam, in which Jesus is the penultimate prophet, there is also a minority tradition adopted by the controversial Ahmeddiya sect, that Rozabal does contain the grave of Jesus.
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: BBC Radio 4 | March 27, 2010
By Sam Miller | Srinagar | for BBC Radio 4
A belief that Jesus survived the crucifixion and spent his remaining years in Kashmir has led to a run-down shrine in Srinagar making it firmly onto the must-visit-in India tourist trail.
In the backstreets of downtown Srinagar is an old building known as the Rozabal shrine.
It's in a part of the city where the Indian security forces are on regular patrol, or peering out from behind check-posts made of sandbags.
There are still occasional clashes with militants or stone-throwing children, but the security situation has improved in recent times and the tourists are returning.
When I first searched for Rozabal two years ago, the taxi circled around a minor Muslim tomb in a city of many mosques and mausoleums, the driver asking directions several times before we found it.
The shrine, on a street corner, is a modest stone building with a traditional Kashmiri multi-tiered sloping roof.
A watchman led me in and encouraged me to inspect the smaller wooden chamber within, with its trellis-like, perforated screen.
Through the gaps I could see a gravestone covered with a green cloth.
When I returned to the shrine recently though, it was shut - its gate padlocked because it had attracted too many visitors.
The reason? Well, according to an eclectic combination of New Age Christians, unorthodox Muslims and fans of the Da Vinci Code, the grave contains the mortal remains of a candidate for the most important visitor of all time to India.
'Crazy professor'
Officially, the tomb is the burial site of Youza Asaph, a medieval Muslim preacher - but a growing number of people believe that it is in fact the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth.
They believe that Jesus survived the crucifixion almost 2,000 Easters ago, and went to live out his days in Kashmir.
"What else could they do? They had to close it," Riaz told me.
His family home almost overlooks the shrine, and he is witheringly dismissive of the notion that Jesus was buried there.
"It's a story spread by local shopkeepers, just because some crazy professor said it was Jesus's tomb. They thought it would be good for business. Tourists would come, after all these years of violence.
"And then it got into the Lonely Planet, and too many people started coming.
"And one foreigner…" he gave me an apologetic look, "broke off a bit from the tomb to take home with him. So that's why it's closed now."
On cue, a couple of unwashed and exhausted Australians appeared, carrying the latest edition of the Lonely Planet travel guide to India, which, sure enough, carried the tale of Jesus's tomb, with some caveats about crackpots and blasphemy.
They asked me to take a photo of them outside the shrine - but were not desperately disappointed that it was closed.
The tomb of Jesus was just another place to tick off on their tourist-in-India must-visit list.
Famous meeting
The ruins of a Buddhist monastery in a spectacular location halfway up a mountainside north of Srinagar are not, yet, mentioned in the Lonely Planet.
It's a spot that I had previously been unable to visit, because as a senior police officer told me, it was "infested with terrorists".
But the watchman now seemed prepared for the arrival of mass tourism, with his 50 words of English, and his hidden stock of ancient terracotta tiles for sale.
He informed me that Jesus was among the religious leaders who attended a famous Buddhist meeting here in AD80, and even pointed to the place where he sat.
The stories of Jesus in India are not just aimed at gullible tourists - they date back to the 19th Century.
They were part of attempts to explain the striking similarities between Christianity and Buddhism, a matter of great concern to 19th Century scholars - and also a desire among some Christians to root the story of Jesus in Indian soil.
Missing years
There is talk of the missing years of Jesus, unmentioned in the gospels, when he was between the ages of 12 and 30.
Some say he was in India, picking up Buddhist ideas. These aren't notions that have entirely died out.
The US-based Christian sect, known as the Church Universal and Triumphant, is the best-known modern supporter of the belief that Jesus lived in Kashmir, though they don't believe he died there.
And in Islam, in which Jesus is the penultimate prophet, there is also a minority tradition adopted by the controversial Ahmeddiya sect, that Rozabal does contain the grave of Jesus.
Professional historians tend to laugh out loud when you mention the notion that Jesus might have lived in Kashmir - but his tomb is now firmly on the tourist trail - and a growing number of credulous visitors believe that he was buried in the Rozabal shrine.
And for those who scoff, remember that others have argued, just as implausibly, that Jesus came to Britain.
A theory that was much in vogue when the poet William Blake famously asked: "And did those feet in ancient time, walk upon England's mountains green? And was the holy Lamb of God on England's pleasant pastures seen?"
Read the original article here: Tourists flock to 'Jesus's tomb' in Kashmir
Source & Credit: BBC Radio 4 | March 27, 2010
By Sam Miller | Srinagar | for BBC Radio 4
A belief that Jesus survived the crucifixion and spent his remaining years in Kashmir has led to a run-down shrine in Srinagar making it firmly onto the must-visit-in India tourist trail.
In the backstreets of downtown Srinagar is an old building known as the Rozabal shrine.
It's in a part of the city where the Indian security forces are on regular patrol, or peering out from behind check-posts made of sandbags.
There are still occasional clashes with militants or stone-throwing children, but the security situation has improved in recent times and the tourists are returning.
When I first searched for Rozabal two years ago, the taxi circled around a minor Muslim tomb in a city of many mosques and mausoleums, the driver asking directions several times before we found it.
The shrine, on a street corner, is a modest stone building with a traditional Kashmiri multi-tiered sloping roof.
A watchman led me in and encouraged me to inspect the smaller wooden chamber within, with its trellis-like, perforated screen.
Through the gaps I could see a gravestone covered with a green cloth.
When I returned to the shrine recently though, it was shut - its gate padlocked because it had attracted too many visitors.
The reason? Well, according to an eclectic combination of New Age Christians, unorthodox Muslims and fans of the Da Vinci Code, the grave contains the mortal remains of a candidate for the most important visitor of all time to India.
'Crazy professor'
Officially, the tomb is the burial site of Youza Asaph, a medieval Muslim preacher - but a growing number of people believe that it is in fact the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth.
They believe that Jesus survived the crucifixion almost 2,000 Easters ago, and went to live out his days in Kashmir.
"What else could they do? They had to close it," Riaz told me.
His family home almost overlooks the shrine, and he is witheringly dismissive of the notion that Jesus was buried there.
"It's a story spread by local shopkeepers, just because some crazy professor said it was Jesus's tomb. They thought it would be good for business. Tourists would come, after all these years of violence.
"And then it got into the Lonely Planet, and too many people started coming.
"And one foreigner…" he gave me an apologetic look, "broke off a bit from the tomb to take home with him. So that's why it's closed now."
On cue, a couple of unwashed and exhausted Australians appeared, carrying the latest edition of the Lonely Planet travel guide to India, which, sure enough, carried the tale of Jesus's tomb, with some caveats about crackpots and blasphemy.
They asked me to take a photo of them outside the shrine - but were not desperately disappointed that it was closed.
The tomb of Jesus was just another place to tick off on their tourist-in-India must-visit list.
Famous meeting
The ruins of a Buddhist monastery in a spectacular location halfway up a mountainside north of Srinagar are not, yet, mentioned in the Lonely Planet.
It's a spot that I had previously been unable to visit, because as a senior police officer told me, it was "infested with terrorists".
But the watchman now seemed prepared for the arrival of mass tourism, with his 50 words of English, and his hidden stock of ancient terracotta tiles for sale.
He informed me that Jesus was among the religious leaders who attended a famous Buddhist meeting here in AD80, and even pointed to the place where he sat.
The stories of Jesus in India are not just aimed at gullible tourists - they date back to the 19th Century.
They were part of attempts to explain the striking similarities between Christianity and Buddhism, a matter of great concern to 19th Century scholars - and also a desire among some Christians to root the story of Jesus in Indian soil.
Missing years
There is talk of the missing years of Jesus, unmentioned in the gospels, when he was between the ages of 12 and 30.
Some say he was in India, picking up Buddhist ideas. These aren't notions that have entirely died out.
The US-based Christian sect, known as the Church Universal and Triumphant, is the best-known modern supporter of the belief that Jesus lived in Kashmir, though they don't believe he died there.
And in Islam, in which Jesus is the penultimate prophet, there is also a minority tradition adopted by the controversial Ahmeddiya sect, that Rozabal does contain the grave of Jesus.
Professional historians tend to laugh out loud when you mention the notion that Jesus might have lived in Kashmir - but his tomb is now firmly on the tourist trail - and a growing number of credulous visitors believe that he was buried in the Rozabal shrine.
And for those who scoff, remember that others have argued, just as implausibly, that Jesus came to Britain.
A theory that was much in vogue when the poet William Blake famously asked: "And did those feet in ancient time, walk upon England's mountains green? And was the holy Lamb of God on England's pleasant pastures seen?"
Read the original article here: Tourists flock to 'Jesus's tomb' in Kashmir
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Ahmadiyya Times: Faith & Logic: No monopoly of truth
Ahmadiyya Times: Faith & Logic: No monopoly of truth
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Excerpt
Source & Credit: Some Distinctive Features of Islam | AlIslam.Org
By His Holiness Mirza Tahir Ahmad (1928-2003)
Read the entire text of the speech here: Some Distinctive Features of Islam
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Faith & Logic: No monopoly of truth
Some Distinctive Features of Islam was a lecture delivered by Hadrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IV, of blessed memory at the University of Canberra, Australia. It was first published in UK in 1985 and then in 1987, 1989, 1992, and 1995 respectively.Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Excerpt
Source & Credit: Some Distinctive Features of Islam | AlIslam.Org
By His Holiness Mirza Tahir Ahmad (1928-2003)
While speaking on the subject of the distinctive features of Islam, the first and most attractive feature that strikes one, is its most endearing disclaimer that Islam has a monopoly of truth, and that there have been no other true religions. Nor does it claim that Arabs alone have been the recipients of God's love. Islam is the only religion that totally rejects the notion that truth is the monopoly of any single faith, race or people; instead, it professes that divine guidance is a general bounty that has sustained humanity in all ages. The Quran tells us that there is neither a race nor a people, who have not been blessed with the bounty of divine guidance, and there is neither a region of the earth nor ~ body of people who have not received prophets and Messengers of God [Al-Quran: 35:35].
Contrary to this worldwide Islamic view of the manifestation of Allah's favour upon all people of the earth we are struck by the fact that no Book of any other religion verifies or even mentions the possibility of other peoples and nations having received light and guidance from Allah at any stage in history. In fact, the truth and validity of a local or regional religion is often emphasized so greatly, and the truth of other faiths ignored so totally, as if the sun of truth had only risen and set upon the limited horizon of certain people to the exclusion of the rest of the world, so to say, abandoned and condemned to eternal darkness. For instance, the Bible presents only the God of Israel, and it repeatedly says: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel [Chronicles 16:36].
It does not, even in passing, verify the truth of religious revelations bestowed on other lands and upon other peoples. Thus, the belief of the Jews that all Israelite Prophets were sent only to the tribes of Israel is in full conformity with the intent and message of the Bible. Jesus had also declared that his advent was intended for the guidance of the Hebrew tribes alone. and had said. I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel [Isamuel; 25:32], and he admonished his disciples in the words: Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before swine [Matthew 15:21-25].
Similarly, the Hindu religion also addresses its books only to those of high birth. It is said: If one of base birth should per chance hear a text of the Vedas, the King should seal his ears with molten wax and lead. And should he recite a portion of the Scripture, his tongue should be severed; and should he succeed in reading the Veda, his body should be hacked to pieces [Gotama Smriti:12].
Even if we disregard such drastic injunctions, or offer some less severe explanation of them, the fact remains that the holy books of various faiths do not, even by implication, allude to the truth of the religions of other lands and peoples. The basic question that arises here is, that if all these faiths were in fact true, then what was the wisdom in presenting the concept of God in such limited and restricted terms? The Quran readily furnishes a solution of this predicament. It says that even before the revelation of the Quran and the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, (peace be on him), divine Messengers had indeed been sent to every nation and every part of the globe. but their sphere was regional and their assignments temporary. This is because human civilization had not yet reached a stage of development which merited the commissioning of a universal messenger, bearing a universal message.
Read the entire text of the speech here: Some Distinctive Features of Islam
Ahmadiyya Times: Muslim women don’t need saving from themselves
Ahmadiyya Times: Muslim women don’t need saving from themselves
Everyone seems to have an opinion. Julius Grey, the civil rights lawyer who defended Sikh students’ right to wear a ceremonial dagger, said that Amed’s request to wear a niqab was unreasonable. Grey is effectively comparing a type of clothing to a dagger, a potential weapon, and deciding that the former is more unreasonable and more threatening than the latter.
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Opinion
Source & Credit: The McGill Daily | Commentary
By Sheetal Pathak | March 18, 2010
Accommodation is a word with baggage in Quebec. In 2007, the public sphere was overtaken by debates about what accounts for reasonable and unreasonable accommodation. Who were we afraid of accommodating too much? Generally speaking, immigrants and their children, people of different faiths and customs whose demands were, some felt, unreasonable.
If you recall, the media had a party, as did the politicians. Action Démocratique du Québec’s popularity rose in the polls. All of a sudden, we heard countless tales of clashes between well-meaning Quebeckers and demanding immigrants. While we heard rational arguments aimed at clarifying the code of conduct in a pluralist democratic society, we also heard what amounted to thinly-veiled racism, and calls for a return to “Quebec values.”
Naïma Amed’s expulsion for refusing to remove her niqab has caused the tension regarding reasonable accommodation to resurface. Amed was first expelled from her French course at CEGEP St-Laurent and then once again from the Centre d'Appui aux Communautés Immigrantes (CACI).
There are two versions of this story. One favours Amed and the other depicts the authorities’ actions as legitimate. Journalists, newspapers, and editorial boards seem to be unable to agree on the facts: compare the Globe and Mail’s news piece “Woman shocked by portrayal as hard-line Islamist” (March 5) and the National Post’s “A tale of two burkas” (March 9). (An important side-note here: she was not wearing a burqa, she was wearing a niqab.)
According to the National Post and the authorities involved, Amed had asked to be seated at the back of the class with her back to the other students. She had allegedly asked the male students to move so that they wouldn’t be able to see her face and had refused to work with them. Amed has denied all of these allegations, insisting in an interview with the Globe that “as long as I had the niqab on, it made no difference to me.”
Both stories seem to converge, however, on the fact that she was repeatedly and insistently asked to remove her niqab. In fact, she had lowered her veil many times: once to be photographed for her student identification card, and then on numerous occasions in class, at the request of the teacher and despite the presence of the male students.
The school authorities at CEGEP St. Laurent and Quebec officials cited pedagogical reasons for expelling her: she could not be taught as long as she was wearing a niqab. At the CACI however, the instructors and school personnel didn’t have any problems teaching her French with her veil up. She was studying there until the immigration ministry found out and interrupted her during an exam to expel her.
Everyone seems to have an opinion. Julius Grey, the civil rights lawyer who defended Sikh students’ right to wear a ceremonial dagger, said that Amed’s request to wear a niqab was unreasonable. Grey is effectively comparing a type of clothing to a dagger, a potential weapon, and deciding that the former is more unreasonable and more threatening than the latter.
Yolande James, Quebec’s immigration minister, even suggested future legislation banning the niqab in Quebec. Many don’t feel that this is an overreaction. Now, I will agree that there are situations where a woman in a niqab should legitimately be required to lower her veil, such as when voting or in a court of law. But a complete ban on the garment, a piece of clothing, seems to be a waste of our tax dollars. Similarly, provincial officials tracking her down to expel her from French classes, seems to be an equally gratuitous use of public money. Imagine the cost of campaigning for and implementing this legislation. Is it worth it?
Why do we want to ban the niqab? It is at least partly because many consider it a symbol of patriarchy. Apparently we think we live in a post-feminist utopia where only the niqab and practices of “other” cultures are symbols of patriarchy. Marriage is a symbol of patriarchy. You know the part where the father gives away the bride, because she used to belong to her father, but now she belongs to the groom? It’s a symbol of an ancient and current practice of what Gayle Rubin called the traffic in women. So, let’s ban marriage! Any takers? No? Hmm.
Furthermore, feminism and women’s liberation is about choice. Empowerment is about choice. Let’s say it again, folks, CHOICE. It is her body, and her choice how to dress it. In no way is it legitimate for anyone to question her decisions. She should not have to explain her reasons.
Amed’s case got a lot of media attention. She was accused of being a religious fundamentalist. She was pulled out of class in the middle of an exam. She was repeatedly picked on in class with frequent requests to lower her veil, having to justify her choice over and over. In the end, she was denied education. Quebec officials and politicians, the people who speak for us, refused to allow her to participate in Quebec society – all because of an over-politicized piece of cloth. All in all, wearing a niqab seems to be a tough gig.
La Presse published an article, “La vie en noir” (March 6), describing the experiences of a journalist who wore a niqab in public for two days. While most tried to ignore her, some people screamed at her (that she looked Afghani), glared at her, asked her whether she was deliberately trying to provoke them, and asked her to go back to her country.
Now, let us imagine a hypothetical situation of a woman who wears a niqab because she is forced to. She puts it on and it is not her choice to do so. But when she leaves her house, she finds herself attacked everywhere she goes. Public services are denied to her, and this piece of cloth, which she wears to make her life easier, turns out to be highly politicized and prompts people to view her with contempt. She is effectively in a double bind: there is nothing she can do that will not result in some kind of punishment and some kind of loss. In what way is this empowering women and supporting women’s choices?
Many newspapers, when talking about Amed’s case, questioned whether Quebec should accommodate Islamic fundamentalism (the Post’s “A tale of two burkas” and the Globe’s “Beyond the pale on the veil” are two examples). The niqab is seen as an extreme expression of religious faith and so the wearer must be a religious fundamentalist. The question then became: should we really be accommodating fundamentalism?
This is where Islamophobia comes in, since there is absolutely no reason to believe that the niqab is a symbol of religious fundamentalism. Amed did not try to impose the niqab on anyone else and she did not preach her religion to others. There is no evidence that she advocates violence or extremism. All she expresses when she chooses to wear a niqab is that she is a woman who wears a niqab.
Additionally, there seems to be a fear that women in niqabs threaten secularism. This is again unfounded since Amed was not in a position of authority, she was not employed in public service, and she was not representing the government in any way to anyone. She is a civilian, hopefully a future citizen, who is dressed differently and engaging in public participation. Adding her voice to the vox populi does not make us any less secular as a province, as a nation.
Then there is the question of integration; many argue that a woman who wears a niqab cannot possibly integrate. I ask you then, what is integration anyway? Does it imply that one cannot express their cultural and ethnic identity? Would anyone argue that men clad in Hasidic attire cannot integrate? That veiled Catholic nuns are unable to fully participate in Quebec society? That turban-clad Sikh men are isolated?
Amed was a pharmacist in Egypt and she expressed a desire to learn French with the hope that she could pursue a similar career in Montreal. After being expelled from CEGEP St. Laurent, she did not give up; she found herself another French class in which to enrol. Subsequently, when denied again, she filed a human rights complaint against the province. These are not the actions of someone who is isolated or unwilling to integrate in Quebec society.
According to the Montreal Muslim Council, there are a couple dozen women in Quebec who wear the niqab. Accommodating these women does not seem excessive or costly: they could simply be told to lower their veil to identify themselves to institutions, and then be free to put it back up while enjoying the public service of their choice. Did the media, the politicians, and the state officials really have nothing better to do than to fixate on this for the last two weeks? Even Jean Charest found time to say that Amed was asking for too much accommodation.
The Muslim community itself is also divided on the issue of the niqab. Some suggest that a ban is necessary and others insist that wearing a niqab is a personal choice. I would personally like to hear more Muslim voices on this controversy. There is something deeply disconcerting about the majority deciding what is acceptable attire for a minority.
It seems that this case has brought out a lot of fear in everyone. I will leave you today with a few thoughts on tolerance. When it comes to a practice that does not violate anyone else’s rights, is there really such a thing as too much tolerance? And when it comes to Naïma Amed, were we, as a host society, really too tolerant of her?
Read the original article here: Muslim women don’t need saving from themselves
Friday, March 26, 2010
Muslim women don’t need saving from themselves
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Opinion
Source & Credit: The McGill Daily | Commentary
By Sheetal Pathak | March 18, 2010
Accommodation is a word with baggage in Quebec. In 2007, the public sphere was overtaken by debates about what accounts for reasonable and unreasonable accommodation. Who were we afraid of accommodating too much? Generally speaking, immigrants and their children, people of different faiths and customs whose demands were, some felt, unreasonable.
If you recall, the media had a party, as did the politicians. Action Démocratique du Québec’s popularity rose in the polls. All of a sudden, we heard countless tales of clashes between well-meaning Quebeckers and demanding immigrants. While we heard rational arguments aimed at clarifying the code of conduct in a pluralist democratic society, we also heard what amounted to thinly-veiled racism, and calls for a return to “Quebec values.”
Naïma Amed’s expulsion for refusing to remove her niqab has caused the tension regarding reasonable accommodation to resurface. Amed was first expelled from her French course at CEGEP St-Laurent and then once again from the Centre d'Appui aux Communautés Immigrantes (CACI).
There are two versions of this story. One favours Amed and the other depicts the authorities’ actions as legitimate. Journalists, newspapers, and editorial boards seem to be unable to agree on the facts: compare the Globe and Mail’s news piece “Woman shocked by portrayal as hard-line Islamist” (March 5) and the National Post’s “A tale of two burkas” (March 9). (An important side-note here: she was not wearing a burqa, she was wearing a niqab.)
According to the National Post and the authorities involved, Amed had asked to be seated at the back of the class with her back to the other students. She had allegedly asked the male students to move so that they wouldn’t be able to see her face and had refused to work with them. Amed has denied all of these allegations, insisting in an interview with the Globe that “as long as I had the niqab on, it made no difference to me.”
Both stories seem to converge, however, on the fact that she was repeatedly and insistently asked to remove her niqab. In fact, she had lowered her veil many times: once to be photographed for her student identification card, and then on numerous occasions in class, at the request of the teacher and despite the presence of the male students.
The school authorities at CEGEP St. Laurent and Quebec officials cited pedagogical reasons for expelling her: she could not be taught as long as she was wearing a niqab. At the CACI however, the instructors and school personnel didn’t have any problems teaching her French with her veil up. She was studying there until the immigration ministry found out and interrupted her during an exam to expel her.
Everyone seems to have an opinion. Julius Grey, the civil rights lawyer who defended Sikh students’ right to wear a ceremonial dagger, said that Amed’s request to wear a niqab was unreasonable. Grey is effectively comparing a type of clothing to a dagger, a potential weapon, and deciding that the former is more unreasonable and more threatening than the latter.
Yolande James, Quebec’s immigration minister, even suggested future legislation banning the niqab in Quebec. Many don’t feel that this is an overreaction. Now, I will agree that there are situations where a woman in a niqab should legitimately be required to lower her veil, such as when voting or in a court of law. But a complete ban on the garment, a piece of clothing, seems to be a waste of our tax dollars. Similarly, provincial officials tracking her down to expel her from French classes, seems to be an equally gratuitous use of public money. Imagine the cost of campaigning for and implementing this legislation. Is it worth it?
Why do we want to ban the niqab? It is at least partly because many consider it a symbol of patriarchy. Apparently we think we live in a post-feminist utopia where only the niqab and practices of “other” cultures are symbols of patriarchy. Marriage is a symbol of patriarchy. You know the part where the father gives away the bride, because she used to belong to her father, but now she belongs to the groom? It’s a symbol of an ancient and current practice of what Gayle Rubin called the traffic in women. So, let’s ban marriage! Any takers? No? Hmm.
Furthermore, feminism and women’s liberation is about choice. Empowerment is about choice. Let’s say it again, folks, CHOICE. It is her body, and her choice how to dress it. In no way is it legitimate for anyone to question her decisions. She should not have to explain her reasons.
Amed’s case got a lot of media attention. She was accused of being a religious fundamentalist. She was pulled out of class in the middle of an exam. She was repeatedly picked on in class with frequent requests to lower her veil, having to justify her choice over and over. In the end, she was denied education. Quebec officials and politicians, the people who speak for us, refused to allow her to participate in Quebec society – all because of an over-politicized piece of cloth. All in all, wearing a niqab seems to be a tough gig.
La Presse published an article, “La vie en noir” (March 6), describing the experiences of a journalist who wore a niqab in public for two days. While most tried to ignore her, some people screamed at her (that she looked Afghani), glared at her, asked her whether she was deliberately trying to provoke them, and asked her to go back to her country.
Now, let us imagine a hypothetical situation of a woman who wears a niqab because she is forced to. She puts it on and it is not her choice to do so. But when she leaves her house, she finds herself attacked everywhere she goes. Public services are denied to her, and this piece of cloth, which she wears to make her life easier, turns out to be highly politicized and prompts people to view her with contempt. She is effectively in a double bind: there is nothing she can do that will not result in some kind of punishment and some kind of loss. In what way is this empowering women and supporting women’s choices?
Many newspapers, when talking about Amed’s case, questioned whether Quebec should accommodate Islamic fundamentalism (the Post’s “A tale of two burkas” and the Globe’s “Beyond the pale on the veil” are two examples). The niqab is seen as an extreme expression of religious faith and so the wearer must be a religious fundamentalist. The question then became: should we really be accommodating fundamentalism?
This is where Islamophobia comes in, since there is absolutely no reason to believe that the niqab is a symbol of religious fundamentalism. Amed did not try to impose the niqab on anyone else and she did not preach her religion to others. There is no evidence that she advocates violence or extremism. All she expresses when she chooses to wear a niqab is that she is a woman who wears a niqab.
Additionally, there seems to be a fear that women in niqabs threaten secularism. This is again unfounded since Amed was not in a position of authority, she was not employed in public service, and she was not representing the government in any way to anyone. She is a civilian, hopefully a future citizen, who is dressed differently and engaging in public participation. Adding her voice to the vox populi does not make us any less secular as a province, as a nation.
Then there is the question of integration; many argue that a woman who wears a niqab cannot possibly integrate. I ask you then, what is integration anyway? Does it imply that one cannot express their cultural and ethnic identity? Would anyone argue that men clad in Hasidic attire cannot integrate? That veiled Catholic nuns are unable to fully participate in Quebec society? That turban-clad Sikh men are isolated?
Amed was a pharmacist in Egypt and she expressed a desire to learn French with the hope that she could pursue a similar career in Montreal. After being expelled from CEGEP St. Laurent, she did not give up; she found herself another French class in which to enrol. Subsequently, when denied again, she filed a human rights complaint against the province. These are not the actions of someone who is isolated or unwilling to integrate in Quebec society.
According to the Montreal Muslim Council, there are a couple dozen women in Quebec who wear the niqab. Accommodating these women does not seem excessive or costly: they could simply be told to lower their veil to identify themselves to institutions, and then be free to put it back up while enjoying the public service of their choice. Did the media, the politicians, and the state officials really have nothing better to do than to fixate on this for the last two weeks? Even Jean Charest found time to say that Amed was asking for too much accommodation.
The Muslim community itself is also divided on the issue of the niqab. Some suggest that a ban is necessary and others insist that wearing a niqab is a personal choice. I would personally like to hear more Muslim voices on this controversy. There is something deeply disconcerting about the majority deciding what is acceptable attire for a minority.
It seems that this case has brought out a lot of fear in everyone. I will leave you today with a few thoughts on tolerance. When it comes to a practice that does not violate anyone else’s rights, is there really such a thing as too much tolerance? And when it comes to Naïma Amed, were we, as a host society, really too tolerant of her?
Read the original article here: Muslim women don’t need saving from themselves
Ahmadiyya Times: Indonesia: 'Infidel’ Not to be Said Lightly, NU Cleric Says
Ahmadiyya Times: Indonesia: 'Infidel’ Not to be Said Lightly, NU Cleric Says
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: The Jakarta Globe | March 27, 2010
Senior cleric and deputy chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama’s legal advisory board Masyhuri Na’im said on Friday that Muslims should not use the term kafir , or infidel, lightly.
The nation’s largest Islamic group has discussed the matter at its annual congress in Makassar this week because it had received numerous reports of Muslims labeling those both inside and outside the faith as infidels as a means of attack, he said.
“I have heard that people who do not wear a kopiah [Muslim skull cap] are called infidels. Muslims not growing their beards are called infidels. People are being declared kafirs and then attacked,” Masyhuri said, adding that NU was greatly saddened to hear that members of the Ahmadiyah, a minority Muslim sect, had been assaulted many times and seen their mosques destroyed by those who called them infidels.
“Have you ever seen any NU followers attacking Ahmadiyah followers? No. We would never do that because the Prophet [Muhammad] would never use violence. We talk to people. The Prophet would never physically attack people because they were not Muslims,” Masyhuri said, adding that there were several criteria to be met before someone could be called an infidel.
“God should be considered as the creator of the universe. Only God can punish us. To call someone an infidel who is actually a Muslim over small differences is forbidden by the Prophet. The Prophet has clearly instructed us that whosoever calls a Muslim an infidel, himself is the infidel,” Masyhuri said.
He added that those who were misguided needed to be brought back toward the correct path of Islam.
Read original article here: 'Infidel’ Not to be Said Lightly, NU Cleric Says
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Indonesia: 'Infidel’ Not to be Said Lightly, NU Cleric Says
...Prophet [Muhammad] would never use violence. We talk to people. The Prophet would never physically attack people because they were not Muslims.” Masyhuri Na’im, Chairman, Nahdlatul Ulama legal advisory board.Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: The Jakarta Globe | March 27, 2010
Senior cleric and deputy chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama’s legal advisory board Masyhuri Na’im said on Friday that Muslims should not use the term kafir , or infidel, lightly.
The nation’s largest Islamic group has discussed the matter at its annual congress in Makassar this week because it had received numerous reports of Muslims labeling those both inside and outside the faith as infidels as a means of attack, he said.
“I have heard that people who do not wear a kopiah [Muslim skull cap] are called infidels. Muslims not growing their beards are called infidels. People are being declared kafirs and then attacked,” Masyhuri said, adding that NU was greatly saddened to hear that members of the Ahmadiyah, a minority Muslim sect, had been assaulted many times and seen their mosques destroyed by those who called them infidels.
“Have you ever seen any NU followers attacking Ahmadiyah followers? No. We would never do that because the Prophet [Muhammad] would never use violence. We talk to people. The Prophet would never physically attack people because they were not Muslims,” Masyhuri said, adding that there were several criteria to be met before someone could be called an infidel.
“God should be considered as the creator of the universe. Only God can punish us. To call someone an infidel who is actually a Muslim over small differences is forbidden by the Prophet. The Prophet has clearly instructed us that whosoever calls a Muslim an infidel, himself is the infidel,” Masyhuri said.
He added that those who were misguided needed to be brought back toward the correct path of Islam.
Read original article here: 'Infidel’ Not to be Said Lightly, NU Cleric Says
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The situation in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh
The situation in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh
ব্রাহ্মনবাড়ীয়াতে আহমদীয়া সম্মেলন বন্ধের চেষ্টা
আগামীকাল শুক্রবার ও পরশু শনিবার ১৯ ও ২০ মার্চ, ২০১০, আহমদীয়া মুসলিম জামা'ত, ব্রাহ্মনবাড়ীয়া তাদের ৬৩তম সালানা জলসা বা বার্ষিক সম্মেলনের আয়োজন করেছে। শহরের কান্দিপাড়ায় অবস্থিত নবনির্মিত নিজস্ব মসজিদ "বাইতুল ওয়াহেদ" প্রাংগনে দু'দিনব্যাপী উক্ত জলসার আয়োজন করা হয়েছে। কিন্তু এ সংবাদে স্থানীয় কিছু উগ্রপন্থী মোল্লা "খতমে নবুয়তের" ব্যানারে উক্ত শান্তিপুর্ণ জলসা যা মসজিদ কমপ্লেক্সের অভ্যন্তরে অনুষ্ঠিত হবে এবং বাইরে থেকে কোনো বক্তব্য শুনা যাবেনা তা বন্ধ করতে জোড় ততপরতা চালিয়েছে। তারা ইতিমধ্যে শহরের বিভিন্নস্থনে মিছিল-সমাবেশ করে জনগণের মধ্যে বিভ্রান্তি ছড়ানোর চেস্টা চালায় এবং স্থানীয় প্রশাসন এবং স্থানীয় সংসদ সদস্যের কাছে জলসা বন্ধের আবেদন জানিয়ে চাপ প্রয়োগের চেস্টা চালিয়ে যাচ্ছে বলে সংবাদ পাওয়া গেছে।
আহমদীয়া মুসলিম জামা'ত, ব্রাহ্মনবাড়ীয়ার প্রতিনিধিবর্গ ইতিমধ্যে স্থানীয় প্রশাসন ও মাননীয় সংসদ সদস্যকে তাদের শান্তিপুর্ণ ও সম্পুর্ণ অভ্যন্তরীন ধর্মীয় অনুষ্ঠান নির্বিঘ্নে পালন করার ক্ষেত্রে যাতে কোনরূপ বাধার সৃস্টি করা না হয় সেবিষয়ে নিশ্চয়তা বিধানের আবেদন জানিয়েছে। আবেদন ও আলোচনার পর তারা আহমদীদেরকে তাদের অনুষ্ঠান করার অনুমতি দিয়েছেন বলে জানা গেছে। তথাপি কোন কোন মহল জলসা যাতে অনুষ্ঠিত হ'তে না পারে সেজন্য নানারূপ ততপরতা চালিয়ে যাচ্ছে বলে সংবাদ পাওয়া গেছে।
উল্লেখ্য যে, ১৯৮৭ সালে উগ্রপন্থী মোল্লারা "খতমে নবুয়তের" ব্যানারে আহমদীদের পুরনো মসজিদ 'মসজিদ মোবারক" যেটিও কান্দিপাড়ায় অবস্থিত (বর্তমানে এর নাম দেয়া হয়েছে "মসজিদে ফাতাহ" অর্থাত "বিজিত মসজিদ" !), সেটি সহ ব্রাহ্মনবাড়ীয়া অঞ্চলের মোট চারটি মসজিদ জোড়পূর্বক দখল করে নেয়, বিভিন্ন সময়ে বিভিন্ন সরকারের কাছে আবেদন জানিয়েও দখলকৃত মসজিদগুলি যা আহমদীদের নিজস্ব স্থানে ও নিজস্ব অর্থায়নে নির্মিত উদ্ধার করা বা ফেরত পাওয়া সম্ভব হয়নি। সেই সাথে ব্রাহ্মনবাড়ীয়ার স্থানীয় আহমদীগণ বাধার কারণে দীর্ঘদিন কোন জালসা করতেও সক্ষম হননি। বিগত তত্বাবধায়ক সরকারের আমল এবং বর্তমান সরকার ক্ষমতায় আসার পর থেকে স্থানীয় আহমদীগণ পুণরায় তাদের জলসা করতে সক্ষম হয়েছেন।
আমরা আশা করব যে, আমাদের মুক্তিযুদ্ধে নেতৃত্বদানকারী ও মুক্তিযুদ্ধের চেতনার দাবীদার সরকার কোন বিশেষ মহল বা গোষ্ঠির দাবীর কাছে নতীস্বীকার না করে সকল ধর্ম, সম্প্রদায় ও মতকে তাদের নিজস্ব ধর্মকর্ম পালনের অধিকার নিশ্চিত করে অসাম্প্রদায়ীক ও ধর্মনিরপেক্ষ বাংলাদেশ গড়ার প্রাতিশ্রুতি পালনে সচেস্ট হবেন; এবং সেই সাথে আহমদীদের দখল হয়ে যাওয়া চারটি মসজিদ ফিরিয়ে দেয়ার বাস্তব পদক্ষেপ গ্রহন করবেন।
নিবেদক-
আহমদ তবশির চৌধুরী
প্রেস সেক্রেটারী
আহমদীয়া মুসলিম জামা'ত, বাংলাদেশ
Ahmadiyya Bangla - Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Ahmadiyya Bangla - Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
প্রতিশ্রুত মসীহ্ ও ইমাম মাহ্দী (আঃ) আবির্ভূত হয়েছেন!
আহ্মদীয়া মুসলিম জামাতের পক্ষ থেকে সবাইকে প্রাণঢালা শুভেচ্ছা ও সালাম। একটি ঐশী নেয়ামতের সংবাদ সবার কাছে পৌঁছানোর লক্ষ্যে কয়েকটি কথা বিনীতভাবে উপস্থাপন করছি।
অন্যান্য সব মুসলমানের মত আমরাও হযরত মুহাম্মদ মোস্তফা সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহে ওয়া সাল্লাম-এর উম্মত হিসাবে ইমাম মাহ্দী ও প্রতিশ্রুত মসীহ্ (আঃ)-এর আগমনের প্রতীক্ষায় ছিলাম। আজ থেকে শতাধিক বছর আগে ১৮৮৯ খৃষ্টাব্দে তথা ১৩০৬ হিজরী সনে ভারতের পাঞ্জাব প্রদেশের এক নিভৃত গ্রামে হযরত মির্যা গোলাম আহ্মদ (আঃ) সেই প্রতিশ্রুত মহাপুরুষ হবার দাবী করেন। আমরা পবিত্র কুরআন ও হাদীসের আলোকে তাঁকে যাঁচাই করে সত্য মাহ্দী ও প্রতিশ্রুত মসীহ্ হিসাবে গ্রহণের তৌফিক লাভ করেছি। কুরআনের ভবিষ্যদ্বাণী ও সহীহ্ হাদীসের আলোকে একথা সুস্পষ্ট, খাতামান্নাবীঈন (সাঃ)-এর আধ্যাত্মিক কল্যাণে ও তাঁর আনুগত্যে তাঁরই উম্মত হতে ইমাম মাহ্দী ও প্রতিশ্রুত মসীহ্‘র চতুর্দশ শতাব্দীর শিরোভাগে আগমনের কথা। হযরত মির্যা সাহেব তদনুযায়ী সঠিক সময়ে আগমন করেছেন।
মহানবী (সাঃ) বলেছেনঃ
ইমাম মাহ্দী আবির্ভূত হবার সংবাদ পাওয়া মাত্রই তাঁর হাতে বয়আত করিও, যদি বরফের উপর হামাগুড়ি দিয়েও যেতে হয়; কেননা নিশ্চয় তিনি আল্লাহ্র খলীফা আল-মাহ্দী।
(সুনানে ইবনে মাজা-বাবু খুরূজুল মাহ্দী)
Friday Sermon - Divine bestowment without measure and God’s swift reckoning
Divine bestowment without measure and God’s swift reckoning
Summary of Friday Sermon
Delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad at, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
March 26 th, 2010
NOTE: Alislam Team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this Synopsis of the Friday Sermon
Hudhur gave a discourse on Divine bestowment without measure as well as God’s swift reckoning in his Friday Sermon today. Hudhur explained the subject by citing examples of ahadith as well as incidents of the companions of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).
Hudhur said there are numerous incidences from the life of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih I (may Allah be pleased with him) that illustrate how God grants without measure and from most unexpected means. Once HKM I (may Allah be pleased with him) was travelling from Kashmir via Rawalpindi when money ran out. He told his companion that they would sell the horse. A short while later, the horse became ill and on reaching Rawalpindi it died. The carriage man demanded rent and there appeared no way out when HKM I (may Allah be pleased with him) turned to God. Just then a person brought his ailing father to HKM I for treatment. He prescribed some medicine and was paid enough remuneration to enable them to carry on with the journey. Once on the occasion of Eid ul Adhia HKM I (may Allah be pleased with him) only had one worn piece of clothing to wear. The congregation for Eid Salat awaited and sent for him many times as he dealt with his worn clothes at home. Then there was a knock on the door and there stood a man who had travelled from another town bearing some clothes as gifts for HKM I (may Allah be pleased with him) and his family. Thus God always provided for him.
Maulana Ghulam Rasool Rajiki once had a dream that he and his wife are living in the house of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and are close family members. He dreamed that his son is massaging the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) feet, when the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) says to him in Punjabi, may all your needs be fulfilled’. Maulana Rajiki said that following this dream God Himself fulfilled all his needs and his family and neighbours were witness to this spiritual glad-tiding.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that the real Provider is God. One who put his trust in God is never deprived of provision. God states that He showers down from the heavens and extracts from under the feet for one who trusts Him.
Hudhur said God’s Prophets imbibe Divine attributes extremely well and the most excellent example of this was the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). He once said that even if he had gold the size of the mount of Uhad, he would have been happier, if after three days he had none left, apart from a little left over for paying off debts. Whenever the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was asked in the name of Islam, he would give most generously. Once he gave a person the entire herd of goats that grazed a valley between two mountains. The man went to his people and told them to accept Islam because the Prophet of Islam gave so much that there could never be a risk of famine. After the victory of Makkah and following the Battle of Hunain, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) gave Sufyan bin Umayyah three hundred camels. Sufyan would say that prior to this he greatly disliked the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) but later he became his most beloved. Hudhur said at times worldly riches bring people to faith. Sufyan bin Umayyah passed a valley with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) where he covetously eyed a herd of goats. The Prophet asked him if he liked the herd a lot, to which he answered, yes. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) told him he may have the entire herd. Overwhelmed by this generosity Sufyan fell in the feet of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and accepted Islam saying only a Prophet of God could make such a huge bestowal. Earlier on Sufyan bin Umayyah was a sworn enemy of Islam and following victory of Makkah he wondered if he would be spared. Not only was he pardoned rather he was bestowed greatly by the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) who would advice his Companions never to be miserly in matters of faith and never to be inadequate in honouring dues of mankind. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) enjoined not to be penny pinching when giving in the name of God, he said other wise God too would give sparingly.
Hudhur said each person’s power to give is in accordance to his/her capacity and other commitments. The history of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) is a testimony to their trust in God. These people who were uneducated and ignorant went on to become great exemplars of godliness. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was ever concerned that his ummah remained godly. Once he sent Abu Ubaidah to collect Jizya from Bahrain, a place he had made a peace treaty with. When Abu Ubaidah returned a lot people had gathered, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) smiled and said it appeared people knew Abu Ubaidah had returned with something. He gave people glad-tidings but said that he was not concerned about their poverty but was concerned lest they got inclined to materialism like the earlier people and this materialism caused their destruction like the ancients. Hudhur said it was a pity that in spite of this strong counsel of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) the majority of his ummah today is embroiled in the same. However, Ahmadis have to honour their pledge of bai’at and have to give precedence to faith over worldly matters.
Hudhur said the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) followed this blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in his dealings with his followers. Once he asked Syed Ghulam Hussain sahib, who was a young man of 15 years at the time and eager to serve, to fetch a parcel for him from Batala and gave him Rupee 5 for any expenses he may incur on the way. With no carriage around, young Syed sahib walked to Batala. The parcel was already fully paid for. On the way back the carriage driver asked for too much money, so Syed sahib arranged for the parcel to be carried but walked himself back to Qadian. He gave 4 pennies (aana) to the porter who had carried the parcel and went to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) took the parcel, cut the top open, put his hand inside and took out some fine grapes and gave them to the young man saying that was his share. He quickly gathered them in his tunic and returned the change to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) who most affectionately said, ‘we do not keep account with friends.’
Once Hakim Abdur Rahman sahib went to Qadian and on the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) insistence he stayed for a two and half months. Finally when he took leave to return home the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) gave him a note to obtain a book of his from the book store. The person at the book store was annoyed and remarked that people came and got free books, so Hakim sahib asked for the note back. When the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) inquired if he had obtained the book he related the incident. On hearing what happened, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) walked off towards the store without putting his shoes on and said to the person there, ‘Mir sahib, why do you worry? You are anxious so soon? Large numbers of people have yet to come here and treasures will be distributed.’
Hudhur said people who make sacrifices for the publication of Islam today and give are also shown such experiences by God. A new Ahmadi of Ivory Coast, Yaqoub Ali sahib was told about the prescribed rates of chanda, of Tehrike Jadid and Waqfe Jadid. When he paid his contribution accordingly, it came up to £50, which was a large sum for him. Soon afterwards a friend of his who had borrowed money from him a couple of years ago but from whom hope of a return was all but lost, rang him and said he was ready to pay back. Not only did he get his loan money back, he received a letter from the government informing him that he had been promoted to a higher grade and his salary had increased by 50%. On receipt of his enhanced salary he immediately adjusted his chanda contribution and he tells everyone most candidly it is all due to the grace of God.
A non-Ahmadi lady called Haleem from Benin contributed to the Tehrike Jadid scheme. Her business profit was double. She paid the following year again and her profit margin was four-fold. She continued to give, saying her business had accrued extraordinary profit, she also took her bai’at. Hudhur said, as a rule we do not take contributions from people outside the Jama’at but in Africa sometimes such connections are formed that we have to accept contributions. Hudhur said when he was in Ghana many [non-Ahmadi] farmers would bring their Zakat saying that they were assured the Ahmadis would correctly channel it as opposed to the mullah who would probably devour it.
In the time of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) once someone was going on travels and asked the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) for some funds who brought the box in which he kept all the money and said, ‘take however much you wish to’, most cheerfully he said, ‘take all if you like’.
Next Hudhur cited a few examples of God’s swift reckoning. Maulana Ranjiki related that once he was officiating the Nikah of a son of a companion of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and later realised that apart from the one getting married all the other off-spring were deaf and dumb. The companion said that he used to taunt his sister-in-law who had a deaf and dumb child. Once he exceeded all limits in insults the sister-in-law told him to fear God. His impudence caused God’s displeasure and all his children were born deaf and dumb. He did Istaghfar profusely and wrote to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) for prayers. Eventually his last child was born without any disability. Hudhur said at times the pain inflicted on someone can move the heavens.
Maulana Rajiki also related an incident about two candidates standing in the Punjab Legislative Council elections and eager to get the votes of Ahmadis. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) instructed the Community to vote for one of the two. This choice was unexpected and many people arose against the Ahmadis over this. Ahmadis remained patient. One well-off person among them exceeded all limits and used abusive language for Ahmadis in general and Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II and the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in particular. Maulana Rajiki warned him that such transgression was not good and that God does give too much respite to people like him. Almost immediately after this the man fell ill and despite seeking medical help from the best hospital, four months later, in spite of his grandeur, he died.
Maulana Rajiki related about a Maulwi who was extremely keen on the concept of Jesus (on whom be peace) being alive in the heavens. When the definite Quranic verse ‘When Allah said, ‘O Jesus, I will cause thee to die a natural death and will exalt thee to Myself, and will clear thee from the charges of those who disbelieve, and will place those who follow thee above those who disbelieve, until the Day of Resurrection; then to Me shall be your return, and I will judge between you concerning that wherein you differ.’ (3:56) was presented to him he would audaciously change the sequence of words in the verse to suit his purpose. He even went as far as suggesting to have the altered verse printed in a copy of the Qur’an but the scholars did not agree that it would cause a havoc. When all printing press declined he went to a Sikh press and offered them a lot of money, but they also declined due to fear of reprisals from Muslims. The Maulvi then decided to go into publication himself in order to achieve his goal. However, he suddenly became a victim to the plague and within the space of one night all his family died of the plague.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that if one is mindful of God’s greatness and is aware of death then indolence is taken care of. God’s chastisement is dreadful. He covers faults but when He punishes, it is severe, apart from those who fear Him and deems Him Great. For such a person God becomes a shield.
Hudhur said may God have mercy and protect us from punishment, even from slight reprimand and may He always grant us blessings and give us beyond our imagination, may He establish His fear in our hearts. May we be among those who have perfect trust in God and may He become our shield at every opportunity as is His promise.
Hudhur said he is going on travels and the next few Fridays [the Baitul Futuh congregation] will also see Friday Sermons, like the rest of the world, on MTA. Hudhur asked for prayers that may his travels be blessed in every way.
Ahmadiyya Times: Faith, loyalty to country - no conflict, in multicultural Canada
Ahmadiyya Times: Faith, loyalty to country - no conflict, in multicultural Canada
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at has held World Religions Conferences and interfaith symposia across Canada, for the past 28 years, "to bring different faiths closer to one another."
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Canada Desk
Source & Credit: Bradford Times | Canada
By Miriam King
The first World Religions Conference held in Bradford, on March 17, was billed as an evening of "thought-provoking discussion", as scholars from Judaism, Christianity and Islam came together to discuss the topic, "Reconciling Faith and Loyalty to the Country."
The evening was organ-ized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, inviting the community to hear Muslim scholar Mubarak Nazir, Missionary-in- Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Canada; Terry Weller, Interfaith Christian Minister and publisher of the Interfaith Unity News; and Mark Freiman, former Deputy Attorney General of Ontario, and President of the Canadian Jewish Congress.
"This will be a learning experience for many here," said Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Doug White, who moderated the discussion, and welcomed the capacity crowd to the Bradford Community Centre Auditorium.
All three speakers addressed the issue from not only a different religious standpoint, but personal perspective. Freiman pointed out, "I am not a rabbi, or any sort of religious authority" - although he cited the Torah, in speaking for the CJC and secular Judaism.
Weller brought his understanding as an Interfaith Minister, therapist and counsellor, and Nazir - his understanding as a scholar, a father, and a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at.
In the end, there was no disagreement. For all three, there was no conflict between faith and civil society – as long as civil society itself did not attack the faith and dignity of the individual.
Freiman said that being Jewish in Canada "does not involve conflicting identities or conflicting values. We are Canadian and we are Jews." The Jewish faith, he said, requires "precisely this union of civic and religious identities," and the Torah makes "inclusion of minorities and respect for their rights a key legal prescription."
All members of a society are seen as having civic duties and obligations, and "morally and ethically, the people owe a duty to secular authority. ... Civic authority plays an individual role in our daily lives," Freiman said. "There are, however, limits, and those limits come when the demand for loyalty" encompasses a demand for the abandonment of faith. "My freedom ends where it demands the abrogation of your freedom... Loyalty to Canada involves loyalty to the concepts of legal equality, tolerance and respect for others."
For Weller, faith includes a call to "active social action through passive resistance," when the State attacks faith's basic principles, although he said, "These are my beliefs – I do not present them as a credo for others to follow," and acknowledged that with "more than 12,000 different approaches to Christianity," it has been all too easy to reshape the message of Christ. "History is full of examples of how people have shaped Jesus and his words."
Through multiculturalism and his interfaith studies, Weller said that he has come to understand that "underlying the layers of dogma and symbolism were the same spiritual truths... They all spoke of faith, God, humility and peace," and the basic principle: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
"In living true to my faith, I am demonstrating my loyalty to my country," he said – though that doesn't mean staying silent if the country moves away from its core values and ethics, which include multiculturalism. "The God that I love, loves diversity," Weller said. "Just look at the world he created."
Mubarak Nazir spoke of the shared traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam – and of the opportunities offered by Canada, to all who come to its shores, regardless of origin. For the immigrant to Canada, "tomorrow he could be a Member of Parliament, he could be Prime Minister – such unparalleled opportunities."
And when religion conflicts with the demands of country? "Our religion demands that we follow God, follow His Messenger, follow those who are in authority," he said. "Conscientious objection is there, but... are we allowed to have mutiny? No. Riots? No. Suicide bombings? No.... The Prophet says, Love of your country is part of your faith." Those who are offered shelter, justice and welcome by a country, owe that country their love and loyalty, he said.
Nazir told the crowd that he has 5 children, "all different." But when there is a crisis in the family, "we come together like a molten wall of lead – that is what Canada is."
And he praised Canada's multicultural society. "The strength of this country depends on all of us. That is the beauty of Canada – it is the envy of the whole world."
The evening concluded with questions from the audience.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at has held World Religions Conferences and interfaith symposia across Canada, for the past 28 years, "to bring different faiths closer to one another."
Read full article here: Faith, loyalty to country - no conflict, in multicultural Canada
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Faith, loyalty to country - no conflict, in multicultural Canada
Source & Credit: Bradford Times | Canada
By Miriam King
The first World Religions Conference held in Bradford, on March 17, was billed as an evening of "thought-provoking discussion", as scholars from Judaism, Christianity and Islam came together to discuss the topic, "Reconciling Faith and Loyalty to the Country."
The evening was organ-ized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, inviting the community to hear Muslim scholar Mubarak Nazir, Missionary-in- Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Canada; Terry Weller, Interfaith Christian Minister and publisher of the Interfaith Unity News; and Mark Freiman, former Deputy Attorney General of Ontario, and President of the Canadian Jewish Congress.
"This will be a learning experience for many here," said Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Doug White, who moderated the discussion, and welcomed the capacity crowd to the Bradford Community Centre Auditorium.
All three speakers addressed the issue from not only a different religious standpoint, but personal perspective. Freiman pointed out, "I am not a rabbi, or any sort of religious authority" - although he cited the Torah, in speaking for the CJC and secular Judaism.
Weller brought his understanding as an Interfaith Minister, therapist and counsellor, and Nazir - his understanding as a scholar, a father, and a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at.
In the end, there was no disagreement. For all three, there was no conflict between faith and civil society – as long as civil society itself did not attack the faith and dignity of the individual.
Freiman said that being Jewish in Canada "does not involve conflicting identities or conflicting values. We are Canadian and we are Jews." The Jewish faith, he said, requires "precisely this union of civic and religious identities," and the Torah makes "inclusion of minorities and respect for their rights a key legal prescription."
All members of a society are seen as having civic duties and obligations, and "morally and ethically, the people owe a duty to secular authority. ... Civic authority plays an individual role in our daily lives," Freiman said. "There are, however, limits, and those limits come when the demand for loyalty" encompasses a demand for the abandonment of faith. "My freedom ends where it demands the abrogation of your freedom... Loyalty to Canada involves loyalty to the concepts of legal equality, tolerance and respect for others."
For Weller, faith includes a call to "active social action through passive resistance," when the State attacks faith's basic principles, although he said, "These are my beliefs – I do not present them as a credo for others to follow," and acknowledged that with "more than 12,000 different approaches to Christianity," it has been all too easy to reshape the message of Christ. "History is full of examples of how people have shaped Jesus and his words."
Through multiculturalism and his interfaith studies, Weller said that he has come to understand that "underlying the layers of dogma and symbolism were the same spiritual truths... They all spoke of faith, God, humility and peace," and the basic principle: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
"In living true to my faith, I am demonstrating my loyalty to my country," he said – though that doesn't mean staying silent if the country moves away from its core values and ethics, which include multiculturalism. "The God that I love, loves diversity," Weller said. "Just look at the world he created."
Mubarak Nazir spoke of the shared traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam – and of the opportunities offered by Canada, to all who come to its shores, regardless of origin. For the immigrant to Canada, "tomorrow he could be a Member of Parliament, he could be Prime Minister – such unparalleled opportunities."
And when religion conflicts with the demands of country? "Our religion demands that we follow God, follow His Messenger, follow those who are in authority," he said. "Conscientious objection is there, but... are we allowed to have mutiny? No. Riots? No. Suicide bombings? No.... The Prophet says, Love of your country is part of your faith." Those who are offered shelter, justice and welcome by a country, owe that country their love and loyalty, he said.
Nazir told the crowd that he has 5 children, "all different." But when there is a crisis in the family, "we come together like a molten wall of lead – that is what Canada is."
And he praised Canada's multicultural society. "The strength of this country depends on all of us. That is the beauty of Canada – it is the envy of the whole world."
The evening concluded with questions from the audience.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at has held World Religions Conferences and interfaith symposia across Canada, for the past 28 years, "to bring different faiths closer to one another."
Read full article here: Faith, loyalty to country - no conflict, in multicultural Canada
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Facebook | InSearch of Truth 3 (Repeat 4)
Facebook | InSearch of Truth 3 (Repeat 4)
Shotter Shondhane is a phono live program in Bangla internationally aired by MTA International in a by-monthly schedule. You can view the program even from your internet connection from www.mta.tv by clicking "MTA1 URD 56k" button. The records of the last programs hold on 25th to 28th February 2010 will be telecast again during the present schedule.
Shotter Shondhane is a phono live program in Bangla internationally aired by MTA International in a by-monthly schedule. You can view the program even from your internet connection from www.mta.tv by clicking "MTA1 URD 56k" button. The records of the last programs hold on 25th to 28th February 2010 will be telecast again during the present schedule.
Ahmadiyya Times: Qadian, India: Official Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Bharat website launched, new nursery, new trade training center opened
Ahmadiyya Times: Qadian, India: Official Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Bharat website launched, new nursery, new trade training center opened
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Qadian, India: Official Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Bharat website launched, new nursery, new trade training center opened
In addition to providing the education and training materials for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth, the website will be used for internal communication and reporting between Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Qaids of all the MKA branches in the country.
www.khuddam.in
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya | Bharat
By Staff Writer | March 23, 2010
The official Website of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya (MKA) Bharat, (the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association), was officially launched on the 23rd of March, on the occasion of “Messiah-e-Moud Day” at Qadian, India. The launch was officially made by Hafiz Dr. Saleh Muhammad Ala Deen, Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Qadian.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Qadian, India: Official Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Bharat website launched, new nursery, new trade training center opened
In addition to providing the education and training materials for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth, the website will be used for internal communication and reporting between Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Qaids of all the MKA branches in the country.
www.khuddam.in
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya | Bharat
By Staff Writer | March 23, 2010
The official Website of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya (MKA) Bharat, (the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association), was officially launched on the 23rd of March, on the occasion of “Messiah-e-Moud Day” at Qadian, India. The launch was officially made by Hafiz Dr. Saleh Muhammad Ala Deen, Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Qadian.
Friday Sermon - Aspects of Spiritual Rizq (Provision) and Divine attribute of Al Hasib (The Reckoner)
Friday Sermon - Aspects of Spiritual Rizq (Provision) and Divine attribute of Al Hasib (The Reckoner)
Aspects of Spiritual Rizq (Provision) and Divine attribute of Al Hasib (The Reckoner)
Summary of Friday Sermon
Delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad at, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
March 19 th, 2010
NOTE: Alislam Team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this Synopsis of the Friday Sermon
In his Friday Sermon today, Hudhur began by explaining an aspect, that he said was part of last Friday’s sermon, but to which he could not draw attention last week. Hudhur said, as explained, the significance of rizq(provision) is not limited to material provision and wealth, rather all spiritual capacities and faculties also come in this category. The most supremely excellent form of rizq was granted to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), who in turn passed it on to his Companions. One form of such rizq is the Holy Qur’an, then there is the Sunnah of the Prophetsa and his sayings. The Companions attained beneficence from all these. In addition, the Holy Prophetsa made a prophecy about the latter-days. He foretold that once again, there will be dearth of spiritual rizq which is when an ‘appointed one’ of God will come and will distribute the treasures of the Holy Prophetsa to people.
:For detail see the link:
Aspects of Spiritual Rizq (Provision) and Divine attribute of Al Hasib (The Reckoner)
Summary of Friday Sermon
Delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad at, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
March 19 th, 2010
NOTE: Alislam Team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this Synopsis of the Friday Sermon
In his Friday Sermon today, Hudhur began by explaining an aspect, that he said was part of last Friday’s sermon, but to which he could not draw attention last week. Hudhur said, as explained, the significance of rizq(provision) is not limited to material provision and wealth, rather all spiritual capacities and faculties also come in this category. The most supremely excellent form of rizq was granted to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), who in turn passed it on to his Companions. One form of such rizq is the Holy Qur’an, then there is the Sunnah of the Prophetsa and his sayings. The Companions attained beneficence from all these. In addition, the Holy Prophetsa made a prophecy about the latter-days. He foretold that once again, there will be dearth of spiritual rizq which is when an ‘appointed one’ of God will come and will distribute the treasures of the Holy Prophetsa to people.
:For detail see the link:
Ahmadiyya Times: Chicago, USA: Muslims who believe in the Messiah celebrate 121 years
Ahmadiyya Times: Chicago, USA: Muslims who believe in the Messiah celebrate 121 years
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Chicago, USA: Muslims who believe in the Messiah celebrate 121 years
They [Ahmadiyya Muslim Community] comprise of a Nobel laurete, President of the UN, President of the World Supreme Court, Director of the World Bank, Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy Award winners, artists, authors, scientists, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and certainly scholars in Islamic Jurisprudence. They emphasize that any success achieved is solely by the Grace of God and the perfect example of the Holy Prophet (sa).
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, (1835-1908)
The Promised Messiah
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Articles
Source & Credit: Chicago Islam Examiner | March 23, 2010
By Qasim Rashid | Chicago, IL
March 23: Muslims in Chicago and around the world who accept Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the Messiah today celebrate 121 years of the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Ahmad claimed to be the spiritual re-advent of Jesus Christ, awaited by Muslims and Christians alike.
In March 1889, Ahmad issued a leaflet in which he stated:
"God desires to found a community of the faithful to manifest His Glory and Power. He will make the Community grow and prosper, to establish the love of God, righteousness, purity, piety, peace and goodwill among men. This shall be a group of persons devoted to God. He shall strengthen them with His own spirit, and bless them and purify them. He shall multiply them exceedingly as He has promised. Thousands of truthful people shall join His ranks. He shall Himself look after them and make the Community grow, so much so that its numbers and progress shall amaze the world.
The Community shall be a lighthouse so high as to illumine the four corners of the world. The members thereof shall serve as models of Islamic blessings. My true followers shall excel every other people. There shall always rise among them, till the Judgment Day, personages who will be the chosen ones of God in every respect. So has the Almighty decreed. He does as He wills."
A well known hadeeth of the Holy Prophet (sa) says, "Dajjal will be stopped at the gates of Lud." (Muslim). The city where Hazrat Ahmad first accepted bai'at (allegiance) was a small town in India called Ludhiana. Forty righteous souls took bai'at that day. Since that day, this Community of Muslims has grown to tens of millions of members, established over 15,000 mosques, hundreds of schools, and dozens of hospitals worldwide. They have translated the Holy Qur'an in full into over 60 languages. They comprise of a Nobel laurete, President of the UN, President of the World Supreme Court, Director of the World Bank, Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy Award winners, artists, authors, scientists, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and certainly scholars in Islamic Jurisprudence. They emphasize that any success achieved is solely by the Grace of God and the perfect example of the Holy Prophet (sa).
Perhaps most relevant to contemporary issues, Muslims who believe in the Messiah categorically reject any and all forms of violence in the name of religion. In now officially 121 years, they have never once engaged in a single act of violence for any reason. This, despite facing intense governmental and societal persecution and martyrdom in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
The current Khalifa, Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated, "A true Muslim can never raise his voice in hatred against his fellow citizens, nor for that matter against the ruling authority or government of the time. It is the responsibility of a true Muslim that he should remain loyal and fully abide by the laws of the land of which he is a subject.” (Address at the opening of the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, Surrey in October 2003)
As Muslims celebrate this day, festivities are kept modest, generally including prayer, reflection, family time, and giving alms to the less fortunate.
Read original article here: Muslims who believe in the Messiah celebrate 121 years
Qasim Rashid is a contributing member of Majlis Sultanul Qalm, USA (MSQ USA) and regularly writes for Examiner.com and various other publications on topics ranging from Islam to human rights. Leave your thoughts and comments, or email Qasim at 1muslim.examiner@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Chicago, USA: Muslims who believe in the Messiah celebrate 121 years
They [Ahmadiyya Muslim Community] comprise of a Nobel laurete, President of the UN, President of the World Supreme Court, Director of the World Bank, Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy Award winners, artists, authors, scientists, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and certainly scholars in Islamic Jurisprudence. They emphasize that any success achieved is solely by the Grace of God and the perfect example of the Holy Prophet (sa).
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, (1835-1908)
The Promised Messiah
Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Articles
Source & Credit: Chicago Islam Examiner | March 23, 2010
By Qasim Rashid | Chicago, IL
March 23: Muslims in Chicago and around the world who accept Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the Messiah today celebrate 121 years of the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Ahmad claimed to be the spiritual re-advent of Jesus Christ, awaited by Muslims and Christians alike.
In March 1889, Ahmad issued a leaflet in which he stated:
"God desires to found a community of the faithful to manifest His Glory and Power. He will make the Community grow and prosper, to establish the love of God, righteousness, purity, piety, peace and goodwill among men. This shall be a group of persons devoted to God. He shall strengthen them with His own spirit, and bless them and purify them. He shall multiply them exceedingly as He has promised. Thousands of truthful people shall join His ranks. He shall Himself look after them and make the Community grow, so much so that its numbers and progress shall amaze the world.
The Community shall be a lighthouse so high as to illumine the four corners of the world. The members thereof shall serve as models of Islamic blessings. My true followers shall excel every other people. There shall always rise among them, till the Judgment Day, personages who will be the chosen ones of God in every respect. So has the Almighty decreed. He does as He wills."
A well known hadeeth of the Holy Prophet (sa) says, "Dajjal will be stopped at the gates of Lud." (Muslim). The city where Hazrat Ahmad first accepted bai'at (allegiance) was a small town in India called Ludhiana. Forty righteous souls took bai'at that day. Since that day, this Community of Muslims has grown to tens of millions of members, established over 15,000 mosques, hundreds of schools, and dozens of hospitals worldwide. They have translated the Holy Qur'an in full into over 60 languages. They comprise of a Nobel laurete, President of the UN, President of the World Supreme Court, Director of the World Bank, Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy Award winners, artists, authors, scientists, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and certainly scholars in Islamic Jurisprudence. They emphasize that any success achieved is solely by the Grace of God and the perfect example of the Holy Prophet (sa).
Perhaps most relevant to contemporary issues, Muslims who believe in the Messiah categorically reject any and all forms of violence in the name of religion. In now officially 121 years, they have never once engaged in a single act of violence for any reason. This, despite facing intense governmental and societal persecution and martyrdom in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
The current Khalifa, Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated, "A true Muslim can never raise his voice in hatred against his fellow citizens, nor for that matter against the ruling authority or government of the time. It is the responsibility of a true Muslim that he should remain loyal and fully abide by the laws of the land of which he is a subject.” (Address at the opening of the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, Surrey in October 2003)
As Muslims celebrate this day, festivities are kept modest, generally including prayer, reflection, family time, and giving alms to the less fortunate.
Read original article here: Muslims who believe in the Messiah celebrate 121 years
Qasim Rashid is a contributing member of Majlis Sultanul Qalm, USA (MSQ USA) and regularly writes for Examiner.com and various other publications on topics ranging from Islam to human rights. Leave your thoughts and comments, or email Qasim at 1muslim.examiner@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
National
National
Lord Eric Avebury awarded
Ahmadiyya Peace Prize
Staff Correspondent
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has awarded Lord Eric Avebury the inaugural Ahmadiyya Peace Prize in recognition to his continued efforts to safeguarding human rights across the world in a programme at the Baitul Futuh mosque at global headquarters of the Ahmadiyya community in London.
The global head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, handed over the prize during a conference on peace and shared his views about how to achieve global peace, said a release.
A number of British parliamentarians, including Laura Moffatt and Justine Greening, also attended the conference on March 20.
Mirza Masroor in his keynote speech identified oppression of minority groups, corruption, failure of governments to prevent cruelty and failure of the United Nations to work as a united organisation as the major causes of hindering peace. The only solution, he said, lies in absolute justice and equity.
He was also critical of the basic failures of the United Nations. By allowing the five permanent members of the security council to maintain a right to veto denied absolutely the requirement for justice and equality.
Lord Eric Avebury awarded
Ahmadiyya Peace Prize
Staff Correspondent
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has awarded Lord Eric Avebury the inaugural Ahmadiyya Peace Prize in recognition to his continued efforts to safeguarding human rights across the world in a programme at the Baitul Futuh mosque at global headquarters of the Ahmadiyya community in London.
The global head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, handed over the prize during a conference on peace and shared his views about how to achieve global peace, said a release.
A number of British parliamentarians, including Laura Moffatt and Justine Greening, also attended the conference on March 20.
Mirza Masroor in his keynote speech identified oppression of minority groups, corruption, failure of governments to prevent cruelty and failure of the United Nations to work as a united organisation as the major causes of hindering peace. The only solution, he said, lies in absolute justice and equity.
He was also critical of the basic failures of the United Nations. By allowing the five permanent members of the security council to maintain a right to veto denied absolutely the requirement for justice and equality.
Musleh-Maud.pdf (application/pdf Object)
Musleh-Maud.pdf (application/pdf Object)
These were the words spoken by Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad upon the death of his beloved father, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi. At the time of the Promised Messiah’s passing, his son was only nineteen years old, yet his words were filled with conviction and loyalty of the very highest order. He lived for a further fifty-seven years and during that time his every act or deed was conducted with those words in mind. He therefore fulfilled the promise he made to his father and by doing so Allah’s Promise to the Promised Messiahas, that He would grant him a son who would be the ‘Musleh Maud’ – the Promised Reformer, was also magnificently fulfilled.
These were the words spoken by Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad upon the death of his beloved father, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi. At the time of the Promised Messiah’s passing, his son was only nineteen years old, yet his words were filled with conviction and loyalty of the very highest order. He lived for a further fifty-seven years and during that time his every act or deed was conducted with those words in mind. He therefore fulfilled the promise he made to his father and by doing so Allah’s Promise to the Promised Messiahas, that He would grant him a son who would be the ‘Musleh Maud’ – the Promised Reformer, was also magnificently fulfilled.
Peace-Conference-2010-Report.pdf (application/pdf Object)
Peace-Conference-2010-Report.pdf (application/pdf Object)
Last night the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, spoke at length about how to achieve global peace whilst delivering the keynote address at the seventh Annual Peace Conference hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat UK at the Bait-ul-Futuh Mosque in Morden. The event was attended by over 550 non-Ahmadi guests, including a number of Parliamentarians. During the event Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad presented Lord Eric Avebury with the inaugural Ahmadiyya Peace Prize in recognition his continued efforts to protect human rights across the world.
Last night the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, spoke at length about how to achieve global peace whilst delivering the keynote address at the seventh Annual Peace Conference hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat UK at the Bait-ul-Futuh Mosque in Morden. The event was attended by over 550 non-Ahmadi guests, including a number of Parliamentarians. During the event Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad presented Lord Eric Avebury with the inaugural Ahmadiyya Peace Prize in recognition his continued efforts to protect human rights across the world.
Friday Sermons Archive
Friday Sermons Archive
The Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer is one form of congregational worship in Islam. It takes place every Friday. Regular attendance at the Jumu'ah prayer is enjoined on the believer. According to a Saying of Muhammad sa this congregational prayer is twenty-five times more blessed than worship performed alone.
The Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer is one form of congregational worship in Islam. It takes place every Friday. Regular attendance at the Jumu'ah prayer is enjoined on the believer. According to a Saying of Muhammad sa this congregational prayer is twenty-five times more blessed than worship performed alone.
Jesus in India | Tomb of Jesus | Where Did Jesus Die | Jesus in Islam - Al Islam Online
Jesus in India | Tomb of Jesus | Where Did Jesus Die | Jesus in Islam - Al Islam Online
Ahmadi Muslims hold the unique belief that Jesus (peace be upon him) survived the crucifixion and travelled towards India to continue his ministry among the Lost Tribes of Israel. Furthermore, they claim that his tomb, containing his body, has been recently re-discovered in India where it can be seen to this day. Ahmadi Muslims also assert that this belief is not only upheld by the Holy Quran and the Sayings of Muhammad sa, but even by the Holy Bible itself.
Ahmadi Muslims hold the unique belief that Jesus (peace be upon him) survived the crucifixion and travelled towards India to continue his ministry among the Lost Tribes of Israel. Furthermore, they claim that his tomb, containing his body, has been recently re-discovered in India where it can be seen to this day. Ahmadi Muslims also assert that this belief is not only upheld by the Holy Quran and the Sayings of Muhammad sa, but even by the Holy Bible itself.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Review of Religions » Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
The Review of Religions » Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Welcome to our new website!
The Review of Religions was started in 1902 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. As a devout Muslim he passionately defended the honour of not only the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw), but also all Prophets of God. He was a scholar of immense repute and his works expounding the beauties of Islam and its peaceful teachings won him wide acclaim. He also had a vast knowledge of other religions and was a prolific writer with over 88 books to his name. His writings have been translated into more than 60 languages and continue to inspire readers to this day. [continue reading...]The Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace
Islam focuses on securing peace in every sphere of human activity. It encourages all to promote education, respect and tolerance, improve social and interfaith harmony, support charitable causes and serve humanity regardless of race, creed or colour. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community is dedicated to establish peace at all levels and to protect the basic human rights of all. In light of this it is keen to recognise efforts made by anyone to advance the cause of peace. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize is therefore awarded in recognition of an individual’s or an organisation’s contribution for the advancement of the cause of peace.
Islam focuses on securing peace in every sphere of human activity. It encourages all to promote education, respect and tolerance, improve social and interfaith harmony, support charitable causes and serve humanity regardless of race, creed or colour. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community is dedicated to establish peace at all levels and to protect the basic human rights of all. In light of this it is keen to recognise efforts made by anyone to advance the cause of peace. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize is therefore awarded in recognition of an individual’s or an organisation’s contribution for the advancement of the cause of peace.
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