New Year? Appalling saga of ‘purposeless’ lives

In fact it will be exactly the same sun from yesterday except for it will have traveled the course of time another 24 hours, our lives now a day shorter and the end of the line for our world a moment closer. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Ahmadiyya Times
By Imran Jattala | December 31, 2010


The midnight hour has already struck in New York and the sun continues to move further west on the other side of the globe. Now the west coast of the United States will realize midnight in Hollywood, California under blinding lights, with ear-piercing music blowing through modern horns and the same-old vulgar smell of alcohol in the atmosphere.

Tomorrow when the sun will come up it wouldn’t be any different from the sun that came up the previous morning. In fact it will be exactly the same sun from yesterday except for it will have traveled the course of time another 24 hours, our lives now a day shorter and the end of the line for our world a moment closer. However, the participants of the previous nights maddening proceedings will not remember even a one-half of what went on between party-goers.

‘So, what were we celebrating last night?’ many will wonder.

Indonesia: 2010 Review: A Year of Natural and Political Disasters

From June, a series of attacks began on members of the Ahmadiyah Islamic sect in and around Jakarta, including the firebombing of an Ahmadiyah mosque in the capital and the destruction of a mosque and homes belonging to sect members in Bogor.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Nivell Rayda | December 27, 2010

With disasters both natural and man-made, scandals political and otherwise, as well as threats defeated and new ones emerging, no one can say 2010 has been dull.

As the year comes to a close, we look back at the people and events that grabbed the headlines over the past 12 months.

The Gayus Affair

Gayus Tambunan probably never imagined he would become a household name. But when your name comes to symbolize the extent of corruption, greed and injustice in the country, it’s easy to see how it could become the one that’s on everyone’s lips.

Pakistan: Zardari's failure to foster true democracy

The case of Aasia Bibi, a Christian farmhand who was sentenced to death in Pakistan, teaches us how difficult it is to bring law, democracy and an end to extremism to the country.

Christain Aasia Bibi was sentenced to death on blasphemy charges

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Open Democracy | Opinion
By Ali Dayan Hasan | December 30, 2010

The non-reform of Pakistan's blasphemy laws tells a wider story about Zardari's failure to foster true democracy

LAHORE--- As the world celebrated Christmas, Pakistan’s beleaguered Christians cowered in fear. Baying for the blood of a Christian woman unjustly convicted under the country’s abusive and discriminatory blasphemy law, Islamist extremists held country-wide protests on Christmas Eve and have yet more planned for the New Year and beyond.

On November 8, Aasia Bibi, a Christian farmhand from Pakistan’s Punjab province became the first woman in Pakistan to be sentenced to death for blasphemy. Denounced widely, the conviction also horrified key members of the government. President Asif Ali Zardari ordered a ministerial review which concluded that the verdict was legally unsound and sought a presidential pardon for her. The government expressed intention to amend the blasphemy law.  Pakistan’s democracy, it appeared, was coming of age.

New York, USA: Spreading Peace 15 Seconds an Hour in Times Square | Ahmadiyya Muslims Community

About that moment, the ad appeared. “It’s up!” Ms. Qadir shouted, pointing at the billboard, which for the next 15 seconds displayed the words “Muslims for Peace” and a 1-800 number, and some other things in smaller print.

Photo: Caleb Ferguson for The New York Times - On 42nd Street
between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, an electronic billboard displays
a 15-second video promoting the campaign of Muslims for Peace to raise
awareness about Islam.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The New York Times | City Room
By Paul Vitello | December 17, 2010

Spreading Peace 15 Seconds an Hour in Times Sq.

It is hard to make it in New York — whether in the arts, in finance, politics or fashion. But no endeavor in the city can be more competitive than the one where you try to get the attention of passers-by in Times Square by smiling at them and handing them glossy leaflets intended to make them think.

Into that bazaar of mass preoccupation, half a dozen members of an organization called Muslims for Peace fanned out Friday, smiling and offering their wares. They belonged to a sect, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, that embraces a pacifist tradition within Islam.

“Peace be with you, brother,” said Rizwan Alladin, a business consultant who took the morning off from work to hand out the fliers on 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues and to watch with the others as the first of the group’s video ads ran on one of Times Square’s electronic billboards.

Faith and practice: Searching for the Good News in Indonesia 2011

Minority groups are also waiting for the moment they can trust the government to uphold their rights, even in the face of zealous tyranny. Followers of Ahmadiyah are yearning for the time when their mosques will be protected by the state from mob attacks.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Johannes Nugroho | December 27, 2010

Now that the Indonesian football team has lost to its Malaysian counterpart in the first leg of the AFF Cup finals, the clamor and euphoria surrounding the competition may be coming down a few notches. We have seen reactions to their recent success from all walks of life, from the melodramatic story of East Javanese vendor Yanto, who spent all his ready cash to fly to Kuala Lumpur, to the more calculated moves by politicians to capitalize on what seems to the rest of the populace as the rare piece of good news about the nation’s achievements.

And, essentially, this is what the football euphoria is all about.

Love for all, hatred for none: 'Tis a season to word your Christmas greetings

...[W]hen it comes to reaching out at this time of year, I would have to say a most impressive card I got in recent weeks was from Imam Ahmed of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Ireland. They have a lovely new Masjid Maryam (Mary Mosque) in Galway.

Masjid Maryum's foundation stone was laid in September 2010- File Photo

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: The Irish Times | Opinion
By John Waters | December 24, 2010

Are you a believer? Or simply stressed out and snowed in? No matter – now is the time to extend goodwill to all, writes  PATSY McGARRY

SO THIS is Christmas . . .

In honour of the day that’s in it, this will be a conflict-free, critique-free column. Just for one day.

It will become a no man’s land similar to that occupied by those young British and German soldiers on the Western Front in December 1915.

Over there in yonder trench is a Government Minister singing Silent Night . Should we join in? Even in this season of goodwill that would be a bit of an effort. But, hey...!

Eye on World: What If Israel Ceases to Be a Democracy?

Let's just say, as a hypothetical, that one day in the near future, Prime Minister Lieberman's government (don't laugh, it's not funny) proposes a bill that echoes the recent call by some rabbis to discourage Jews from selling their homes to Arabs... What happens then?

Photo: Reuters

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Atlantic | Blog
By Jeffery Goldberg | December 27, 2010

Is it actually possible that one day Israelis -- Jewish Israelis -- would choose to give up democracy in order to maintain Israel's Jewish voting majority? Some people, of course, argue that Israel has ceased to be a democracy, because there is nothing temporary about the 43-year-old occupation of the West Bank. I believe it is premature to talk about the end of Israel as a democratic state -- mainly because the disposition of the West Bank is still undecided --  but I can't say that the thought hasn't crossed my mind that one day Israelis will make the conscious, active decision to preserve the state's Jewish character instead of its democratic character (I use the word "Jewish" in the demographic sense, not the moral sense, obviously).

Pakistan: Sunni Ittehad Council protest against the Blasphemy Law

The blasphemy laws are part of a system which fosters injustice, sectarian violence, and violence between religions. The usual victims are Shia, Ahmadiyya, Christians, and Hindus.

Activists of Sunni Ittehad Council burn effigies of Governor Punjab
Sulman Taseer and Shery Rehman during a protest against
proposed amendments in the Blasphemy Law at Hyder Chowk.
Hyderabad, Pakistan. (Photo Demotix)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Demotix | Media Summary
By Yasir Rajput | December 31, 2010

Chairman Sunni Ittehad Council Sahibzada Haji Fazal Karim has said the government should clear its position on the issue of blasphemy law.

Addressing ‘Tahafuz Namoos-e-Risalat Convention’ here on Monday, Fazal Karim said if the government would not clear its position they would launch a countrywide movement for their demands. He said the government wanted to repeal the blasphemy law just to please America, Europe and Israel.

Among Muslim-majority countries, Pakistan has the strictest anti-blasphemy laws. § 295-A of Pakistan's Penal Code forbids outraging religious feelings. § 295-B punishes defilement of the Quran with life imprisonment. § 295-C prescribes the death penalty or the death penalty with a fine for the "use of derogatory remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet." § 298-B and § 298-C prohibit the Ahmadiyya from proselytizing or from behaving in any manner as Muslims.

Eye on History: British feared Israel would nuke Arabs: archives

"If they (Israel) are to be destroyed they will go down fighting this time. They will be ready to use their atomic weapon. Because they cannot sustain a long war, they would have to use it early."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l  Desk
Source/Credit: The News | Pakistan
By The News | December 30, 2010

LONDON: British diplomats feared Israel would use nuclear weapons in the event of another war with its Arab neigbours, secret files released Thursday showed.

In 1980, British officials were concerned that Israel could be heading for a new conflict, despite signing a peace treaty with Egypt the year before, according to official papers released from the National Archives after being kept secret for 30 years.

"The situation in the region is deteriorating and with it Israel's dangerous mood of isolation and defiance will grow," warned a cable from the British embassy in Tel Aviv, dated May 4.

New York - USA: Peace Rings Loud and Clear On Broadway

Message: “Muslims for Peace, Muslims for Love, Muslims for Loyalty,1-800 WHY ISLAM The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit:Times Square Chronicles
By Suzanna Bowling| December 25, 2010

In the heart of Manhattan, smack dab in the middle of Times Square on 42nd street, Muslims are promoting peace. “Peace be with you, brother,” is being spoken by members who stand underneath an electronic billboard between 7th and 8th, where a 15-second spot runs. “Muslims for Peace, Muslims for Love, Muslims for Loyalty,1-800 WHY ISLAM The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

This group is intent on letting the world know, especially New York that the beliefs of the old sect are not theirs. They hand out flyers saying they rejects “jihad of the sword” in favor of “jihad of the pen.” In a time when we are judged by where we were born this group is trying to break that mold.



Read original post here: USA: On Broadway Peace Rings In Loud and Clear

Most Disturbing Trend of 2010 Isn’t Going Anywhere in 2011

The crucial questions as we go forward are thus: How can Indonesians live peacefully in the next year in the face of rising intolerance? And can democracy, as it exists here, guarantee the prosperity of all? 

Anti-riot police walking in front of a burning home belonging
 to an Ahmadiyah follower in Ciampea, West Java in October 2010

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Nicholaus Prasetya | December 28, 2010

As the euphoria of New Year celebrations draw near and we begin to reflect on the events of the past year, one trend in particular should add a sobering touch to our perception of the year that was.

The Moderate Muslim Society says Indonesia saw at least 81 cases of inter-religious conflict in 2010 — an increase of more than 30 percent from 2009.

The Wahid Institute on Tuesday said it had recorded 196 cases of violence based on intolerance and religious discrimination in Indonesia during 2010, an increase of almost 50 percent from a year earlier.

And looking even further back, reports show that these incidents have, surprisingly, risen significantly since the fall of the New Order.

New York, USA: Muslim Group Spreads Message of Peace on New Year's Eve

"We're going to bring this message back, to Times Square, because there are hundreds of thousands of people from all across the United States as well as the world. What better place to spread the true message of Islam?"

Photo: The Muslims for Peace Campaign created t-shirts with this
message on the front, to wear for a campaign on New Year's Eve.
Courtesy Nusrat Qadir, Muslims for Peace Campaign

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: WNYC/WQXR News
By Annmarie Fertoli | December 30, 2010

Thousands of people will be descending on Times Square for New Year's Eve, and one group hopes it will be an opportunity to spread a message of peace. The Muslims for Peace Campaign, sponsored by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is a nationwide campaign. It was launched following Faisal Shahzad's failed Times Square bomb plot in May.

Doctor Ahmad Chaudhry, a member of the campaign, said his group wants people to know Shahzad's message is not the message of Islam, and that now is the perfect time to clear up that misconception.

"We're going to bring this message back, to Times Square, because there are hundreds of thousands of people from all across the United States as well as the world," he said. "What better place to spread the true message of Islam?"

Qadian, India: 3 Day Muslim Convention Concluded By World Leader

“We follow absolutely the teachings and guidance of the Promised Messiah, so let it be clear that we Ahmadi Muslims have no interest in forming a government, our only desires are that a relationship develops between mankind and God Almighty and secondly that man comes to respect and observe the rights of his fellow man. For this we strive and will continue to strive.” [His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad]

Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: AMJ International | HQ | UK
By AMC Press Release | December 29, 2010

Head of Community Concludes 3 Day Muslim Annual Convention with Powerful Address

The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, yesterday concluded the three day Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, India. His Holiness addressed over 17,000 delegates in Qadian, India, via MTA International from the Baitul Futuh Mosque, London. His Holiness spoke about the continued persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in numerous countries and also about how Islam’s name was being tarnished by the terrorist activities of so called Muslims across the world.

Pakistan's blasphemy law seen as tool of oppression

A cleric in Peshawar has offered 500,000 rupees, or $6,000, to anyone who kills Asia Bibi, if her execution doesn't take place. Other hard-line clerics have warned they would mobilize nationwide protests against the government if President Asif Ali Zardari pardoned her.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Los Angeles Times
By Alex Rodriguez | December 27, 2010

In a country with countless ethnicities and religious minorities, the 1980s law against insulting Islam is used to settle scores, critics say. The case of a Christian woman sentenced to death has led to renewed calls for its repeal.

Reporting from Nankana Sahib, Pakistan —

Muslim cleric Muhammad Salim isn't worried that a court or Pakistan's president might spare a Christian woman from this village who has been sentenced to death on blasphemy charges.

After all, if Asia Bibi, a mother of two, escapes the hangman's noose, he's confident someone else will kill her.

Pakistan government has “no intention to repeal anti-blasphemy law”: Religious minister

The government assurance came ahead of what has been described as a countrywide "shutter-down strike" called for Friday by a religious group seeking to protect the dignity of the holy prophet Mohammad (PBUH), or "namoos-i-risalat".

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Asian News International/DailyIndia.com
By ANI | December 30, 2010

Islamabad: In a move to appease religious parties, the Pakistan government has told the National Assembly that it has "no intention" to change the controversial anti-blasphemy law, which is often seen misused against members of minority communities in the country.

Religious Affairs Minister Khurshid Ahmed Shah interrupted the house proceedings to make a policy statement "with full responsibility" that the "government has no intention to repeal the anti-blasphemy law and to disown a private bill of a PPP member proposing changes in the Zia-era law to abolish a mandatory death sentence against a convict provided by it and to guard against miscarriage of justice."

The government assurance came ahead of what has been described as a countrywide "shutter down strike" called for Friday by a religious group seeking to protect the dignity of the holy prophet Mohammad (PBUH), or "namoos-i-risalat".

Pakistan: Eye on truth | Happy new year?

It is curious that Maulana Fazlur Rehman should have been one of the leaders of a conference called to gather other holinesses under the banner of the Tahafuz-i-Namoos-i-Risalat and to agitate the matter through protests and public meetings so soon after one of his party`s federal ministers was sacked from the cabinet.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | OP/Ed
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn Pakistan
By Kamran Shafi | December 28, 2010

WELL, hopefully, what with the obscurantist forces back on the march in an attempt to bludgeon into submission those who advocate the imperative and immediate need of making the blasphemy laws in this country less draconian, less obnoxious; what with the gas loadshedding that makes even cooking a meal an uphill task, let alone heating the house during this cold snap; and what with the power outages, five every day where we live in the Lahore cantonment.

Coming to the blasphemy law and to what seems to have impelled their holinesses to take up cudgels at this time against this much-misused law which misuse has seen many innocent people killed brutally before any blasphemy could be proved against them.

It is curious that Maulana Fazlur Rehman should have been one of the leaders of a conference called to gather other holinesses under the banner of the Tahafuz-i-Namoos-i-Risalat and to agitate the matter through protests and public meetings so soon after one of his party`s federal ministers was sacked from the cabinet.

UK: Huddersfield faith communities provide help and company at Christmas

“We distributed chocolate and clothes as well as hot food. People were very happy.They came to the mosque and we were happy to share our happiness. Some of them live with very little food or adequate clothing. It’s a good way to help the community and unite different faiths.” [Fatihul Haq - AMA]

File photo: Huddersfield Ahmadiyya Mosque

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Huddersfield Daily Examiner
By Kevin Core | Dec 27 2010 | Local West Yorkshire News

THE Christmas spirits was very much in evidence in Huddersfield.

Needy people benefited from some community kindness in the town when members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque fed 50 homeless people over the festive period with meals prepared at their Lower Fitzwilliam Street premises.

Regional co-ordinator Fatihul Haq said: “We distributed chocolate and clothes as well as hot food. People were very happy.They came to the mosque and we were happy to share our happiness. Some of them live with very little food or adequate clothing. It’s a good way to help the community and unite different faiths.”

There was also a specially laid on Christmas lunch thanks to Charlene Novak, who lives in Lockwood.

Pakistan: Muslim Protests As Cleric Offers Thousands For Killing Christian

Photo: "I will pay 500,000 rupees ($6,000) for the loyal follower of [Prophet] Muhammad who beheads Asia Bibi." [Maulana Yousuf Qureshi]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Worthy News
By TWN | December 27, 2010

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (Worthy News)-- Muslims began protests Friday, December 24, against plans to change Pakistan's blasphemy laws, after an Islamic leader offered nearly $6,000 for the killing of a Christian woman he accused of offending Islam.

Moulana Amjad Khan, spokesman for the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal ur Rehman (JUI-F) party, confirmed that his party and other religious were involved in the rallies.

The JUI-F recently left the coalition government led by President Asif Ali Zardari's Pakistan People's Party amid tensions over a government ministry's recommendation to release Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy.

Religion: Respecting the minority

The change ought certainly to inspire some national reflection, though there is no need for national breast-beating. After all, in most eyes, the BSA survey finding simply underscores things that have already become obvious.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Guardian | UK
By Guardian | Editorial | December 24, 2010

This Christmas, for perhaps the first time ever, Britain is a majority non-religious nation

Every year, researchers from the British Social Attitudes survey ask a representative sample of British people whether they regard themselves as belonging to any particular religion and, if so, to which one? When the survey first asked these questions in 1985, 63% of the respondents answered that they were Christians, compared with 34% who said they had no religion (the rest belonged to non-Christian religions).

Today, a quarter of a century on, there has been a steady and remarkable turnaround. In the latest 2010 BSA report, published earlier this month, only 42% said they were Christians while 51% now say they have no religion.

Pakistan: Shutterdown strike on 31st

Leaders of various religious parties said on this occasion that they would not let the government to make any change in the blasphemy law, while they have also the support of the people of Pakistan, as no Muslim could allow changes in the Islamic laws.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Nation | Pakistan
By Nation | December 26, 2010

LAHORE - Religious parties have given a final shape to the preparations regarding complete shutterdown strike across the country on December 31 against the proposed amendments in blasphemy law under the banner of Tahafuz-e-Namoos Risalat Tehrik (TNRT).

The final touches to the arrangements of TNRT strike against the proposed amendments in Islamic laws were given during a meeting at Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) headquarters Mansoora on Saturday with Dr Syed Wasim Akhtar, ameer JI Punjab in the chair, while, leaders of member parties of TNRT attended the special meeting for December 31 countrywide strike.

Leaders of various religious parties said on this occasion that they would not let the government to make any change in the blasphemy law, while they have also the support of the people of Pakistan, as no Muslim could allow changes in the Islamic laws.



Read original post here: Shutterdown strike on 31st

US drone attacks are no laughing matter, Mr Obama

Few questioned the wisdom of making such a tasteless joke; of the US commander-in-chief showing such casual disregard for the countless lives lost abroad through US drone attacks.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Guardian | UK
By Mehdi Hasan | December 28, 2010

The president's backing of indiscriminate slaughter in Pakistan can only encourage new waves of militancy

Speaking at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in May, Barack Obama spotted teen pop band the Jonas Brothers in the audience. "Sasha and Malia are huge fans, but, boys, don't get any ideas," deadpanned the president, referring to his daughters. "Two words for you: predator drones. You will never see it coming." The crowd laughed, Obama smiled, the dinner continued. Few questioned the wisdom of making such a tasteless joke; of the US commander-in-chief showing such casual disregard for the countless lives lost abroad through US drone attacks.

From the moment he stepped foot inside the White House, Obama set about expanding and escalating a covert CIA programme of "targeted killings" inside Pakistan, using Predator and Reaper drones armed with Hellfire missiles (who comes up with these names?) that had been started by the Bush administration in 2004.

Pakistan: Extremists religious parties announce strike over blasphemy issue

The participants criticised Punjab Governor Salman Taseer and Pakistan People`s Party MNA Sherry Rehman for their attempt to help release the blasphemy convict Aasia Bibi.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Dawn | December 29, 2010

PESHAWAR: Tehrik-i-Namoos-i-Risalat has announced a province-wide shutter down strike in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Dec 31 to stall any move for making amendments to the blasphemy law and appealed to business community to make the strike a success.

The decision was taken in a meeting of the steering committee of Tehrik-i-Namoos-i-Risalat at Al-Markaz-i-Islami with its convener Shabir Ahmed Khan in the chair here on Monday.

Those who attended the meeting included Shamsur Rehman Shamsi and Maulana Amanat Shah of the JUI-F, Ikramullah Shahid and Maulana Abdul Haseeb Haqqani of JUI-S, Fayaz Khan and Maulana Merajuddin of JUP, Fazalur Rehman Madni of Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Ramzan Tauqeer of Tehrik-i-Islami, and Israrullah advocate and Hamidullah Jan of JI.

India: Ahmadiyas converge on Qadian - Annual Convention held

An interesting feature of the proceedings was that all speakers were encouraged to highlight the good points of their respective faiths without maligning other religions. Muslim speakers were encouraged to speak on Krishna and Hindu speakers were asked to speak on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Tribune | India | Tribune News Service
By Ravi Dhaliwal | Updated | December 29, 2010

Qadian (India): ‘Love for all, hatred for none’, screamed the banners and hoardings amidst thousands of Ahmadiya (Muslims) who had descended on this non-descript township, 28 km from Gurdaspur, to attend the three-day 119th Jalsa Salana (annual convention) since December 26.

Delegates attending this function relating to the Ahmadiya Muslim Community (AMC) also came from the United Kingdom, USA, Canada and European countries like France, Sweden, Netherlands and Belgium.

The maximum number of foreign delegates, totalling 4,586, had come from Pakistan, overcoming the chilly winter conditions, just to bask in the glory and warmth of the Muslim brotherhood.

One of the delegates has come all the way from the little known Wake Island, located in the North Pacific Ocean.

Malaysian and Pakistani theocracies

Of course the fact that Pakistan’s founding father, whose birthday thankfully falls on Christmas Day thereby allowing our Christian minority to get a day off as well, was a Khoja Shia Mohammaden according to an affidavit signed by Fatima Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan
By Yasser Latif Hamdani | December 26, 2010

Shame really on the mullahs. They uphold the laws of Islamist dictator General Zia because it allows women to be raped without recourse but denounce laws by the relatively secular dictator General Ayub because those laws ban the age old practice of hallala, which mullahs have long misused for the legal gratification of their own unholy sexual desiresMalaysia is often quoted as a model by some members of our urban middle class, which is impressed with the glitter of that country but are completely ignorant of its constitution and laws. In my view, in so far as constitutions go, the Malaysian constitution is the worst and the least free amongst all the states that emerged from a British colonial system. It is also the most oppressive legal system when it comes to the rights of Muslims. To start with, only the Shafi brand of Sunni Islam is recognised as Islam in Malaysia. Minority sects, especially the Shia Muslims, are persecuted and driven underground.

Pakistan: Premeditated murders | Ahmadis concerned over state inaction

Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the head of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, said that despite numerous killings that have befallen this family, they continue to bear difficulties with bravery and patience.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Rana Tanveer | December 30, 2010

Community condemns murder of man, the fourth in his family to be shot dead this year.

LAHORE: The government has failed to provide adequate protection to Ahmadis, members of the Ahmadiyya community said while expressing concern over the killing of a man in Mardan on December 23.

The man, who was expecting the birth of his first child soon, was the fourth in his family to be killed in this manner this year.

Talking to The Express Tribune on Wednesday, members of the community criticised the government and said that they were targets of a deliberate ‘divinely-sanctioned’ reprisal campaign.

Corruption takes gloss off Indonesia's boom

...[W]hile every man and woman has the vote in Indonesia and elections are fair, the institutions that underpin that democracy - the parliament, the judiciary, security forces and bureaucracy - are deeply corrupt and inefficient.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Age | Australia
By Tom Allard | December 27, 2010

Growth is being marred by religious intolerance and corruption.

In September, Indonesia's leader Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was moved to put pen to paper, composing a letter to Barack Obama.

He was agitated about the plans of the Florida pastor Terry Jones to burn a pile of Korans on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. If allowed to proceed, it would ''humiliate'' Muslims around the world and threaten world peace, Dr Yudhoyono wrote.
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The sentiments were a reflection of how many people felt, but in the country with the world's largest Muslim population, the reaction was somewhat unexpected. Dr Yudhoyono came under fierce criticism from the mainstream media and from tens of thousands of Indonesians who took to social media to vent their displeasure.

There Are More Slaves Today Than At Any Point in History. We Need to End It

Lisa Kristine’s Slavery, along with Free the Slaves, aims to spread awareness of these atrocities by providing a forum for awareness and fund raising. According to the non-profit, it costs just $18 to free a salve and enable them to continue down a new road in life.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Eu Desk
Source/Credit: EcoSalon | News
By Katherine Butler | December 28, 2010

The holidays are noted for being stressful, so what better time to take a moment, greet perspective, and reflect on how wonderful it is to possess our own free will? Currently, 27 million people are enslaved across the world. Sadly, that’s actually more than at any previous point in history. But there is something you can do to help. Free the Slaves is a fantastic non-profit working to, yes, free slaves in a sustainable way. And there’s a stunning book you can buy to help them do so.

Lisa Kristine is a photographer who spent the last two years traveling around the world documenting enslaved people. Together with Free the Slaves, she has released Slavery, a book “about the human spirit and the dignity that lives in each of us, regardless of circumstances.” Kristine, who donated her talents, intends for the book to be a wake-up call for human trafficking.

Slavery, particularly for Americans, often brings to mind the antebellum South, when hoopskirts and contorted logic enabled slavery to exist in this country. But there are more human slaves on the planet today that ever before in modern history – and this includes the time going back to Columbus. And worse, (yes, it gets worse,) the average cost of a slave is roughly $90. This means the life of a slave is considered virtually “worthless,” leaving injured or troublesome slaves at the mercy of owners who easily dump and kill them. These are men, women, and children, kidnapped into bondage of all natures.

Pakistan: 'Businessmen to join religious parties’ strike’

The press conference was addressed by leaders of different religious parties running the TNRT, including Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Liaquat Baloch, JUI-F Information Secretary Maulana Amjad Khan, JUP Lahore President Malik Bashir Nizami, Muhammad Khan Leghari, JI Deputy Secretary General Dr Farid Paracha, Amirul Azeem and Anwar Niazi.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l News
Source/Credit: The News | Lahore
By News Correspondent | December 29, 2010

RELIGIOUS leaders waging a movement to protect blasphemy laws claimed on Tuesday that they had got support of major traders’ bodies to observe a complete shutdown strike on December 31 (Friday) in protest against the west-backed conspiracy to secularise Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club, the leaders of Tahaffuz Namoos Risalat Tehrik (TNRT) however reiterated their call to the nation particularly to the trader community to observe a peaceful complete shut-down strike to prove that followers of Holy Prophet (SAW) would never allow the rulers and west-sponsored NGOs to carry out their nefarious agenda to push the country towards a civil war-like situation.

The press conference was addressed by leaders of different religious parties running the TNRT, including Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Liaquat Baloch, JUI-F Information Secretary Maulana Amjad Khan, JUP Lahore President Malik Bashir Nizami, Muhammad Khan Leghari, JI Deputy Secretary General Dr Farid Paracha, Amirul Azeem and Anwar Niazi.

Indonesia: Rights Groups Demand Ahmadiyah Orphanage Be Unlocked

Members of the Ahmadiyah community have been the target of repeated, often violent attacks in the past few years from hard-line Muslim groups mostly in West Java and West Nusa Tenggara.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe | News
By Elisabeth Oktofani | December 27, 2010

Twelve rights groups on Monday called on the government to reopen an Ahmadiyah orphanage that had been kept shut for weeks by law enforcers.

Ilma Sovri Yanti, a national advocacy officer for SOS Children’s Villages Indonesia, urged the authorities to reopen the Khasanah Kautsar Orphanage, which is operated by the minority Ahmadiyah community in Kawalu subdistrict in Tasikmalaya, West Java.

Its closure, Ilma said, was a violation of the children’s rights. The orphanage was locked up, with the children and staff still inside, by the subdistrict police chief and prosecutor on Dec. 18. Officials argued that the hard-line Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) would otherwise have come to close it down.

India: 119th Jalsa salana of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community concluded in Qadian

Hazrat Ahmad ... said that Ahmadi Muslims have no fear because they are true and no one can stop them from their belief, Many prophets came in this world and they faced so many problems but at last enemies were defeated by God.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered live address from the UK via
a satellite link. (Photo: Mahmood Ahmady)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Punjab Newsline | Batala
By Pardeep Luthra | December 29, 2010

QADIAN, Batala: The 119th International Salaana Jalsa of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community concluded here in Qadian Wednesday.

The convention was attended by nearly 17000 peoples from all over the world  including 5000 Pakistanis.

In a live telecast from London (UK) the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addressed the participants.

Hazrat Ahmad said that in India, Pakistan, Indonesia and other parts of world Ahmadiyya Muslims are facing many problems due to their faith and beliefs.

Hazrat Ahmad further said that Ahmadi Muslims have no fear because they are true and no one can stop them from their belief, Many prophets came in this world and they faced so many problems but at last enemies were defeated by God, he also said.

Eye on Extremists: Germans Seek Ban on Islamic Radicals

The raids come months after Hamburg officials in August closed the Taiba Mosque, which achieved notoriety in 2001 as the religious home for several members of the Hamburg terrorist cell that led the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the U.S. City officials said they ordered the closure because the mosque allegedly continued to serve as a meeting place for jihadists calling for holy war.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Wall Street Journal | Europe News
By David Crawford | December 28, 2010

Germany's stepped-up efforts to ban some Islamic groups for promoting radical views have sparked a national debate over whether the government is violating the free-speech protections of the constitution it says it is aiming to protect.

The German government's latest move to crack down on groups that promote extremist Muslim teaching came earlier this month, as dozens of police raided homes, offices and religious schools in the western German cities of Bremen, Braunschweig and Mönchengladbach. The security forces were seeking evidence that could lead to the banning of two organizations that officials say are calling for imposing Islamic law in place of German law.

Interior ministry officials allege that the groups, called Invitation to Paradise and the Islamic Culture Center Bremen, seek to undermine Germany's parliamentary democracy by supporting the establishment of an Islamic theocracy within the country. A security official said the groups also allegedly support a strict form of Islamic justice, such as the execution of Muslims who convert to other religions or the amputation of a hand as a punishment for theft.

Chino, California: More Than 1300 Ahmadi Muslims Attend Silver Jubilee Jalsa Salana Of West Coast USA

The convention included a number of speeches and several breakout sessions during the 3 days. The main convention was held in the Tahir Hall for the men and in the Lajna Hall for the ladies. The breakout sessions were held in conference rooms throughout the facility. 

Click on the picture to watch recorded proceeding of the convention

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: 25th Annual Convention Committee
By Rashid Sayed | December 29, 2010
Edited by Ahmadiyya Times | Imran Jattala

For the past quarter century, in keeping with their motto, "Love For All, Hatred For None," the Ahmadiyya Muslim community members of the West coast, United States have held their Jalsa Salana (annual convention) during the holiday season to strengthen their spiritual bonds and offer special thanks to the neighbors for their friendship and support.

Keeping up with the tradition, the Silver Jubilee, 25th Annual West Coast Convention started with Friday prayers on December 24th 2010.

The three day convention, December 24-26, 2010, was held at Bait-ul Hameed Mosque in Chino, California.

This year the community hosted over 1300 attendees from 35 chapters from the United States and 5 other countries. The attendees also included members of the national executive leadership and other dignitaries and guests.

US Muslims: a new consumer niche

In the United States, iconic American companies such as McDonald's (which already has a popular halal menu overseas) and Wal-Mart have entered the halal arena. In August, the natural grocery giant Whole Foods began selling its first nationally distributed halal food product

Photo: Corbis/Google Images

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Yahoo News | AP
By Rachel Zoll, AP | December 27, 2010

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – In the ballroom of an upscale hotel a short train ride from New York, advertisers, food industry executives and market researchers mingled — the men in dark suits, the women in headscarves and Western dress. Chocolates made according to Islamic dietary laws were placed at each table.

The setting was the American Muslim Consumer Conference, which aimed to promote Muslims as a new market segment for U.S. companies. While corporations have long catered to Muslim communities in Europe, businesses have only tentatively started to follow suit in the U.S. — and they are doing so at a time of intensified anti-Muslim feeling that companies worry could hurt them, too. American Muslims seeking more acknowledgment in the marketplace argue that businesses have more to gain than lose by reaching out to the community.

"We are not saying, `Support us,'" said Faisal Masood, a graduate of the University of Illinois, Chicago, and management consultant. "But we want them to understand what our values are."

There are signs the industry is stirring: Masood, a Wall Street executive who organized the gathering, had attracted only 200 or so attendees when he started the event last year. This year, he had to close registration at 400 to keep from going over capacity.

Indonesia: Tasikmalaya Mayor Claims Ahmadiyah Orphanage Locked at Public's Request

Tasikmalaya's Ahmadiyah leader, Ion Sofyan, said the lock-up had made it difficult for them to do daily activities because they had to climb a three-meter wall every day for school or supplies. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By JG & Antara | December 28, 2010

Jakarta. The municipal government of Tasikmalaya, West Java, is reluctant to reopen an Ahmadiyah orphanage that has been kept shut for weeks by law enforcement.

“We will keep it under lock and key because it is the public's request,” Syarif Hidayat, the mayor of Tasikmalaya, told state news agency Antara.

The Khasanah Kautsar Orphanage, which is operated by the minority Ahmadiyah community in Kawalu subdistrict in Tasikmalaya, West Java, was locked up, with the children and staff still inside, by the subdistrict police chief and prosecutor on Dec. 18.

Qadian, India: Ahmadiyya community condemns terror in name of Islam

Over 4,000 delegates from Pakistan were among the nearly 20,000 community members who attended the spiritual convention. Followers of the community are spread in nearly 200 countries.

Ahmadiyya Jalsa Salana, Qadian - (Photo: Mahmood Ahmady)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Bombay News.Net | IANS
By BN/IANS | December 28, 2010

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, which is holding its annual congregation in this Punjab town, Tuesday strongly condemned terror in the name of Islam.

Community leaders, while addressing the 119th annual congregation, said it was wrong to associate Islam with terrorism as the religion never allowed any terror activities.

Mohammed Muslehuddin Saadi, Ahmadiyya missionary from Hyderabad, said 'Jihad' is the most misunderstood concept and Islam never promoted violence.

'Islam is a religion of peace and harmony. The word 'Jihad' itself means make efforts to achieve something,' he said on the fourth and final day of the congregation.

India: Punjab education minister lauds Ahmadiyya Muslim Community efforts to promote peace, brotherhood

“The root cause behind the economic crisis is that people are going away from Allah. The western countries have forgotten Allah. The Real and permanent solution is to turn towards Allah Almighty.” [Quoting Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Supreme Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]

Ahmadiyya Jalsa Salana, Qadian - (Photo: Mahmood Ahmady)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Punjab Newsline Network

By By Pardeep Luthra | December 28, 2010

BATALA: Punjab's Education Minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan has lauded Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s efforts to establish peace and communal harmony in society while  speaking on the occasion of 2nd day of 119th Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community here in Qadian in Punjab.

He said, “Jamaat Ahmadiyya has always been in the forefront to spread peace and love throughout the world”. He added that it’s only with such efforts that peace could be brought about in the world.

The second day of the convention also was also attended by Professor Darbari Lal, Former Deputy Speaker, Punjab Assembly. Congratulating the Jamaat, he said that the message that Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib, the founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community gave to the world is a golden chapter in Indian History. “Mirza Sahib’s teaching is gist of all religions”, said Professor Darbari Lal.

Bangladesh: Extremist cleric Mufti Hannan taken in for questioning in connection with 1999 Ahmadiyya mosque attack

“Mufti Abdul Hannan is still accused in 58 criminal cases recorded with different police stations of the country. The cases include the one recorded in connection with planting a 76kg bomb in an attempt to kill Sheikh Hasina who was then leader of the opposition in parliament.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Daily Star | Bangladesh
By Staff Correspondent | December 28, 2010

Banned Harkat-ul-Jihad (Huji) kingpin Mufti Abdul Hannan has been taken on a five-day remand for interrogation in connection with the case recorded with Khulna Sadar police station on October 9, 1999 for bomb attack on Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat mosque at Nirala in the city.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Md Barekuzzaman yesterday granted the remand after Mufti Hannan was taken there amid tight security in and around the court at around 11:30am.

Investigation officer (IO) of the case Inspector Khandaker Miraj Billah of Khulna zonal office of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had prayed for seven days' remand for the leader of the banned Islamist outfit.

UK: Croydon Champions Awards Ahmadi Student

“The excellent Croydon Champions awards are so very important. It enables those who are aware of a good deed by the unsung heroes of our town to get it recognised and applauded."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: MKA-UK
By MKA | November 21, 2010

Croydon’s Champions were honoured at an awards ceremony to recognise the borough’s unsung heroes (11/11/10).

Hundreds gathered at the Hilton hotel in Croydon for the Croydon Guardian’s ninth annual awards ceremony which aims to honour the bravery, selflessness and commitment of the people of Croydon.


Hosted by music mogul and MOBO winner Trevor Fisher with performances from dancers at Croydon College, Brit School’s Shanice Smith, rapper Scopes aka Adrian Grace from Harris Academy and indie band Zemitones.

Trevor Fisher said: “The jewel in Croydon’s crown is its people.”

Pakistan: Judicial response to gender-based violence

“A murder in the name of honour is not merely the physical elimination of a man or a woman. It is on a socio-political plane a blow to the concept of a free, dynamic and egalitarian society. In the great majority of cases, behind it at play, is a certain mental outlook."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Archives
Source/Credit: The News | Pakistan
By Tassaduq Hussain Gillani | November 24, 2010

Exposing the tribal and feudal barriers for women in Pakistani society, the court observed in Humaira’s case (which has already been discussed in this series):

“Male chauvinism, feudal bias and compulsions of a conceited ego should not be confused with Islamic values. An enlightened approach is called for. Otherwise, obscurantism in this field may break the social fabric.”

Exposing the dichotomy between professed beliefs and empirical realities insofar as women’s rights were concerned, it remarked:

A total of 105 journalists killed this year

Fourteen journalists were killed in Mexico’s drug war, while another 14 fatalities were reported in Pakistan, most of them occurring in the border areas with Afghanistan.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By AFP / Dawn | December 28, 2010

GENEVA: Some 105 journalists have been killed while doing their job this year, media watchdog Press Emblem Campaign said on Monday, describing the killing of journalists as an “epidemic with no cure.”

Fewer fatalities have been reported this year compared to 2009 when 122 journalists died, but the toll is nevertheless higher than the 91 deaths recorded in 2008.

“The killing of journalists has become an epidemic with no cure,” noted the watchdog’s secretary-general Blaise Lempen.

“The international community has not found solutions to it, or put in place effective mechanisms for bringing the perpetrators of those crimes against journalists to trial,” he said.

Pakistan: Necessity Pushes Pakistani Women Into Jobs and Peril

“The majority of the people here believe in the traditional interpretation of Islam, and they get very upset because religious leaders tell them it’s not proper for women to go out and to work and to serve strange men.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The New York Times
By Adam B. Ellick | December 26, 2010

KARACHI, Pakistan — Dinner at Rabia Sultana’s house is now served over a cold silence. Her family has not spoken to her since May, when Ms. Sultana, 21, swapped her home life for a cashier’s job at McDonald’s.

Her conservative brother berated Ms. Sultana for damaging the family’s honor by taking a job in which she interacts with men — and especially one that requires her to shed her burqa in favor of a short-sleeved McDonald’s uniform.

Then he confiscated her uniform, slapped her across the face and threatened to break her legs if he saw her outside the home.

Her family may be outraged, but they are also in need. Ms. Sultana donates her $100 monthly salary to supplement the household budget for expenses that the men in her family can no longer pay for, including school fees for her younger sisters.

Lack of religious freedom forces migration from Pak: Ahmediyya delegates

Syed Tanveer Ahmed President of Press committee Qadian, said about hundred Ahmediyya’s have been killed in the last one year in Pakistan.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jalsa Salana 2010 at Qadian. (Photo PTI)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Daily Pioneer | Gurdaspur
By Manan Saini | December 28, 2010

While more than 70 Ahmediyya’s were killed in Pakistan this year, the delegates visiting the three-day congregation of Ahmediyya community which began in Qadian about 30 Kms from here on Sunday, said lack of freedom to practice their faith had forced many to migrate to other countries.

Sheikh Manan said while the present head of Ahmediyya Community who held post graduation degree in agriculture had migrated from Jhang district of Pakistan in 2003 many qualified doctors, engineers and technocrats who were also feeling deprived of religious freedom migrated to UK, USA, Germany and else where in the world.

India: Chief of Sikhs addressed Annual Ahmadiyya Convention at Quadian

The Muslim scholars strongly condemned terror in the name of Islam. Mohammed Muslehuddin Saadi, Ahmadiyya Missionary from Hyderabad speaking on the second day of the 119th Annual Ahmadiyya Convention said that Jihad is the most misunderstood concept and Islam never promotes violence."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Punjab Newsline
By Pardeep Luthra | December 27, 2010quadian/27292

Akal Takht Jathedar addressed Annual Ahmadiyya Convention at Quadian

BATALA: Giani Gurbachan Singh, the head (Jathedar) of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs in Amritsar on Monday addressed the 119th Annual Ahmadiyya Convention at Quadian town. He appreciated the contributin of Aahmadiyya Jammat in spreading the message of peace and humanity around the world.

The Muslim scholars strongly condemned terror in the name of Islam. Mohammed Muslehuddin Saadi, Ahmadiyya Missionary from Hyderabad speaking on the second day of the 119th Annual Ahmadiyya Convention said that Jihad is the most misunderstood concept and Islam never promotes violence."

Pakistan: Religious parties protest against amending blasphemy laws

Charged crowds of religious workers and leaders took to the streets following the Friday prayers while prayer leaders, addressing the congregations, warned against any move to amend the blasphemy laws or to pardon the convicted woman under the Western pressure.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The News | Pakistan
By Asim Hussain | December 25, 2010

LAHORE: Various religious parties and groups observed a protest day by holding rallies and protests after the Friday prayers to condemn what they called was a West-backed conspiracy to amend the blasphemy laws, being carried out by Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, Supreme Court Bar President Asma Jahangir, secular lobbies and NGOs.

Charged crowds of religious workers and leaders took to the streets following the Friday prayers while prayer leaders, addressing the congregations, warned against any move to amend the blasphemy laws or to pardon the convicted woman under the Western pressure.

They particularly condemned Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer for his attempts to motivate parliament for amending the blasphemy laws. Prominent protests were staged by Tehrik Hurmat Rasool (THR) at Chaowburji Chowk, Muttahida Tehrik Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Rabita Committee (MTKNRC) at Wahdat Road, Tahaffuz Namoos Risalat Mahaz (TNRM) at Garhi Shahu while JUP-led Tehrik-e-Namoos-e-Risalat took out a rally from Masjid-e-Shuhada at The Mall to Punjab Assembly.

Our correspondent adds from Peshawar: Former chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmad has appealed to traders, transporters and common people to observe a complete strike on December 31 against the proposed changes in the blasphemy law so that nobody could dare amend it.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, he said that upholding the honour of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was part of the faith of every Muslim. The punishment for blasphemer is death and nobody can change or amend it, he said, adding that the accused should be given a chance to clarify his position, but a convict would be given the capital punishment.


Source: www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=22146&Cat=2




Read original post here: Religious parties protest against amending blasphemy laws

India: Ahmadiyya Muslim missionary missing for several days

A secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e Hind Mysore had given a press release in a Urdu Daily “The Sahara” that they fully support and will work towards the fulfillment of the decisions taken at the conference organized by Majlis Tehafuz Khatme-Nabuwwat.

File photo: A market in Mysore, Karnataka, India

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: AT Sources | Shahid Parvez India
Edited by Ahmadiyya Times| December 25, 2010

An Ahmadiyya Mualims missionary from Mysore, Karnataka, India, is missing since December 19.

According to the sources, Moulvi Mansoor Ahmad had gone to the market to refill gas on Sunday where he had placed the cylinder at the shop and told them he would return later to collect it.

Mr. Ahmad never returned and is missing since then.

Originally from Yadgir Karnataka, Mr. Ahmad has been posted at a town Pandavapura near Mysore.

A complaint has been registered at the police station and the police have been on a manhunt since then.

On Tuesday the 14th a secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e Hind Mysore had given a press release in a Urdu Daily “The Sahara” that they fully support and will work towards the fulfillment of the decisions taken at the conference organized by Majlis Tehafuz Khatme-Nabuwwat in Bangalore on the 12th in which senior leaders of Deoband UP had taken part.

Majlis Tehafuz Khatme-Nabuwwat, an extremists movement with branches in India, has called for the destruction of Ahmadiyya Muslim community and openly promotes the killing of Ahmadi Muslims.


  -- Shahid Parvez from India contributed to the story.
  -- Ahmadiyya Muslim missionary missing for several days

Eye on Extremism: Ahmadi Muslim brutally killed in Pakistan

“Despite the numerous martyrdoms that have befallen this family, they continue to bear these great difficulties with bravery and patience." [Mirza Masroor Ahmad]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: AMC - AlIslam.Org
By Press relearse AMJ Int'l | December 27, 2010

Sheikh Omar Javed of Mardan was martyred on 23 December 2010

It is with great sadness that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat hereby confirms that Mr Sheikh Omar Javed of Mardan, Pakistan was martyred on 23 December 2010.

The facts of the cases are as follows:

Sheikh Omar Javed was returning home from work with his father and cousin in their family car at around 6.45pm when unknown assailants, on a motorbike, started firing at their car. Sheikh Omar Javed was in the backseat and was shot both in the head and in the chest. He died there and then and thus was martyred. The assailants fled the scene immediately, having fired around 17 or 18 bullets.

The father and cousin of Sheikh Omar Javed were also injured, however both are expected to make full recoveries.

Sheikh Omar Javed is survived by his wife, who is expecting their first child.

Other members of Sheikh Omar Javed’s family have also been martyred in recent times. On 3rd September 2010, Sheikh Amir Raza was martyred during the suicide bomb attack that took place on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat mosque in Mardan. Then on 8 November 2010 Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad was also martyred in Mardan. A member of this family was also martyred back in 1974, the year in which Ahmadi Muslims were declared non-Muslim in Pakistan.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, said:

“Despite the numerous martyrdoms that have befallen this family, they continue to bear these great difficulties with bravery and patience. After the last martyrdom, in November, I spoke to the family members and it was with great courage and strength that they all expressed their feelings and emotions. May Allah elevate the status of the deceased and grant patience to his loved ones.”

Contact:
Press Secretary, AMJ International
22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL UK
Tel/Fax: 020 8544 7613 Mob: 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk


Read original post here: Ahmadi Muslim brutally killed in Pakistan

Eye on truth: What about Jinnah’s Pakistan?

The entire Ahmadi population of the city of Rabwah in Punjab, with a population of 70,000, has a gagging order against them to assemble and pray as they wish, in a country where Jinnah had assured all that they were free to go to their “mosques… temples and any other place of worship”.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Murtaza Razvi on 12 25th, 2010

Some random thoughts come to mind this Christmas, a day that also happens to be Mr. Jinnah’s birthday.

If it were the year 1947, would the advisor to the chief minister, Sindh, Ms. Sharmila Faruqui have rushed to the police station in Clifton as she did last Monday to meet a rape victim only to cast aspersions on the victim’s complaint that she was kidnapped and raped by her assailants? Ms. Faruqui not only disclosed the identity of the rape victim to the media but also implied that she was not quite convinced of the victim’s account of the assault; that she found her to be “hyper and rude”, within hours of the rape; and that the victim and her female friend, who was also beaten up badly, were coming from a party late at night. What does the advisor to the CM actually think? That it’s OK to rape a girl who parties? Who gave Ms. Faruqui the right to cast aspersions on the victim’s story even before the police began to investigate?

Muslims Advertise Peace In Times Square

Right on 42nd street in times square in the middle of thousands of ads trying to promote everything from sports to food to entertainment you have a group of Muslims promoting peace.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: CNN | iReport
By zshan911| December 25, 2010

CNN producer note:

zshan911 says he is a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which arranged for this sign to go up. He says he heard about the billboards in New York and seen iReports about them, and wanted to share an iReport about this event as well. zshan911 says he was out handing fliers a bit ago and adds that he hopes people will see this message over the holidays.
- nsaidi, CNN iReport producer

iReport —

Right on 42nd street in times square in the middle of thousands of ads trying to promote everything from sports to food to entertainment you have a group of Muslims promoting peace. The ad reads Muslims for Peace, Muslims for Love, Muslims for Loyalty, gives a number 1800 WHY ISLAM and the name of the sponsor organization The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. This is a very nice gesture on a part of a Muslim group to give the message of peace during the time of Christmas and New Years.

Read original post here: Muslims Advertise Peace In Times Square

Faith & Practice: Importance of tolerance

If, instead of good feelings, hatred emerges, if restlessness usurps heartfelt peace, then we must accept that this is not progress, but is something that will take us towards unexpected results.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: Times of Malta
By Laiq Ahmed Atif | December 26, 2010

In an age where the electronic media has drawn us closer together into what is called a global village, or a global society, its benefits will only be felt when mutual goodness prevails, when mutual respect and understanding prevail.

If, instead of good feelings, hatred emerges, if restlessness usurps heartfelt peace, then we must accept that this is not progress, but is something that will take us towards unexpected results.

In this globalisation, where people of different backgrounds, cultures and religions are living together, and where the world has become multicultural and full of diversity, establishing tolerance and harmony has become very crucial and important, and fostering mutual love and affection has become vital.

Pakistan: Marchers vow to defend blasphemy law

Led by Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jama’at (ASWJ) Pakistan head Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Ludyanwi, other participants of the rally were JUI-F Secretary-General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, Wifaq-ul-Mudaris Nazim Maulana Qazi Abdul Rasheed and JI Markazi Naib Ameer Dr Muhammad Kamal.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Nation | Pakistan
By The Nation | December 25, 2010

LAHORE/RAWALPINDI - On the call of Tehrik Namoos-e-Risalat, tens of thousands of activists of various religious parties on Friday organised countrywide protest demonstrations against government’s bid to amend the controversial Blasphemy Law.

The organisations expressed their unanimous support for the law, as they observed Tahafuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat Day across the country. They threatened to hold more countrywide protests and surround the parliament house if the government went ahead with changes to the controversial law. Mammoth rallies were organised in several cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Quetta and Karachi by the religious groups.

In Lahore, a protest rally, led by clerics from various religious organisations, was taken out from Masjid-e-Shuhada. Activists of Jama’at-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan and other religious parties turned up in large numbers to lodge their protest against government’s attempts to amend the Law.