Pakistan's Punjab heartland alive with extremist groups

In March, Nawaz Sharif's younger brother, Shahbaz Sharif, who is chief minister of Punjab, provoked an outcry when he appealed in a speech to the Taliban to spare his province violence because his party, known as PML-N, shared their ideals.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: McClatchy Newspapers
By Saeed Shah | April 30, 2010

FAISALABAD, Pakistan — Even the Pakistan army conducts military operations against Taliban guerrillas in northwest tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, banned al Qaida-linked groups are operating openly in the Pakistani heartland of Punjab, which itself has been the target of dozens of terror attacks.

The province on Pakistan's eastern border with India is home to more than half the country's population and functions as its economic and political powerhouse, as well as the main recruiting ground for the military.

Pakistan: Muslim minority sect families targeted in Faisalabad

"Such continued acts of terrorism subject all minorities within Pakistan towards extremism and perpetuates instability within the region and their fight against terrorism." [Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, Vice-President, AMC-USA]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |  US Desk
Source & Credit: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
By Press Release | April 30, 2010

Following murder and kidnapping, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan live in daily fear awaiting the next attack and possible murder.

Since March 8, 2010 families of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community have been targeted by the Jama’at-ud-Da’awa resulting in kidnappings and most recently in death. As Muslims who believe in the Messiah, members of the community have been subjected to constant fears and have been advised by the local police to change their daily routines as outward threats of violence towards the members continue.

Anti-Ahmadiyya conferences on the increase in Pakistan

Due to the imposition of anti-Ahmadiyya laws in 1974 and 1984 the targeting of Ahmadi Muslims has gained a form of legitimacy which is being continually taken advantage of by extremist factions 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | UK Desk
Source & Credit:  Ahmadiyya Muslim Community | UK
By Press Secretary | AMJ International

Hate filled conferences being held throughout Pakistan
It is with great regret and concern that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat notes the increased number of hate filled conferences being held throughout Pakistan by various extreme organisations who claim to be acting in accordance with the teachings of Islam. These conferences are being held solely for the purpose of igniting and spreading anti-Ahmadiyya sentiment far and wide.

One recent example was the Khatme Nabuwwat Conference held in Rabwah (Ahmadiyya Headquarters in Pakistan) on 28 February 2010. This two day conference was widely publicised in the Pakistani Press.

UK: Ahmadiyya Muslim Association host peace conference at Kings Langley school

“It is our belief that tolerance and respect are the foundations of a peaceful society and we are committed to working with people of all faiths to enable everyone to practice their religion without hindrance." [Lutful Islam, spokesman, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: Warerford Observer
By Amie Mulderrig | April 30, 2010

A peace conference has been held by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association at a school in Kings Langley.

The organisation, based in Watford, held the event at Kings Langley Primary School in Common Lane, on Sunday, April 25.

A number of residents from across the county attended the event to hear Faiz Ahmad Zahid, the regional missionary for Hertfordshire, deliver a speech about Islamic perspective on loyalty to country and religion.

Visitors were also introduced briefly to the teachings of Islam and their relevance in modern society.

Italy: Khalifa of Islam views Turin Shroud

According to Ahmadiyya Muslim's viewpoint, Prophet Jesus escaped the crucifixion, spent a few days with his apostles who cured him with a special ointment and then he traveled to India. He died in Kashmir, India, where his tomb is located.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Opinion
Source & Credit:  Richmond Islam Examiner
By Ayesha Noor | April 30, 2010

His Holiness Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad returned to London earlier this week. Today in the Friday sermon he spoke about his recent European tour. He visited France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland. His tour proved to be very successful all around. On his way from Italy to Switzerland he visited the royal chapel of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, northern Italy to view the Turin Shroud.

According to Ahmadiyya Muslim's viewpoint, Prophet Jesus escaped the crucifixion, spent a few days with his apostles who cured him with a special ointment and then he traveled to India. He died in Kashmir, India, where his tomb is located. This theory was presented in a book called "Jesus in India" by the Promised Messiah Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 1899. The Turin shroud only strengthens the view point of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Pakistan's Punjab region on knife-edge as extremists take hold, says governor

Politicians accused of backing banned groups as minorities suffer violence and intimidation. "The Sharifs are creating a potential bomb here in Punjab." [Salman Taseer, governor of Punjab]

Police running aimlessly

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |  Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: guardian.co.uk, | April, 29, 2010
by Saeed Shah | Faisalabad, Pakistan

Pakistan's heartland Punjab province is an extremist "bomb" ready to explode, the region's highest official has warned, with the recent targeting of minority groups seen by some as evidence of jihadists' grip on the area.

The provincial governor accused the regional government, led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's party, of tolerating or even supporting extremists, who are said to operate openly in Punjab free from the military operations waged against Taliban guerrillas in the area bordering Afghanistan.

Discriminatory Laws of Pakisktan for Non Muslims

This insulting clause from our constitution shows that minorities in Pakistan are considered second-grade citizens. Non-Muslims in Pakistan are paying a heavy price for living here, and it seems that the days are not far off when the government will start imposing a "jaziah" on them.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: Weekly Blitz
By Dr. Mehwish Ghazanfer | April 30, 2010

There was sudden silence when she entered the company cafeteria. All that could be heard was the sound of spoons on plates. She greeted everyone with 'hello' and a friendly smile, but after noticing the cold faces around her, she rapidly took a seat, totally embarrassed and confused. No one offered her dessert, not even the lady who had made it. I quietly took some of it and presented it to her, trying not to look at the disgusted faces of the people around me. Later, during a literature search in the library where she was working, I could feel her furtive glances in my direction, maybe because I was the only person around who was willing to have a friendly conversation with her.

Belgium: Burqa Ban - a response

Why not grant similar rights to women who wear anyother types of clothing? For example, why not start with women who wear minimal clothes or what Christian nuns wear - why not give them similar “rights”. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: Fajr Blog | April 29, 2010
By Tauseef Khan | UK

Belgium parliament today voted to ban the burqa or the veil. They say that the “law would help fight terrorism and grant rights to Muslim women.”

My question is: how would it fight terrorism? Would banning the burqa make terrorists see the error of their ways, reduce incidents of terrorism in Belgium and around the world, increase brotherhood and love between Muslims and other people living in Belgium? And would it really increase the respect and loyalty of Belgian Muslims towards their government and country?

It is evident that the given logic for burqa ban is absurd. It would do nothing except alienate the Muslims of Belgium and increase rancour and suspicion in their hearts for their government. It may even make some misguided people to justify promoting violence against government (I am totally against such actions and believe like other Muslims from the Ahmadiyya sect that loyalty to one’s country is part of a Muslim’s faith).

Church and State: Obama blasted on religious freedom

The commission report slams U.S.-supported nations, such as Iraq and Pakistan, for failing to protect members of minority faiths who have been targeted with violence or discrimination.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff  | US Desk
Source & Credit: USA TODAY | April 28, 2010
By Aamer Madhani | USA TODAY

A bipartisan U.S. commission on religious freedom says President Obama is softening his stand on protecting the right to one's faith at a time when religious persecution is on the rise, according to an annual report to be released today.

The 11th annual report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom says Obama's recent call for nations to respect "freedom of worship" rather than "religious freedom" allows regimes to claim they are not oppressing certain religions if those faiths exist in a form acceptable to the regime.

'We've found Noah's Ark!'... claim evangelical explorers

The team of Turks and Chinese researchers from Noah's Ark Ministries International in Hong Kong say they made the discovery on Ararat - the biblical resting place of the ark - in October.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: Daily Mail | UK
By Mail Foreign Service

As believers in the literal truth of the Bible, they knew it was there.

Even so, the explorers who say they found seven large wooden compartments beneath snow and volcanic debris near the peak of Mount Ararat can be forgiven their excitement.

'It's not 100 per cent that it is Noah's Ark, but we think it is 99.9 per cent that this is it,' said Yeung Wing-cheung, a filmmaker working with the 15-strong team of fundamentalist Christians exploring the Turkish mountain.

PA, USA: Silver Spring Township approves Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque

“We have all our religions. We have churches. The Jews have synagogues. The Muslims need a place to do their prayer.” [John Walker, project engineer]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |  US Desk
Source & Credit: The Sentinel | April 29, 2010
By Becca Gregg | Sentinel Reporter

Silver Spring approves mosque
Silver Spring Township supervisors unanimously approved final development plans Wednesday night for the construction of a mosque by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

Set to be located at 7063 Wertzville Road, the two-story building will measure 30-by-30 feet in diameter for a total of about 900 square feet overall.

The seating capacity for the structure will be 140 people, said Project Engineer John Walker of the New Cumberland-based Hoover Engineers, allowing for growth over the next several years for the now 40-member Muslim community who belong to the mosque.

Kashmir, India: Visitors banned from Kashmir's “Jesus” shrine

“By claiming Rozabal is Jesus' tomb the foreigners are hurting Muslim sentiments, so to avoid any trouble we have locked the sanctum sanctorum.” [Mohammad Amin Ringshawl, the shrine's caretaker]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: Daily Dawn, Pakistan | Reuters
By Sheikh Mushtaq | April 28, 2010

SRINAGAR: Who is buried at a small shrine in Kashmir? Jesus or medieval Muslim scholars?

Renewed debate over whose remains are actually in the Rozabal shrine, which attracts hundreds of tourists to the capital of lndia's only Muslim-dominated region, has led caretakers to close it to visitors after allowing access for several years.

India, Pakistan had very good talks- foreign secretary

Rao's statement signaled some improvement in ties between the two rivals that have been in a diplomatic freeze since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Stability between the two nuclear powers is seen as key to helping U.S. led efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: WTAQ Newstalk | Reuters
By Krittivas Mukherjee | April 29, 2010

THIMPHU, Bhutan: The prime ministers of India and Pakistan had "very good talks" in Bhutan's capital and agreed that relations between them should be normalized, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said on Thursday.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani are in Bhutan for a summit of South Asian leaders. This was their first meeting in nine months.

"Foreign ministers and foreign secretaries should meet as soon as possible," Rao told reporters after the meeting.

Rao's statement signaled some improvement in ties between the two rivals that have been in a diplomatic freeze since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Stability between the two nuclear powers is seen as key to helping U.S. led efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan.

Ireland: Permission granted for Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Ireland applied for permission to the Galway City Council to develop a mosque and cultural centre at the rear of an existing house.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit:  Galway Advertiser
By Kernan Andrews | April 29, 2010

Planning permission has been granted to Galway city’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community to build a mosque at The Cottages, Monivea Road, Ballybrit.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Ireland applied for permission to the Galway City Council to develop a mosque and cultural centre at the rear of an existing house and to extend it as ancillary residential accommodation.

Azad Jammu Kashmir: Deposed Chief Justice Riaz Akhtar declared criminal by clergy

...[I]t was the first incident in the 1400-year history that the Holy Quran was wrongly translated. ...Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Conference would be held on Thursday, April 29and this matter would be raised at this occasion. [Ullema / Clergy]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |  AJK Desk
Source & Credit: South Asian News Agency
By SANA writer


AJK Ulema declares deposed AJK CJ Riaz Akhtar as criminal

MUZAFFARABAD, (SANA): The Ulema of Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) declared the deposed chief justice AJK Justice Riaz Akhtar Chaudhary as a criminal saying he committed the contempt of the Prophets, and (Ulema) further said that his punishment should be death sentence.

Bangladesh: Christians taken captive by Buddhist extremists

Kidnapping was carried out to force the Christians to return to Buddhism and the captives are expected to be kept in the pagoda for two or three weeks as punishment for having left the Buddhist religion.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Sources: Religious News, Compass News
By Ahmadiyya Times Staff | April 28, 2010

According to Compass Direct News reports, members of a Bangladeshi Buddhist group kidnapped three tribal Christians.  Pastor Shushil Jibon Talukder, 55; Bimol Kanti Chakma, 50; and Laksmi Bilas Chakma, 40 are being held in captivity southeastern Bangladesh.

Several witnesses reported the group severely beat the captives after kidnapping them on April 16.

Indonesia: ‘Infidels’ angry at failure to annul Blasphemy Law, village administration officers say

Agnes Dwi, from the National Alliance of the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), said there were some 1,400 ethnicities whose traditional beliefs were threatened by law.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Nurfika Osman

‘Infidels’ Angry at Failure to Annul Blasphemy Law
Labeled an infidel by village administration officers, Elly Sukemi, a woman from the Sasak tribe in West Nusa Tenggara, chose not to back down.

“The Wetu Telu ritual I perform as part of my traditional religion is sacred. It welcomes Ramadan [the Islamic fasting month]. According to my religion, if you insult us, you must pay. I asked those officers to slaughter a goat as the fine,” Elly said on Wednesday, two days after the Constitutional Court ruled to uphold the 1965 Blasphemy Law, which provides criminal penalties for those who express religious beliefs that deviate from the central tenets of the six state-recognized faiths.

The Indonesian Constitutional Court: Impinging on Free Religious Expression

In upholding the Blasphemy Act, the Court affirmed the power of the state to compel individuals to abide by certain beliefs against their own conscience -- all for the sake of keeping at bay a presumably uncontrollable public.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Articles
Source & Credit: The Huffington Post | April 27, 2010
Asma Uddin | Founder, editor-in-chief, Altmuslimah.com

Last Monday, as I stood in the Indonesian Constitutional Court, the Court released its eight-to-one decision to uphold the Law on the Prevention of Blasphemy and Abuse of Religion, also known as the Blasphemy Act. My colleagues and I at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty had submitted an amicus brief in the case, urging the Court to repeal the Act, which has been used in the past to persecute devout members of a variety of religions. The Court's decision was deeply disappointing for us and our human rights colleagues in Indonesia and across the world, as it not only failed to repeal a problematic law but also legitimated, if not encouraged, future government incursions into matters of conscience.

Faith and common sense: Muslim World | A ‘new beginning’ has started says Obama

“Despite the inevitable difficulties, so long as I am president, the United States will never waver in our pursuit of a two-state solution that ensures the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.” [President Barack Obama]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk

Source & Credit: Khaleej Times | Reuters

April 26, 2010

Barack Obama renewed his commitment to a “new beginning” with the Muslim world, vowing to promote Middle East peace, curb militant violence and boost economic development.

Seeking to build on his outreach to Muslims in a speech in Cairo last June, Obama used a U.S.-hosted Muslim business conference to underscore what his administration has done so far and to pledge further work to overcome mistrust.

While Obama has made progress toward mending America’s image in the Islamic world, he still faces stiff challenges in his handling of the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the nuclear standoff with Iran and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Faith & Reason: Why Pakistan has to work, despite its failings

Ethnic and religious identity politics must not be allowed to sabotage Pakistan's continued survival...   ..[A] forced Islamic identity poses a deeper problem. It is impossible to agree on what it precisely means to be Muslim, let alone how to implement the mechanics of an Islamic state in modern times.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | UK Desk
Source & Credit: The Guardian | April, 26 2010
By Mustafa Qadri

Many an observer has written Pakistan's obituary. Whether or not it was ever a good idea, Pakistan has managed to survive the past six decades. Although ethnic and religious identity politics has routinely threatened its dismemberment, there remains no credible option but to make Pakistan work.

Few states have their very existence queried more often than Pakistan. Given that this strategically important country has become synonymous with terrorism and nuclear proliferation, that might not seem surprising. But such sentiments are not merely fodder for foreign observers eager to pontificate on the failings of the subcontinent's first Islamic republic.

Ghana: Government to build new campus for T.I Ahmadiyya Senior High

Commenting on the content of Ghana's formal educational curricula, Mr. Khalid observed that it was obvious that the country was over producing personnel in some areas and under producing in some other areas.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: GhanaWeb | GNA | April 27, 2010
Updated by Ahmadiyya Times Staff

Wa, April 27, GNA - The government is to build dormitories, classroom blocks, teachers quarters and bungalows to relocate the T.I Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Wa which is located in temporary structures. Land has been acquired at Charia in the Wa Municipality for the project to take off, Mr. Mahmud Khalid, the Upper West Regional Minister, has said. He said the school has no campus and the students are subjected to risks and that had affects academic performance and morals of the students. Mr. Khalid was addressing the 5th annual conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Higher Educational Institutions held in Wa on Monday.

US: Conservatives condemn Pentagon for pulling Graham from event

"His past comments about Islam are not consistent with the multi-faith emphasis and inclusiveness of this event at the Pentagon." [Col. Tom Collins, Army Spokesperson]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | US Desk
Source: Multiple, including Religious News, Compass News
By Ahmadiyya Times Staff | April 27, 2010

Religion News Service has reported that many conservative Christian leaders decried the Army's decision to officially un-invite evangelist Franklin Graham from a Pentagon event on the National Day of Prayer.

The alleged the decision was driven by Rev. Graham’s infamous outbursts against Islam.

Graham, who is this year's honorary chair of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, was scheduled to speak at a May 6 event. The planned event was coordinated by the independent task force with the chaplain's office at Pentagon.

The Army spokesman, Col. Tom Collins, conveyed that Army leaders found it to be "problematic" to include Rev. Graham in the annual program. "His past comments about Islam are not consistent with the multi-faith emphasis and inclusiveness of this event at the Pentagon," Collins was reported to have said.

Faith and Reason: In mocking Jesus, Moses, Bhudda, and Krishna, has South Park gone too far?

Try it.  Try promoting a society of mutual respect and accord. Ignore those who insult for the sake of insulting.  Send a message to the world that as a society, proof of our freedom of speech does not depend on demonstrations through mindless insults.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Opinion
Source & Credit: Chicago Islam Examiner
By Qasim Rashid | Chicago, IL | April 27, 2010

Though the bulk of the hype around the controversial show is passing, the after effects will long remain.  In the battle for freedom of speech, it seems that we as a society have forgotten its fundamental purpose.  Free speech, historically, was never about ridiculing or insulting others.  Rather, it was about the right to speak out from oppression and persecution.  It was about righting a wrong.  When people spat in our faces, we didn't spit back.  Rather, we took the high road and lead through our example.

American heroes like Dr. Martin Luther King, Thurgood Marshall, Eleanor Roosevelt, and our Founding Fathers championed freedom of speech and freedom of thought—but not to insult or ridicule.

Sure, they presented ideas contrary to the status quo and certainly ideas some took issue with.  However, the difference was that their efforts in freedom of speech contested ideas and false perceptions of truth, but were not an assault on people.

London, UK: His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad returns after four week European tour

His Holiness visited France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland. The weekly Friday Sermons were broadcast live worldwide on MTA International throughout the tour as well as the concluding address delivered by His Holiness at the Jamaat’s Annual Convention in Spain.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
By Press Release | London | April 27, 2010

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, returned to London on Sunday evening after a four week tour of Europe. During the tour, His Holiness visited France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland. The weekly Friday Sermons were broadcast live worldwide on MTA International throughout the tour as well as the concluding address delivered by His Holiness at the Jamaat’s Annual Convention in Spain.

On both the 2nd and 9th of April 2010 the Friday Sermons were delivered from the Basharat Mosque in Pedro Abad, Spain.

Pakistan: MQM begins Punjab move, promises freedom from feudalism and brutality

Party chief Altaf says those who chanted slogan of roti, kapra aur makan gave nothing to people in past 62 years, MQM to retire country’s debt by selling feudals’ land.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit: Daily Times | April 26, 2010
Daily Times Staff Report | LAHORE

Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has said that the people of Punjab will see that politics are free of feudalism and brutality with the entry of his party in the province’s mainstream politics.

During a telephonic address from London to the first-ever convention of the MQM that was simultaneously held in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, Altaf said the party had entered Punjab’s politics to deal with the feudal lords, adding that all of them would now be held accountable for their cruelty against the deprived masses of the country.

Faith and Loyalty: The code of conduct | Ahmadi Muslims live by certain expectations

Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community claimed in 1891 that on the basis of Divine revelations he was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi whose advent had been foretold by Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and by the scriptures of other faiths. His claim constitutes the basis of the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Excerpts
Source & Credit: Islam Int'l Publications | Al Islam.org
 By Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani (1835 - 1908)

"The members of my Jama‘at (Community), wherever they might be, should listen with attention. The purpose of their joining this Movement and establishing the mutual relationship of spiritual preceptor and disciple with me is that they should achieve a high degree of good conduct, good behaviour and righteousness. No wrongdoing, mischief, or misconduct should even approach them. They should perform the five daily Prayers regularly, should not utter a falsehood and should not hurt anyone with their speech. They should be guilty of no vice and should not let even a thought of any mischief, or wrong, or disorderliness, or turmoil pass through their minds. They should shun every type of sin, offence, undesirable action, passion, and unmannerly behaviour. They should become pure-hearted and meek servants of God Almighty, and no poisonous germ should flourish in their beings….

Pakistan: Intolerance

"Today we are a country ruled by a corrupt elite without any rule of law or transparency. We cannot allow any discrimination against minorities in Pakistan, be they Ahmedis, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis or Buddhists."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: The News International | April 26, 2010
Malik Tariq Ali | Dubai

The religious intolerance exhibited in Faisalabad involving violence against Ahmedis must be condemned by all sane Muslims of Pakistan. These acts of violence are not in accordance with the Quaid’s vision of Pakistan.

Perhaps very few people are aware that one of the stalwarts who supported the Quaid-e-Azam was Zafarullah Khan, an Ahmedi, while the majority of the so-called clergy, that has now assumed the role of custodians of the ideology of Pakistan, opposed him. The need for the creation of Pakistan arose when it was feared that the Hindu majority would economically subjugate the Muslim minority. However, the fact that religious extremists and fanatics have gained a foothold in Pakistan is food for thought.

USA: Southpark cartoon does not warrant violence

“The Southpark cartoon was clearly in poor taste. But no matter how tasteless the act, Islam does not prescribe a threat of violence as a response.” [Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, Vice President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.]

Ahmadiyya Muslim Baitur Rahman Mosque, Silver Spring, MD

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | US Desk
Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community - USA
By Press Release | Contact: Waseem Sayed, PHD

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community speaks against threats to comedy network:
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA strongly condemns the implicit and explicit threats of violence made by “Revolution Muslim” against Southpark’s producers. As Muslims who believe in the Messiah, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community champions the intellectual “jihad of the pen” to defend Islam instead of resorting to threats of violence which bring shame to the true peaceful teachings of Islam.

United States of America: Richmond Muslims to build Mosque

The mosques of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community have never been involved in extremist activities. On the contrary, they have always been a symbol of peace and security and A positive contribution to their neighborhoods.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | US Desk
Source & Credit: Richmond Muslim Examiner | April 25, 2010
By Ayesha Noor | Richmond, VA

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Richmond is going to build its first mosque in the near future.

The mosque is expected to fulfill the religious needs of Muslims of the cities of Richmond, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville, Tuckahoe, and other surrounding areas. It will be used to offer the Islamically prescribed five daily prayers, Friday prayers, monthly meetings administrative meetings and annual peace conferences. The mosque will also serve as a multi-purpose complex for secular activities such as sports and other gatherings. Rather than accepting external financing, the entire project will be funded through donations of the members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Bangladesh: Ahmadiyya Muslim women's burial obstructed by radical extremists

After a number of incidents throughout the day, body of Akimun Nesa was buried in the graveyard of Roads ad Highways at Nakhalpara under police cordon.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: bdnews24.com | Apr 26th, 2010
By bdnews24 Staff Repoter

Radicals obstruct Qadiani burial 
Dhaka, Apr 25 (bdnews24.com) — Radical Islamists belonging to the Khatme Nabuwat Movement obstructed the burial of a Qadiani on Sunday.

The incident took place at Nakhalpara of Tejgaon, when a grave had been prepared for the burial at the local Rahim Metal Jame Masjid graveyard.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat followers, commonly called Qadianis, are not considered proper Muslims by the Khatme Nabuwat, because of their belief that the world will see another prophet after Muhammad, by the name of Ahmed.

Nova Scotia, Canada: Muslim association hosting symposium for women

SYDNEY — Understanding why some women practising their religion wear hijabs, while others wear habits, will be among the topics discussed at an event for women interested in discussing the role of their gender in modern society.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: Cape Brenton Post | April 25, 2010
Erin Pottie | epottie@cbpost.com
Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Correction update | 07:45 PST

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Ladies Association of Sydney is hosting an invitation-only event for women Friday at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

The presentation will include 10-minute talks on the Christian, Hindu and Muslim perspectives by three female speakers followed by dinner and a question-and-answer session.

Bangladesh: Burial barred as she was Ahmadiyya

Devotees told reporters that the graveyard is used for the burial of the bodies of the Muslim community but not for non-Muslims.

View of Tejgaon:Wikipedia

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Int'l Desk
Source & Credit: The Daily Star
By Staff Correspondent

The devotees of a mosque yesterday obstructed the burial of an elderly woman of Ahmadiyya community at a graveyard in the city's Tejgaon Industrial area.

The body of Akimunnesa, 62, a resident of East Nakhalpara, was finally buried in a graveyard near Mohakhali bus terminal amid resistance from the devotees of Rahim Metal Jam-e-Mosque in the area.

Rafiq Ahmed, brother of the deceased, said they took the body to the graveyard of the mosque where their grand parents had been buried.

Faith & reason | Hinduism: Is it monotheistic or polytheistic?

Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad writes the following in his book Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge & Truth, in the chapter on Hinduism.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Excerpts
Source & Credit: Al Islam.Org | Islam Int'l Publications
By Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (1928 - 2003)

"Hinduism is a class in itself in the comity of religions. To find in Hindu literature evidence of revelation as understood in traditional Divine religions is a difficult task. This is so, mainly because on the one hand the concept of revelation is wholly confined to the Vedic teachings, while on the other, God is mentioned to have manifested Himself in human form to instruct mankind.

Though in Christianity too, Jesusas is described in a manner somewhat similar to that of Krishnaas, the similarity however is superficial. In the personification of Jesus Christ, God the father remains in command of the universe, and a manifestation of His sonship somehow displays itself in the human image of Jesus. Again in the case of Christianity, there is a third person entitled the Holy Ghost who is neither Christ, nor God the father, but is an integral part of the Trinity in its own right.

Hinduism however, is not clear concerning the manifestation of Brahmâ in the person of Krishna. Did he rule the heavens and the earth from his heavenly seat even when Krishna remained on earth, or was it Krishna who as God personified governed the universe during his human phase? Or was Krishna merely an apparition or icon while God remained in command in the heavens like He ever was? Questions such as these remain unanswered."

For details go to:

http://www.alislam.org/library/books/revelation/part_2_section_1.html


Inspiration credit: Google Knols | Zia Shah, MD.

Faith and Science: Alhazen: the Father of Optics and the First Scientist

Latinized as Alhazen, in full, Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥasan ibn al-Haytham, born c. 965, Basra, Iraq, died c. 1040, Cairo, Egypt, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, "mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the principles of optics and the use of scientific experiments."

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Articles
Source & Credit: Google Knols | Units of knowledge by Zia Shah
By Dr. Zia H. Shah | Upstate, NY

David L. Shenkenberg writes in an article titled, 'Before Newton, there was Alhazen,' for Photonix.com:

"A millennium ago, an Arab scientist authored more than 100 works on optics, astronomy, mathematics and religious philosophy. Although he was arguably one of the greatest scientists of all time, his name is little known to people living in Western countries today. "

If we read all the works of Alhazen, Roger Bacon from 14th century and Sir Isaac Newton side by side, we may realize that a lot of work attributed to Sir Isaac Newton truly belongs to Alhazen. The paradigm of two civilizations, arising from the politics of crusades, deprived Alhazen of these honors. The time is now ripe to begin the study of the works of these three gifted giants, who were standing on the shoulders of prior giants, side by side, to have a better understanding of the history of science.

Strength of Islamic Caliphate continues to grow

Since his election, Mirza Masroor Ahmad has overseen numerous projects of public benefit, including the expansion of a 24 hour Muslim satellite network known as Muslim Television Ahmadiyya.  This network is free to all viewers, is available in at least six different languages, and can be viewed at any time worldwide at http://www.mta.tv/. [Photo: The Khalifa of Islam at the 2008 Annual Muslims for Peace Conference in Harrisburg, PA. - http://www.alislam.org/]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Opinion
Source & Credit: Chicago Islam Examiner
By Qasim Rashid | Chicago, IL | April 23, 2010

His Holiness, the Khalifa of Islam,Mirza Masroor Ahmad has completed 7 years of prolific leadership to the Muslim and non-Muslim world.  Born and raised in a noble Muslim family, Mirza Masroor Ahmad dedicated his life to the service of Islam and mankind at a young age.  Prior to his election to the holy office of Khilafat, he worked as an agricultural scientist and was a devout member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The Prophet Muhammad taught that only God Himself can establish a true Khalifa.

Faith and common sense: Let us call a fig a fig

Let us call out after all the culprits who place our country and its children or law enforcement officers in peril. Spare Obama for calling it like it is.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |  Opinion
Source & Credit: Record Journal | Letter to the Editor
By Dr. Sohail Hussain | Meriden | April 13, 2010
Edited by Ahmadiyya Times | Apr 26, 2010 13:00 PST

Last week's editorial "Obama's Jihad on 'Jihad'" [April 8] asserted that the President has placed our country 'in growing peril' by avoiding religious jargon such as 'Islamic extremism' when dealing with crimes committed by Muslims. To this concern, I say let us call a fig a fig....

We should feel free to use these term as long as we are willing to use similar language for acts perpetrated by followers of other religions. For example, I am a Pediatrician and emphatically believe that the 200 deaf children in Wisconsin who were sexually abused over 24 years by a Catholic priest are victims of terror. This incident among the sea of scandals of pedophilia faced by Catholic priests would by the same lens qualify as 'Christian extremism.' And the self-proclaimed Hutaree, or 'Christian warriors' in Michigan who planned to murder a police officer and then blow up his/her funeral attendees are just plain terrorists by any standard. Are they not then 'Christian extremists?'

Let us call out after all the culprits who place our country and its children or law enforcement officers in peril. Spare Obama for calling it like it is.

Dr. Sohail Hussain, Meriden

Faith and country: Key demographics of Muslim-Americans

"The significant proportion of native-born converts to Islam is a characteristic unique to the United States.  More than a quarter call themselves white, while nearly one in five identified as Asian and about as many classified themselves as "other."" [Gallup]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Around the net
Credit: USA Today | April 15, 2010
Source : Gallup | USA Today

Gallup Organization interviews with a random sample of 946 Muslim Americans in 2008 shed light on the demographics of this rarely studied group:

RACE: Muslims are the nation's most racially diverse religious group. At least a third of Muslim-Americans are black mostly converts or children of converts to Islam. "The significant proportion of native-born converts to Islam is a characteristic unique to the United States," Gallup said. More than a quarter call themselves white, while nearly one in five identified as Asian and about as many classified themselves as "other."

Faith and country: Ahmadiyya message of peace on bus ads

Islam teaches that a Muslim's duty is always to promote peace whenever and wherever possible, through one's righteous actions and compassionate example.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | US Desk
Source & Credit:  India Post News service
April 24, 2010

LOS ANGELES: Ahmadiyya Muslim messages of peace, epitomized by their motto: "Love for All - Hatred for None," are being spread across Los Angeles' Inland Empire on 167 buses.

One of them stops across the street from the Baitul Hameed Mosque on Ramona Ave. in Chino, one of two Southern California chapters of this peaceful, worldwide denomination of Islam.

Remembering Dr. Abdul Mannan Siddiqui: First Martyr of the Second Century of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat

"To kill a man for his belief is inhuman and cannot be Islamic for Islam is a religion of humanity. And it is for our leaders to realise that by employing religion in the service of politics they have made this Islamic Republic into a world metaphor for dictatorship, brutality and terror where the youth are trained to kill and women, by many accounts, are buried alive." [Kunwar Idris, DAWN Pakistan, September 9, 2008]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Profiles
Source & Credit:  Al;Islam.Org
By Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Dr. Abdul Mannan Siddiqui Shaheed
First Martyr of the Second Century of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat

Dr. Abdul Mannan Siddiqui Shaheed (46), who was District President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mirpur Khas, was murdered at about 14:30 on September 8, 2008 in Mirpur Khas, Pakistan.

Dr. Siddiqui was a highly qualified physician. He was known for his competence and charity.