Reason to join: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic organization to categorically reject terrorism in any form. Over a century ago, it's founder His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (The Promised Messiah and Mahdi) emphatically declared that an aggressive “jihad by the sword” currently has no place in Islam.
In its place, he taught his followers to use their intellect and logic - “jihad of the pen” - to defend Islam. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to spread the Founders teachings of moderation, peace, love and religious tolerance.
Our motto is: Love for All, Hatred for None
For more info. about us, email: ahmadiyyapost@gmail.com
BE THE FUTURE : Join Ahmadiyya Islam
Reason to join: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the foremost Islamic organization with a central spiritual leader. Under the leadership of its spiritual successors, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has now built over 15,000 mosques, over 500 schools, and over 30 hospitals. It has translated the Holy Quran into over 70 languages.
It propagates the message of peace through a free 24 hour satellite television channel (MTA) on Sky 787. It has been at the forefront of worldwide disaster relief through an independent charitable organization, Humanity First International.
For more info. about us, email: ahmadiyyapost@gmail.com
It propagates the message of peace through a free 24 hour satellite television channel (MTA) on Sky 787. It has been at the forefront of worldwide disaster relief through an independent charitable organization, Humanity First International.
For more info. about us, email: ahmadiyyapost@gmail.com
Peace: Ahmadiyya Community proclaims Loyalty, Freedom, Peace
Our message is about true Islamic values
Dr Habib Akram wants us all to get on board with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's bus peace campaign
Not a day goes by without some bad news relating to my faith. Atrocities and extremist actions "in the name of Islam" fill the national news pages. No good, it seems – if the media were to be believed – ever comes from Muslims. No wonder Islamaphobia is at such a high.
A recent survey has found that a total of 98 per cent of respondents gained information about Islam from the press and broadcast media. Islam was therefore associated with terrorism, extremism and repression of women. Decades ago, it was not Islam that was the menace (it was then an ally) when communism was the great threat and the West feared the "reds under beds". Prior to that, fascism too had wreaked havoc across Europe.
Ideologies – be they faith-based or political – taken to extreme threaten us all and the extremists' interpretation and expression of Islam that panders to the media is in fact anathema to Islam. This is why, in common with many Muslims across all walks of life, my community is driving home a message of peace through a nationwide peace campaign.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, founded over a century ago on the basis of the peaceful practice of Islam, has placed banners proclaiming Loyalty, Freedom, Peace on 240 buses in British cities, including Leicester. From the end of this month and in May, a number of Leicester buses will display the values that Islam inculcates. This is part of an Affirmative Action campaign by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to send out a clear message to religious extremists as well as Islamaphobes about true Islamic values.
At the very heart of the campaign is the belief that it is not sufficient to simply declare that Islam is a religion of peace – one must live this belief by setting an example. The belief in peace stems from the very inception of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who have peace missions in towns and cities across the UK, including Leicester. My community is actively engaged in local and national fund-raising, volunteering, peace conferences, charity and interfaith work. The peace campaign comes as a national youth charity drive in the Midlands by Ahmadiyya Muslims aims to raise £225,000 for British charities.
The vast majority of Muslims live ordinary, decent lives and wish to contribute to the wellbeing of the country in which they live – it is where we and our children and their children will live. It is in all our interests – as well as an act of faith – to be good and loyal citizens and we must not allow extremist thinking and behaviour to destroy what we hold dear.
My community has launched a dedicated website for those who want to find out more about the peaceful message of Islam:
www.loveforallhatredfornone.org
Source/Credit: This is Leicestershire. By Dr Habib, April 29 2011
BE THE FUTURE : Join Ahmadiyya Islam
Reason to join: “That they (the people) might be made free from all kinds of doubts and misgivings and attain to perfect recognition of God, that the barriers and veils which divide the creatures from the Creator might be removed, and that the creature might see with their own eyes their Creator and Sustainer.” – Extract from A Present to Kings by Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad (2nd Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community)
For more info. about us, email: ahmadiyyapost@gmail.com
For more info. about us, email: ahmadiyyapost@gmail.com
UK: Britain's largest mosque celebrates royal wedding
LONDON: The largest mosque in Britain is celebrating the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton , saying "Salaam Mubarak" with local residents and guests joining what they call a day of joy for all.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community here had sent invitations to hundreds of homes in the vicinity of the Baitul Futuh Mosque at Surrey, south-west of this city, inviting them and friends to celebrate the wedding with worshippers at the mosque.
The mosque, on a 5.2-acre site that can accommodate 10,000 worshipers at a time, also erected a large marquee to host a grand dinner and barbecue, a statement said.
"The Ahmadiyya Muslim community is proud to celebrate this joyous royal occasion with neighbours and friends," said a beaming Rafiq Hayat, national president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in United Kingdom.
"The royal wedding comes in the midst of our nationwide Muslims for Loyalty, Freedom and Peace campaign. So it is apt that we practice what we preach and mark this occasion with a public celebration."
According to mosque elders, the Ahmadiyya movement was established in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in a small and remote village named Qadian in India's Punjab. There are an estimated 50,000 members of the community in Britain.
Source/Credit: The Economic Times. By IANS, Agencies, April 29 2011
Europe: France has first 'burka rage' incident
The astonishing scene unfolded during a weekend shopping trip after the woman lawyer took offence at the attire of a fellow shopper resulting in argument during which the pair came to blows before being arrested.
It came as racial tensions grow in the country as it prepares to introduce a total ban on burkas and other forms of religious dress which cover the face.
A 26-year-old Muslim convert was walking through the store in Trignac, near Nantes, in the western Loire-Atlantique region, when she overhead the woman lawyer making "snide remarks about her black burka". A police officer close to the case said: "The lawyer said she was not happy seeing a fellow shopper wearing a veil and wanted the ban introduced as soon as possible."
At one point the lawyer, who was out with her daughter, is said to have likened the Muslim woman to Belphegor, a horror demon character well known to French TV viewers. Belphegor is said to haunt the Louvre museum in Paris and frequently covers up his hideous features using a mask. An argument started before the older woman is said to have ripped the other woman's veil off. As they came to blows, the lawyer's daughter joined in.
"The shop manager and the husband of the Muslim woman moved to break up the fighting," the officer said. All three were arrested and taken to the local gendarmerie for questioning. A spokesman for Trignac police said that two complaints had been received, with the Muslim woman accusing the lawyer of racial and religious assault. The latter, in turn, had accused her opponent of common assault.
The French parliament has adopted a formal motion declaring burkas and other forms of Islamic dress to be "an affront to the nation's values." Some have accused criminals, from terrorists to shoplifters, of wearing veils to disguise themselves.
A ban, which could be introduced as early as the autumn, would make France the second country after Belgium to outlaw the Islamic veil in public places.
But many have criticised the anti-burka lobby, which includes the French President Nicolas Sarkozy, for stigmatising Muslim housewives. Many French woman from council estates are forced to wear the veils because of pressure from authoritarian husbands.
The promise of a ban has prompted warnings of racial tensions in a country which is home to some five million Muslims – one of the religion's largest communities in Europe. Mr Sarkozy's cabinet is to examine a draft bill which will impose one-year prison sentences and fines of up to £14,000 on men who force their wives to wear a burka. Women themselves will face a smaller fine of just over £100 because they are "often victims with no choice in the matter", says the draft.
The law would create a new offence of "incitement to cover the face for reasons of gender". And it would state: "No one may wear in public places clothes that are aimed at hiding the face."
Source/Credit: The Telgraph UK. By Peter Allen, May 18 2010
UK: London's Oldest Mosque to Hold Royal Wedding Celebration
Ahmadiyya Muslims say 'Salaam Mubarak' (Peace and Blessings) to Royal Couple. London's oldest mosque is to celebrate the Royal wedding with invited guests and local residents 'as a day of joy for all of us.'
Invitations have been sent out by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to hundreds of homes in the vicinity of the London Mosque, Putney, London, inviting families to celebrate the wedding with worshippers at the mosque.
A large marquee will be erected and dinner and barbecue organised from 6-8pm. Prayers will be said for the well-being of the Royal couple and public celebrations for the occasion will be hosted at the community's network of mosques nationwide.
Rafiq Hayat, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said:
"The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is proud to celebrate this joyous Royal occasion with neighbours and friends."
"As Muslims, strengthening community bonds and contributing positively to the society in which we live is part of our faith. The Royal wedding comes in the midst of our nationwide Muslims for Loyalty, Freedom and Peace campaign so it is apt that we practise what we preach and mark this occasion with a public celebration."
The worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is expected to grace the occasion.
Distributed by PR Newswire on behalf of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK
Source/Credit: LONDON, April 28, 2011. PR Newswire.
Religion: Where is the Muslim Pope? The question is more pressing than ever
A few years ago, National Review editor-at-large Jonah Goldberg illuminated our national conversation about religion by asking a simple yet profound question: "Where is the Muslim pope?" Goldberg discussed the emergent need for a central authority figure within the Islamic world to provide Muslims with a well-defined moral compass and help isolate "jihadists" who taint Islam.
Goldberg's question remains as important as ever.
For millions of Muslims, the war within Islam is more important than the war against Islam. The battle lines grow increasingly clear: on one side stands a tiny minority of so-called "Muslims" who view their faith as an instrument of conquest and carnage, and on the other side, a majority of Muslims who view their faith as an instrument of hope and humanity.
The war within Islam plays out politically as well. In South Asia, the Pakistani government seeks to apprehend the perpetrators of the horrific terrorist attacks in Mumbai. In Central Asia, the Afghani government struggles to prevent the resurgence of the Taliban. In Southeast Asia, Indonesian President Yudhoyono refuses to concede to the demands of religious hardliners. In the Middle East, the reformists in Iran defy President Ahmadinejad's brazen regime.
On our home front, President Obama recognizes the importance of isolating the extreme fringe groups within Islam. His Al-Arabiya interview and address in Turkey earned the United States newfound respect from the Islamic world. He managed to unsettle extremists who would pervert Islam to dangerous ends, invigorate moderate Muslims and remind Americans of the virtues of diplomacy and the power of an unclenched fist.
Now that the Muslim and Western worlds stand poised to resist extremism, the time is ripe for Muslims to take the final step towards rescuing their faith from the clutches of militancy: selecting and rallying around a single spiritual leader to defeat extremism. The prospect of a Muslim "pope" spearheading a spiritual revolution is not a fantastical notion. Indeed, Islam contemplates the need for a pope-like figure, a Khalifa of Islam, to reinvigorate the original message that Muhammad brought. Many millions of Muslims still await such a Khalifa.
For some Muslims, such a Khalifa already exists. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community - a dynamic, fast-growing international revivalist movement within Islam - boasts of having the only thriving Islamic caliphate in the Muslim world. Its current caliph, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, advocates a resurgence of Islam's true and essential teachings. For example, addressing a cadre of American journalists and intellectuals at a special gathering in Virginia last June, he proclaimed: "Violent jihad is unlawful in Islam and constitutes a grave sin."
His community is the foremost Islamic organization to endorse a separation of mosque and state. He cautions against irrational interpretations of Quranic pronouncements and misapplications of Islamic law. Despite the vibrancy of his message, his Community faces brutal persecution in much of the Islamic world.
Many hope that Ahmad will begin to rid the Muslim world of extremism through a central and unifying message of peace and tolerance. The time is ripe for Muslims to find a reformist "pope".
Khan, a former editor-in-chief of the Harvard Human Rights Law Journal, currently practices law in Los Angeles, California.
Source/Credit: The New York Daily News, Opinion. By Amjad Mahmood Khan, April 10th 2009
Science: Muslims need to talk about evolution
We need devout Muslim scientists to speak out, says Usama Hasan, who has had death threats for saying evolution is compatible with the Koran
What did you say about evolution that upset people in your community?
My trouble started three years ago when I wrote an article saying that we needed to move beyond the simplistic idea held by many Muslims that God created Adam from clay and then breathed life into him. This literal interpretation of the Koran is still the dominant position. I was brought up a creationist and was a fundamentalist for many years, but I came to the conclusion that evolution is entirely compatible with the Koran and that alternative interpretations of the creation story that account for evolution are valid.
What happened recently to stir things up?
Things escalated in December when a visiting influential Saudi scholar, Salir al-Sadlan, was asked whether someone who believed in evolution was fit to lead prayers, and he said no. An online petition against me was set up, saying I should be removed from al-Tawhid mosque, where I have been a prayer leader for 25 years. So in January I held a lecture at the mosque to clarify my position on why evolution does not undermine the scriptures. The lecture was disrupted by a small gang of fanatics and I had to abandon it.
How has this affected your everyday life?
It has been quite serious. At the lecture a leaflet was handed out saying that anybody believing in evolution or who propagates it must be killed. Knowing some of the people behind this, in the small fanatical fringe of the British Muslim community, I know they believe that literally. They are pro-violence. So it was very worrying, especially as I have young children. I have had to take out extra security at home, which I guess will stay for the rest of my life.
How common is the creationist position among Muslims?
It is the default position. Most of us are taught that evolution is wrong, unproven and a blasphemy. A lot of people enjoy science programmes on TV such as those by David Attenborough, but they tend to say he's an unbeliever so we can't trust him.
Recently you retracted your views because of the outrage they caused. Could you explain?
My retraction was saying that I misjudged how to go about explaining these things. Sooner or later someone will have to address the issue of evolution - it's a no-go area, especially with the clerics - but I'm abandoning my attempt to reconcile it with the Koran until things settle down. I am not willing to risk my life over this issue.
With hindsight I probably went too far in stating a position so explicitly; a better option may have been to simply open up the debate. I have been heartened by the support I have had. Many people have said that while they didn't actually agree with me, I should have the right to discuss the matter.
What is the best way to raise the issue of evolution among Muslims?
We need more Muslim scientists who are known to be devout to speak out about their views. I have had a lot of support from Muslim scientists, but they wouldn't speak out because they knew the reaction they were likely to get. They were scared.Interview by Michael Bond
I want Muslims to question creationism, says the physicist and imam who has had death threats for supporting evolution
Source/Credit: New Scientist. By Michael Bond, April 19 2011
Religion: Preaching peace and tolerance in the face of persecution
The leader of a pacific branch of Islam explains why his sect continues to grow
On the day that Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was made caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslims he was terrified. “That day made me very embarrassed,” he says, recalling the moment five years ago when the sect elected him Khalifa, leader of the worldwide community. Trained as an agricultural economist in his native Pakistan, and only 53 at the time, he admits that his nerves showed. “When you see the video, you will see me crying . . . If you realise the importance of your work, and your obligations, and that you’re going to be answerable to one God . . . that makes you so scared it’s unbelievable.”
Allah gave him strength, he says. By the next morning the fear had subsided and he set to work from his London base, leading the estimated 70 million Ahmadiyya Muslims in more than 180 countries. The challenge was huge, not least because the sect, which celebrates the centenary of its founder’s death this year, is controversial.
Founded in 1889 by an Indian Muslim, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Ahmadiyya movement believes its founder to be the Messiah awaited not only by Muslims, but by Christians, Jews and other faiths. Jesus survived the Crucifixion, Ahmadis believe, eventually dying in Kashmir. For many mainstream Muslims, Ahmadiyya belief contravenes the Prophet Muhammad’s status as the final prophet. Some go so far as to call them non-Muslims.
With controversy has come persecution. In Pakistan, Ahmadis are legally a non-Muslim minority, which means blasphemy laws ban them from engaging in Muslim practices, from using mosques and attending Haj to using the Muslim greeting “Salaam”.
Worse than discrimination is the physical danger. In the town of Rabwah, the Ahmadi administrative centre in Pakistan, one mosque exhorts followers over minaret loudspeakers to kill Ahmadis. In Indonesia, after a government-appointed panel recommended banning the sect, hundreds of Muslims in western Java set fire to an Ahmadi mosque.
For a movement whose motto is “Love for All, Hatred for None”, such venom should shock. But Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who has the calmness of a Foreign Office mandarin, greets such developments with equanimity. “All the prophets were persecuted,” he points out, sitting in a conservatory at the sect’s London mosque, elegant in his customary white turban and a dove-grey sherwani. “Other Muslims cannot tolerate a claim to be a prophet. They see him as a reformer, but as to the claim of prophethood, these mullahs are deadly against it. That is why we are being persecuted.”
Persecution has not stopped the sect from growing — by hundreds of thousands of converts a year, claims His Holiness — most notably in Africa. The growth is in part the result of a growing disillusionment with mainstream Islam. “Now we know the nature of these so-called religious leaders,” he says. “They can no longer deceive the Muslim umma.”
The Khalifa’s emphasis on peace and tolerance stands in striking contrast to the firebrand radicals that make the news pages. In a recent Friday sermon in the marble-and-carpeted elegance of the Baitul Futuh Mosque, he speaks the importance of the path of mercy, asking that Allah grant wisdom to those who might not follow it. The audience — well-dressed men in suits and karakul caps, in turbans and bright African robes, in jeans, with the odd baseball cap worn backwards — is reverent, listening, hushed, to his Urdu, or the English translation on headphones. (The women listen from a separate room, below). From a booth above the mosque, a sound technician captures the recitation, for broadcast on MTA, a satellite television station for the Ahmadiyya community.
During the sermon, the only hint of danger comes from the young men in dark suits and flat Peshawari caps, flanking the caliph and dotting the mosque. Since an earlier caliph was stabbed during prayers in Pakistan, volunteers have guarded the movement’s leaders. “If I were to go back to Pakistan, you would not see me any more,” His Holiness says with a rueful smile.
The mosque gives a sense of peace — and striking prosperity. Outside the mosque’s homoeopathic clinic — free to all — well-heeled Muslims mingle in a parking lot dotted with Mercedes. Ahmadi Muslims have done well, largely because the movement has emphasised education for both men and women. “The Koran tells us that every nation, every person, has goals to achieve,” Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad says. “Without education, you cannot achieve. And you cannot have true knowledge of the Creator, either.”
In Britain, the community has produced a clutch of professionals. In Pakistan, despite discrimination, Ahmadi Muslims have studded the top tiers of civil service and the Army. They are active in charity works — schools and wells for Africa, help for disaster victims from Pakistan to New Orleans, and donations for mainstream causes, from Save the Children to the Great Ormond Street Hospital. The essence of being an Ahmadi Muslim, their spiritual leader suggests, is relatively simple. “It’s about honesty,” he says. “Loving peace. Hard work. And being true to the Creator.”
Source/Credit: The Times, The Sunday Times. By Carla Power, June 14 2008
Religion: A Tragic day for a Faith Under Siege
TORONTO — “Let’s put our tears into our Sajda and pray that God may give the Taliban hearts,” the leader at my local Toronto Ahmadiyya mosque said during Friday prayer. He was urging the congregation to shed their tears during the critical Sajda step of prayer, while kneeling down and touching their foreheads to the ground.
And that was all we could do as we Ahmadis sat next to each other on the floor, shoulder-to-shoulder, seeking comfort just hours after getting the devastating news that Ahmadis in two mosques in Lahore, Pakistan, had been attacked during the sacred Jummah prayer — not unlike the one we were conducting at the moment.
While we at the Toronto mosque had been fortunate enough to flee the country and escape regular violent attacks by militants. But many of our family members and friends were among the victims of Muslim extremists brought grenades and rifles into two mosques and killed 80 and wounded 95 Ahmadi Muslims.
In 1991, I left Pakistan with my family and moved to Canada. We feared attacks by Muslim extremists and packed our bags in the middle of the night and managed to leave. Hiding our religion from non-Ahmadis had become part of our daily lives.
Our sect was founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmed, who wanted to reform Islam and remind Muslims of the beliefs and laws laid out by the Prophet Muhammad. He emphasized non-violence and stressed increased tolerance of other faiths. Ahmadis saw Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the Promised Messiah, while mainstream Muslims refused to accept this belief and forbade us to call ourselves Muslims. We became the most discriminated-against community in Pakistan.
Ahmadis have had a long history of being treated poorly, especially at the hands of the Pakistani government. In 1974, the Pakistan Peoples Party promised Ahmadis that if they supported the party, the bloc would work to end discrimination against the sect. My grandfather, father and uncles worked tirelessly campaigning and volunteering for the PPP in the hopes that they, along with millions of Ahmadis, would be able to live freely. But when the party won and came into power, the Ahmadis were declared “non-Muslim” after the new leader, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, faced pressure from mullahs. This further escalated the violence and injustice that the sect had been facing for decades.
As I sit here in my Toronto home and news trickles in from family members about who decided to pray at home on Friday and who decided to join the congregation — including news that my cousin managed to gather 40 people and hide in the basement of the Model Town mosque and thus survive — I can’t help but feel the pain and frustration of being unable to help. I fear that this won’t be the last time my friends and family will be subjected to brutal attacks simply because religious extremists don’t accept them as Muslims.
I’ve spent most of my life here in Toronto and have become accustomed to being accepted by my friends and peers and sharing my thoughts and beliefs without fear of repercussion. I often forget that years ago, things were different for me and I, too, feared identifying myself as an Ahmadi. People I love in Pakistan still don’t have the luxury to celebrate their religious differences or even publicly greet friends in a traditional Arabic greeting because they’re considered non-Muslims by religious extremists.
I fear that this won’t be the last time the government fails to heighten security for Ahmadis despite repeated security threats. I fear that this won’t be the last time I wait by the phone, hoping to find out whether or not my family members have been spared death after being attacked simply because of their faith.
Samra Habib is a Toronto-based writer and has written for the Globe and Mail, National Post and Financial Post magazine.
Source/Credit: The New York Times. At War, Notes from the front line. May 30 2010
Charity: Walkers aim to make history in towns biggest fundraiser
YOUNG people from a Muslim organisation in Leamington are aiming to stage the town’s biggest charity event to date next month.
More than 1,000 people have already signed up to take part in the Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya (MKA) UK’s charity challenge. A 10k walk around Leamington which organisers are hoping will raise £225,000 for a range of good causes.
Organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, the 25-year-old event takes place at a different location each year. This year the Leamington branch was successful in its bid to host it.
Charity challenge coordinator Zafar Bhatti, who is also vice-president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association’s Leamington branch, said: "Warwick District Council has told us this is Leamington’s biggest charity event to date in terms of the amount of money we will be raising. We have got people coming in from all over the country."
"It’s a great atmosphere, and if the sun’s out, it will be even better."
The walk, which takes place on Sunday 8th of May 2011, will start with the release of 225 balloons to mark the association’s fundraising target at the Pump Room Gardens. From here participants will head through the town and along Myton Road towards Warwick Castle.
Throughout the day at the Pump Room Gardens there will be family activities, charity stalls, an LED big screen and a barbecue serving up hot kebabs. All proceeds from both the walk and the festivities will go towards the charities the challenge is supporting.
Among these are Save the Children, Macmillan Cancer Support, the Royal British Legion, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, Barnardo’s and Humanity First. While Warwickshire-based charities to benefit include Warwickshire Association for the Blind, One World Link, Action 21, Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs, South Warwickshire Alzheimer’s Society and Riding for the Disabled.
The whole day is entirely run by volunteers of the Ahmadiyya Youth Organisation.
To find out more or get involved, call Mr Bhatti on 07740 923543 or email leamingtonspa@mkacc.org
Businesses interested in sponsoring the event in exchange for advertising on the day should also get in touch with Mr Bhatti.
Source/Credit: Leamington Courier 24th April 2011
Religion: Muslim children gather in London for 3 day convention
As I stand in the centre of London, I am witnessing a large gathering of Muslim children all here to learn moral and social skills. This annual convention is here to nurture tolerant, intellectual, well-rounded men for the future. The convention for boys of the Ahmadiyya Movement was attended by nearly 1000 children from across the UK on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of April 2011 in Baitul Futuh mosque London (pictured).
The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community attended the occasion on the final day delivering the keynote speech to the audience of children and parents which was broadcasted across the world on MTA International (Sky channel 787). He stressed the importance of education in today’s society and that Muslim children should show the true beauty of Islam through their behaviour, writing and actions.
As I watch the convention and the brotherhood among the youth, memories flood back. I was once part of this peaceful occasion. Now as an organiser I can appreciate the lessons I have personally learnt from attending this convention and it has definitely made me the man I am today.
This convention is held around the world by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and it is vital in the development of Ahmadi Muslim children. In society the moral development of children is not being address by governments and nations, however the impact this is having on future generations is colossal. This convention shows children can come together from different cultures and backgrounds learning in harmony and peace.
The issues addressed in the convention are morality, social harmony, brotherhood, love for all, competitiveness in useful endeavours, honesty, truthfulness, rationality, importance of education, among other topics. The main theme of this years convention was sacrifice, namely that one should sacrifice one’s time for the sake and betterment of humanity.
In modern day civilisations children are not being given proper attention and care. The results speak for themselves. It seems the youth are out of control, on the contrary this is a reflection of the lack of attention and focus governments have on their youth. They are being overlooked and disregarded.
The former Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and founder of the Ahmadiyya youth association understood the importance of children and their future role in society, he stated that:
“A nation cannot be reformed, without the reformation of its youth”.
Hopefully we will see more attention shown to our youth; surely they are the leaders of tomorrow.
Zubair A. Hayat - Founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST
Politics: Defining Democracy
In a multicultural, diverse, progressive, technologically advanced society what is the most effective and efficient way to govern, taking into account the rights of the people. Is the best concept of governing a democracy, sovereignty, feudal or tribal? The Holy Quran prefers a democratic system because it is the most effective and beneficial way of governing.
However, the western style of democracy is not exactly correct and the Holy Quran outlines true, pure democracy defining the rules for a government and its citizens clearly. President Obama aswell as many other political leaders believe democracy is the greatest gift to mankind, they are not completely wrong however we need to go back to the unpolluted pure democratic system which was envisioned in Ancient Greece and leaders such as Abraham Lincoln.
The two main pillars of Islamic Democracy are:
1. All democratic elections must be based on trust and integrity. When you exercise your vote do so with the consciousness that God is watching over you and will hold you responsible for your decision. Vote for those above you who are trustworthy and are capable of discharging their responsibilities effectively with honesty and transparency.
2. The second pillar is that governments must always act on the principle of justice. Whenever a government makes a decision, it must be made with absolute justice. Whether the matter is political, religious, social or economical justice must not be comprised. After the government is formed voting within the party must always remain orientated towards justice. Only then can every decision (taken in this spirit) be considered of the people, by the people and for the people.
Mutual consultation is also a key factor in the concept of Islamic democracy and the Holy Quran states:
“And those who hearken to their Lord, and observe Prayer, and whose affairs are decided by mutual consultation, and who spend out of what we have provided for them” – (42:39)
In matters of government, its decisions should be made through mutual consultation. This, of course reminds one of the first part of the definition of democracy i.e. government of the people.
Addressing the citizens of a state God says in the Holy Quran:
“Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority over you. And if you differ in anything among yourselves refer it to Allah and His Messenger” - (4:60)
Islam teaches citizens of a government to always be law abiding and if the government does anything which is not correct a citizen should remain patient and pray to God to resolve the situation. A citizen should not riot, become violent or cause trouble against those who are in authority or any other person. Patience and Peace are the themes of Islam and one must exercise these themes at all times under all circumstances.
Zubair A. Hayat - Founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST
Politics: Government of the people, by the people, for the people?
Should we follow democracy without questioning the effect it is having on modern societies? Democracy in its pure, unaltered, unpolluted form is beneficial to mankind and is a progressive inclusive concept for governing nations.
The origins of democracy show a completely different concept to the form used today. In Athens, democracy was seen as a form of government in which all citizens had an equal say in the decisions that affected their lives. Ideally, this included equal (and more or less direct) participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law. Unfortunately to all men, women, children, young, old, able, disabled, wealthy, poor, healthy and unhealthy these principles are not found in the modern day interpretation and implementation of democracy.
In democratic states decisions must be made with the approval and involvement of all citizens. On the contrary, in modern day democratic governments you discover that decisions are in reality a minority decision, democratically passed, and imposed on the majority. This totally goes against the essence of democracy.
Another method used is the first past the post electoral system. This system allows the ruling party to be voted in having obtained a minor majority in most constituencies. If the turnout on polling day is not great, it becomes dubious if the ruling party does in fact enjoy the support of the majority.
The fourth Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a movement in Islam addressed this issue of defining democracy stating in his book (Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues) that:
“It is also noteworthy that the concept of what is seen as good for the people changes from time to time. If decisions are not taken on absolute principles but what one considers to be good for the people, or at least what the party considers to be good, it may lead to a constant shift in policy from time to time. What appears good today may be bad tomorrow and good the day after”. – page 225
Democracy in most parts of the world has been tarnished by election-rigging, horse trading, rule of fear through police tactics and other similar corrupt measures. This destroys the spirit and purity of democracy as a form of governing. Do governments govern with honesty, transparency, integrity and sincerity? There is little left of democracy in its pure form.
Should we follow democracy without questioning the effect it is having on modern societies? What is the alternative? The answer will be in my next article.
Zubair A. Hayat - Founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST
Peace: Humble Philanthropist is Pakistan's Mother Teresa
Among the poverty, corruption and terror in Pakistan there stands a man of hope, a man on a mission, a servant of mankind, in the person of humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. The narrow streets of Peshawar are crowded with excited children, women, men. Old and young, rich and poor, healthy and unhealthy, waiting to donate thousands of rupees to him. He has become a national treasure and a role model to many, a man of great charisma and passion working for a higher purpose. He does not only raise money for the needy but also donates himself and his life to the service, doing various physical acts for the progress of mankind, not dissimilar to Mother Teresa.
Together with his wife Bilquis Edhi they have been honoured with multiple international awards, the most notable are: the Peace Prize from the USSR for services in the American earthquake disaster 1998. Ramon Magsaysay Award for public service from Philippines 1986. International Balzan Prize 2000 for Humanity, Peace and Brotherhood, Italy.
Now Edhi and his foundation have been recognised by the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for his services and is the recipient of the Ahmadiyya International Peace Prize 2010. The prize was awarded to him at the 8th International Peace Symposium held by the Community in London on the 26th of March 2011. The symposium was attended by many distinguished guests including the worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Lord Eric Avebury, Attorney General Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC, Mayors, National MPs, organisations, community representatives and religious leaders.
Hopefully the next generation are inspired by this man’s selflessness and passion to serve humanity. We pray that many more servants of mankind are not only acknowledged but emerge from our youth, societies and our hearts. This is a time when individuals, organisations, governments are trying to eradicate peace and love from the Earth, however peace and love is sown into the fabric of mankind. It can never be eradicated. Now is the moment to exercise our love for the world in our thoughts and actions.
The clip below is Edhi’s address to the Peace Symposium 2011.
Zubair A. Hayat - Founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST
Religion: Religious freedom disregarded by Europe
As I stand in one of the most progressive, modern, global cities in Europe I can feel the undertone of intolerance emanating from the French government. Men, women and children flock to Europe in hope of safety, security and peace. European countries pride themselves on social harmony, inclusion and cultural diversity. This makes Europe dynamic, the smell of freedom fills the warm air. Freedom to write, freedom to speak, freedom to learn without prejudice.
Freedom to practice one’s religion has also been woven into the fabric of Europe since the very beginning, however this is being questioned, nobody anticipated this.
Religious freedom has been one of the shining pillars which holds up Europe. This pillar also holds up America, fortunately for citizens across the pond, the American government has kept its word so far.
U.S. President Barack Obama recognized this very fact in his speech to the Muslim world in Cairo. He said:
"Our second President John Adams wrote, The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims. Since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, they have served in our government, they have stood for civil rights, they have taught at our universities, they have won nobel prizes and built our tallest building".
President Obama also stated in his address that:
"So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict, rather than the co-operation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end".
No state in America has laws that ban minarets, headscarves, or any other kind of Islamic custom which France, Switzerland and other European nations seek to implement. This is a time for Europe to reflect on its past and understand where it came from. Europe must also look at the shining example of tolerance in America which protects the beliefs and practices of its citizens.
There is no competition between Europe and Islam or America and Islam. On the contrary both share the same values of progression, peace and love for all. At this stage of human evolution, development and globalisation we are going to have to live together, so let’s live in peace, love and harmony. Protecting one another’s sentiments, beliefs and practices.
Zubair A. Hayat - founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST
Religion: Violence begets Violence
The world is left flabbergasted shaking their heads in disbelief, saying ‘what did he expect'. Violence begets violence, intolerance begets intolerance, ignorance begets ignorance. Is this inept religious leader being a role model for young Christians who work, study, learn and live hand in hand with Muslims in and outside of the US? His actions should not even be acknowledged by the world press because it is fuelled by pure enmity.
The fact that the media has broadcasted this event to the corners of the Earth only adds petrol to the flame.
The spiritual leader of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a movement in Islam, anticipated the reaction of Muslims and informed the world on how they should react to this distasteful event.
He stated in his global address on the 25th of March 2011 that:
‘The reaction (to the Quran burning) should not be to put a price on the persons head, as some have done, or take out demonstrations and cause damage to one’s own country. The correct reaction to such matters should be to present such a picture of the Quran through one’s word and deed that the world itself condemns the perpetrator.’
This is the exact stance Ahmadis worldwide took in regards to this matter after being told by their leader. However, we have witnessed that Muslims around the world have taken the opposite view; they have created mayhem and disaster in their own countries. This reaction is totally against the teachings of Islam. On the contrary, Islam teaches peace and tolerance under all circumstances. Unfortunately, the death count is around 19 people and 7 foreign UN officials have been brutally murdered.
We can only pray that the situation does not escalate further than this. We also hope that the next generation of Muslims and Christians do not see these events as a true reflection of Islam or Christianity.
'Violence begets Violence and Peace enables Peace'.
Zubair A. Hayat - founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST
BE THE FUTURE : Join Ahmadiyya Islam
Reason to join: The National President of the Ahmadiyya Association of Canada writes; Bill Robinson was a resident of St Thomas, Ontario. He used to be an enthusiastic Christian. He became distanced from Christianity over time and started praying to God, 'O God, show me the right path.'
He says that one night he prayed very fervently that if God exists then may He show him the right path. In the morning he saw that there was a pamphlet from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in his e-mail inbox. Taking the e-mail as a heavenly sign, he contacted the Community. He accepted the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as the true Community and joined in March 2011.
[Extract taken from a Friday sermon delivered by His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad on 29th April 2011]
For more info. about us, email: ahmadiyyapost@gmail.com
He says that one night he prayed very fervently that if God exists then may He show him the right path. In the morning he saw that there was a pamphlet from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in his e-mail inbox. Taking the e-mail as a heavenly sign, he contacted the Community. He accepted the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as the true Community and joined in March 2011.
[Extract taken from a Friday sermon delivered by His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad on 29th April 2011]
For more info. about us, email: ahmadiyyapost@gmail.com
Politics: The fight for oil in Libya
The civil war between Gaddafi and the Rebels has taken a turn and the rush for oil has begun. The north of the country has been the strategic battlefield for oil, previously generating most of the income for the country. In the west Gaddafi is thought to be using huge reserves of cash and gold, to pay those fighting to keep him in power. In the east, rebels trying to topple his regime have appeared weak in comparison, relying on the UN-backed international military mission to make gains.
International companies have pulled out staff while retaining rights over the exploitation of oil, the security situation remains unstable, and Libya's oil industry is subject to international sanctions. Col Gaddafi has threatened to sue any company that does business with the rebels. The rebels have the infrastructure and experts ready however they need the financial structure in place to gain power. They need international co-operation to progress. There are signs that this co-operation may be arriving soon.
The Arabian Golf Oil Company (Agoco) are among the companies targeted and sanctioned by US and UN officials. British risk analyst John Hamilton stated, 'Allowing Agoco to trade independently is essential not only from a strategic but also from a humanitarian point of view'.
Prior to the conflict Libya was producing 1.6 million barrels of oil a day, accounting for 2% of world output. 70% of The oil comes from the far east. This power struggle in Libya can have a catastrophic effect on the worlds oil resources and prices. They are also using up their government reserves to fund this battle with alacrity, which in turn will destroy the nations economy for the future. This emphasises the callous lack of humanity the dictators and rebels have and their brazen disregard for the innocent generations of Libyans to come.
Neither side can justify their position and actions. Don't hold your breath it looks like this battle isn't ending anytime soon.
Zubair A. Hayat - Founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST
Environment: A Calamity that had a global aftershock
As the ground shook and a gigantic wave systematically annihilated a part of Japan the world held their breath, stunned. When a natural disaster occurs in the world, those who fear God are frightened contemplating the reason why such a calamity is occurring. They hope that their actions are not causing His displeasure. These are solely the thoughts of believers who have the insight and understanding that God does not need any human; therefore they tread the ground cautiously walking the paths that lead to His pleasure.
The Holy Quran says: ‘Verily, those who, out of fear of their Lord, always stand guard against sins. And those who believe in the Signs of their Lord,’ (23:58-59)
The Holy Quran also states that these believers do not only remember God in hard times. On the contrary, they are constantly remembering him in times of peace and adversity. They turn to God with greater intensity and focus, in times of difficulties and climatic changes.
The Holy Quran: There befalls not any calamity either in the earth or in your own persons, but it is recorded in a Book before we bring it into being — surely, that is easy for Allah (57:23)
The recent calamity on the 11th of March 2011 which hit the East coast of Tohoku was one of the top five largest earthquakes in the world. It was followed by a tsunami with waves of up to 10 meters (33 ft), the death toll reaching 27,000 with many more deaths unconfirmed. The earthquake inflicted extensive material damage to buildings and infrastructure that led to significant accidents at two major nuclear power stations. 16,451 people are still missing.
This tremendous calamity forces one to reflect, that no human, society or government can stand in the way of nature. One must note that the Japanese citizens are dealing with this unfortunate natural disaster with patience, discipline and dignity and this is a testament to the values of their society.
The Holy Quran: Therefore remember me, and I will remember you; and be thankful to me and do not be ungrateful to Me. (2:153)
We must all pray for the suffering, their families, their children and their nation. We pray that God allows them to rebuild their homes, villages, cities and lives. Japan you are in our thoughts, prayers and hearts.
Please go to: www.humanityfirst.org to donate and help the Japanese people in this troubling time. Thank you.
Zubair A. Hayat - Founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST
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