Pakistan: Roots of terrorism | Muhammad Amir Rana

Almost every religious organisation, whether its ambitions are political, sectarian or militant, maintains wings with a specific focus on women, traders, lawyers, doctors and teachers, among others. These wings play a considerable role in promoting radicalisation and have an array of tools at their disposal to increase their influence.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Muhammad Amir Rana | May 30, 2011

THE assault by terrorists on a naval aviation base in Karachi has once again demonstrated the extent of the roots of terrorism in the country.

Even if the attackers did not have sympathisers and informants inside, the way they carried out the assault shows they had an active network in neighbouring areas and an operational cell through which they managed to procure heavy weapons and carry them into the naval base. The same can be said of other high-profile terrorist attacks targeting security forces throughout the country, including the October 2009 attack on GHQ in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan: Muslim clerics from JUI-S demand Bible ban

Addressing a press conference at the Masjid-e-Khizra, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Samiul Haq) leader Maulana Abdul Rauf Farooqi and others appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan to take suo motu notice...

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The News | International
By The News correspondent | May 31, 2011

LAHORE: A group of Muslim clerics have demanded banning the Christians’ holy book, the Bible, alleging that several stories have been inserted into it charging various prophets with a variety of moral crimes, which undermine sanctity of the holy figures.

Addressing a press conference at the Masjid-e-Khizra, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Samiul Haq) leader Maulana Abdul Rauf Farooqi and others appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan to take suo motu notice of the “blasphemous” materials added to the Bible otherwise they would move the court for banning the book, for which a panel of lawyers was already working.

Farooqi said his colleagues wanted to pay the blasphemers in the same coin but they would not follow in the footsteps of Terry Jones, and would not burn the holy book. However, they added, they would devise some other mode of punishment to pre-empt future desecrations.

Eye on extremism: Who are you? | Zebunnisa Burki

The fact that it is considered ‘brave’ to write in support of the Ahmedis, the fact that we are grateful when someone speaks up against tyranny, terrorism and persecution speaks volumes about who we have become. 

Extremists in Pakistan hold Anti-Salman Taseer rally to oppose
late Governer's anti-blasphemy law position.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan
By Zebunnisa Burki | May 31, 2011

Those who directly attribute Salmaan Taseer’s assassination to a society that is rabidly embracing extremism are not wrong by any means but there is also the need to focus on the latent tolerance for bigotry within us.

“When the country,
into which I had just set my foot,
was set on fire about my ears,
it was time to stir.
It was time for every man [/woman] to stir” — Thomas Paine.

Imperialist, anti-imperialist, pro-drone, anti-drone, right-wing, left-wing, liberal, mullah, fascist, liberal fascist (!), progressive, no, no: secular.

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Faith and country: Sacrifices are not made in vain

The war that ensued after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks has claimed the lives of many U.S. service men and women. But the death of Osama bin Laden did, to some extent, bring closure to the families of the victims and marginalized the threat of al-Qaida.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Wisconsin State Journal
By Ahmed Khan | May 30, 2011

It was a July 4 weekend when my friends and I went to see “The Patriot,” partly out of a spirit of patriotism. My cousin Mahmood Sarwar, who was supposed to go with us, missed a great movie.

In the movie, farmer Benjamin Martin and his elder son Gabriel were driven to lead a colonial militia in the American Revolution. The murder of his younger son made Benjamin believe serving to protect his nation was the ultimate calling.

Growing up, I was close to Mahmood. One day in 2005 when he was visiting from Houston, he told me his plan to join the Navy. Remembering Gabriel’s death in “The Patriot,” I thought my cousin was going to unnecessarily put himself in harm’s way. I was naive — this is the kind of sacrifice he and men like him are willing to make for America.

Pakistan: Our atomic bomb complex | Saroop Ijaz

The primary argument for the existence of the bomb is that India did it first and hence left us with no option. It is absolutely unjustified for any country to possess these hideous weapons. And it was incredibly stupid of India to conduct tests, but we should have been able to resist the temptation..

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By  Saroop Ijaz | | May 31, 2011

There is something very falsely mawkish and diabolically insensitive about celebrations and chest-beating at the end of a week which suffered multiple terrorist attacks, including one on an important naval base. The venue was Lahore on May 28 and the cause for this sloppy jubilation was the Yaum-e-Takbir, i.e. the anniversary of the ‘Islamic atomic bomb’. A disgracefully and wilfully ignored anniversary falling on the same day was the wanton murder committed in the Ahmadi places of worship, one year ago. The irony here is agonising. If there is one item that brings moral and political certainty in the otherwise grim flux, it is the bomb. The bomb allows for a complete suspension of reason across the political spectrum. The ritualistic solidity of the opinion regarding the bomb is completely apt at some level, given its theological nature. Revelry regarding an instrument of mass destruction, which can kill millions of people in a matter of seconds, defies rationality and decency.

It is evidently imbecilic to ascribe a religion to an inanimate object. Yet, at some level, the bomb is anything but inanimate.

Faith and practice: Donation will allow Claremont School of Theology to train rabbis, imams

Gift from David and Joan Lincoln will add training programs for Muslim and Jewish clergy at the Claremont School of Theology, a United Methodist seminary.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Los Angeles Times | Religion
By Larry Gordon | May 16, 2011

Leaders of the Claremont School of Theology will announce Monday the gift of $40 million from an Arizona couple to help expand the Christian divinity institution into a university that will include training for Jewish and Muslim clergy.

The donation from David Lincoln, a Claremont trustee, and his wife, Joan, is the largest ever to the 126-year-old theology school, which enrolls about 240 students in master's and doctorate programs in religion and counseling. The couple also gave $10 million to the school last year.

The contributions will help the school transform itself into an unusual multifaith institution, to be named the Claremont Lincoln University in the couple's honor, with enrollment expected to grow to about 600 over the next decade, officials said.

Pakistan: One year after attack on Ahmadis | The Express Tribune Editorial

Ahmadis in our society have been pushed to the very sidelines, and little has been done to protect them from ferocious clerics who dub them as infidels or worse on the basis of their beliefs.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Editorial | May 29, 2011

Ahmadis across the country remember the horror that struck Lahore a year ago on May 28th, 2010. At least 88 Ahmadis died that day in coordinated gun and bomb attacks on two places of worship used by the community in Lahore. Ahmadis are, of course, not permitted under special laws directed towards them, to call these places ‘mosques’. We wonder how many other citizens remain concerned about the terrible events that took place that day or the fact that even now no justice has been obtained for those killed by the unknown attackers. There seems to have been no determined effort on the part of authorities in Punjab to track down those responsible or to ensure that such an incident never takes place again.

USA: Local muslims feel community misrepresented

“I think the political struggle that Muslims are going through in different parts of the world give a negative perception … It’s logical to see that people would get a negative perception.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Murfreesboro Post
By Michelle Willard | May 29, 2011

Editor’s Note: This is the second part of a series examining the controversy over the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. Next week The Post will look at those in oppostion to the construction.

Growing up in Clarksville, Tenn., Amber Alali never thought she’d end up converting to Islam.

“I was one of those people who thought the women were oppressed,” she said.

But then she met her husband, Majed.

After meeting, dating and eventually marrying a Muslim man, Alali decided to research the religion to get a better idea of her husband’s beliefs and background.

Ukraine: Muslim girl, 19, 'stoned to death after taking part in beauty contest'

Friends said she liked wearing fashionable clothes and had come seventh in a beauty contest. Her battered body was buried in a forest and was found a week after she disappeared.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Mail Online | UK
By Will Stewart | May 30, 2011

[UPDATE June 1] A later investigation determined this story to be factually incorrect and purposefully  written as an anti-Muslim propaganda by the original reporter. Read investigation report story here: The Sensational Story That Wasn't: Reports Of 'Stoning' Death Of Ukrainian Girl Turn Out To Be False - Ahmadiyya Times
 
A teenage Muslim girl was stoned to death under 'Sharia law' after taking part in a beauty contest in Ukraine.

Katya Koren, 19, was found dead in a village in the Crimea region near her home.

Friends said she liked wearing fashionable clothes and had come seventh in a beauty contest. Her battered body was buried in a forest and was found a week after she disappeared.

Police have opened a murder probe and are investigating claims that three Muslim youths killed her claiming her death was justified under Islam.

PAKISTAN: A year on from the Lahore attacks but Ahmedis still suffering

Ahmadis now well established in 198 countries of the world have earned a worldwide reputation of being a very tolerant law abiding and peace loving community. They have been treated horribly, unjustly and discriminately to the extent they cannot even vote but they have never protested or acted against the state of Pakistan.

May 28, 2010: A day of ghastly sight of gristly, gruesome bloodshed of
Ahmadis in Lahore Pakistan.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: Asian Human Rights Commission
By Nasim Malik | May 30, 2011
FOR PUBLICATION - AHRC-ETC-017-2011

A year after the terrifying horrendous massacre of 86 Ahmadis of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Lahore, Pakistan the world remains deeply in shock, appalled by that act of religious terrorism, cold bloodedly covered up by the government of Pakistan.

The 86 murdered were part of a Friday worship service in Darul Zikr mosque in Lahore and Baitul Noor mosque in Model, Town, Lahore. During the course of this carnage nearly 150 people were seriously injured.

The very next day the security forces arrested 6 terrorists who confessed that they had carried out the attack on the Darul Zikr mosque but no action to this day has been taken against anyone.

Faith and practice: The day I became an “Ahmadi”

After the May attacks, something strange happened. I saw how my family mourned the loss. I saw how the community handled the aftermath. I saw the silent suffering, the absolute trust in God, the defiant resolve to take care of our own.

Price of faith: An Ahmadi family grieved by the loss of loved ones

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Pandora's Blog
By Bushra S. | May 28, 2011

I was about to eat lunch in my office’s conference room with two friends. A colleague walked in asking if I knew there had been an attack on the Ahmadi mosque in Garhi Shahu. I checked my phone but there was no sms or missed call. I told him he must be mistaken but got up anyway to turn on the television; as I was walking out of the room, he mentioned that the Model Town mosque had been attacked too.

The news hit me with a sheer, naked wave of panic.  My brother goes there for prayers. Half of my family goes to there on Friday.

Trying not to lose control, I ran outside to the reception area and called my brother, half dreading that his phone would be off. He didn't pick up. When I finally got through to him, he was clueless about what was happening. I told him to switch on the tv, get in touch with everyone and started making frantic calls myself.

Pakistan: The insecure nation

28th May, 2010 was just the culmination of how we have failed a community that shares this home of ours. Many celebrated 28th May as the day on which we tested our nuclear weapons but there is little point in spending billions on securing borders if those within our borders face a mortal danger.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Pakistan Today | Op/Ed
By Waqqas Mir | May 29, 2011

If there was ever an apt title for a book, then Farzana Sheikh’s Making Sense of Pakistan is it. Those four words sum up the raging debates inside the minds of many young Pakistanis, for how does one move forward without first making sense of the existential? Whether it’s the question of language or the issues pertaining to how equal citizenship is hostage to the state’s idea of a Muslim, we still in many ways have to make sense of Pakistan.

Malta: Ahmadiyya Muslims plants 33 olive trees in second tree panting event

In this activity the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community planted 33 olive trees as a contribution in the environmental section; it has also dedicated one tree to women to commemorate “International Women’s Day Centenary 1911 – 2011”. This was the second tree planting event by the Ahmadiyya Community.

Laiq Ahmed Atif (left) & Hon. George Pullicino,
Minister for Resources & Rural Affairs

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: AMJ Malta |
By Laiq Ahmad Atif | Mazy 25, 2011

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta has participated in the tree planting event on Sunday 22nd May at Selmun Family Park Mellieha. The Hon George Pullicino Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs attended the event; also the Prime Minister visited the tree planting area.

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta planted an olive tree together with Hon. Minister George Pullicino to initiate the event, and said that tree planting was important to effectively change the environment into a better place.

In this activity the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community planted 33 olive trees as a contribution in the environmental section; it has also dedicated one tree to women to commemorate “International Women’s Day Centenary 1911 – 2011”. This was the second tree planting event by the Ahmadiyya Community.

Persecution of Ahmadis continues despite attacks

Spokesman for Ahmadis, Saleemuddin, told Daily Times that the hate campaigns against them were still in full swing across the country. He regretted that so far the federal and provincial governments had not taken any solid steps to protect Ahmadi community from extremists and terrorists. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan
By Afnan Khan | May 29, 2011

LAHORE: Persecution of Ahmadi community continues even after the worst ever attacks on their worship places in Lahore in May last year.

A few weeks back, a terrorist blew himself up outside an Ahmadi place of worship in Mughalpura area. The terrorist had been caught red-handed and released by police some time back.

Daily Times had, in December 2010, reported that a terrorist attack on the stated place or local Ahmadis in the area was likely, as a hate campaign had been launched against them by local hardliners and extremists.

Remembering the Ahmadi Victims of Religious Persecution & How to Take Action

Unfortunately, the definition of a 'Muslim' is codified into Pakistan's Second Amendment and makes clear that anyone who rejects the finality of the Prophet Muhammad is not a Muslim by law. Since Ahmadis believe the messiah took the form of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Ahmadis are not considered Muslims by Pakistan law...

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Daily KOS
Blog |  The Erratic Synapse

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

—Article 18, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Tomorrow is the 1st anniversary of the tragedy in Lahore, Pakistan. Today, you can help address the plight of Ahmadis in Pakistan.

Pakistan: 86 Cold-Blooded Murders - Zero Justice

The deadly grip of Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy laws also provide the basis to persecute Christians, Jews, Hindus and anyone the government determines is ‘non-Muslim.’

Imagine this scene being repeated 85 more times!

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Islam Examiner
By Qasim Rashid | May 28, 2011

Imagine this scenario.  You innocently walk into your weekly worship service with some 3000 members of your congregation.  As the service begins, terrorists storm in and open fire, launch grenades and detonate suicide bombs, all to express their hatred for your faith.  We live in a country that protects our religious freedoms, where the above-described nightmare remains just that, a nightmare.  But, for religious minorities in Pakistan, this nightmare is an ongoing reality.

On May 28th, 2010, terrorists equipped with semi-automatic weaponry, grenades, and suicide vests, martyred 86 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Lahore, Pakistan, and injured over 100.

Immediately after the attacks, Pakistani media crews arrived in Rabwah, Pakistan, the national headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, inquiring where and when street riots would begin.

Eye on Terrorism: More Questions Arise in US after PNS Mehran Attack

We know that militants from certain terrorist groups are no less than trained commandos and have military-level training. But even if they did, would Taliban militants have a reason to target the Navy? Robert Mackey from the NY Times thought they had a reason.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Newsline Magazine | Pakistan
By Kashif N Chaudhry | May 27, 2011

These days, though not for flattering reasons, Pakistan is regularly the focus of international headlines. The recent attack on the PNS Mehran naval base in Karachi has garnered more attention for Pakistan and raised more eyebrows about the stability of the nation. Like other places, the print media in the US criticised Pakistan’s alertness and ability to defend itself against terror, while questioning the motivation of its people in the fight against militancy.

The fact that such a small group of militants could enter and engage what many people have long-believed to be one of the best-trained armed forces in the world for almost 17 hours raised “new questions about the military’s preparedness,” wrote the LA Times in an editorial.

Faith in minorities as equals can only strengthen Pakistan

One year on, far from receiving even compensation that Muslim victims of terrorism receive, there has been no progress beyond the Ahmedis filing a report and a charge-sheet based on it being filed before an anti-terrorism court. There have been no hearings, no indictments and no prosecution.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: DAWN.COM | Pakistan
By Adnan Rehmat | May 28, 2011


The primary function of a national constitution is to guarantee universal rights and to ensure all citizens of the state are dealt with equally in terms of these rights. The guarantees are supposed to be unambiguous. But Pakistan’s constitution is a document as ambiguous as the state it governs.

For starters, Article 25 in its Part II titled “Fundamental Rights and Principles of Policy” guarantees equality of citizens while Article 20 guarantees the freedom to profess and practice a religion of your choice.

Pakistan: National Assembly to unseal 36 years old anti-Ahmadiyya hearings transcripts, says local news report

Many have long held views that the artificial exploitation of the Ahmadiyya community, the closed-door hearings and the passage of anti-Ahmadiyya constitutional amendment  in the National Assembly were all a political stunt by Mr. Bhutto to appease the extremist element in the Pakistani legislature where he was suffering from popularity deficiency.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Ahmadiyya Times | Pak Media
By Imran Jattala | May 29, 2011

Ahmadi Muslims hope the released record will be free of edits and manipulations.

Islamabad: The Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Fahmida Mirza has authorized unsealing of the 36-years old National Assembly records related to anti-Ahmadiyya legislation, it was reported in the local media today.

The National Assembly Speaker’s action comes on the heels of sealing of another record, the ‘Death of Osama Bin Laden’ in-camera proceedings.

UK: Cradley Heath Ahmadi Muslims meet MP

Dudley North MP Ian Austin MP talked with leaders of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association at Dudley Library about their objective of love for all hatred for none.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Halesowen News | UK
By Halesowen News | May 28, 2011

A Cradley Heath-based Muslim association has met a Black Country MP to highlight its efforts to promote peace in the region.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin MP talked with leaders of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association at Dudley Library about their objective of love for all hatred for none.

Toby Ephram, spokesman for the AMA's Cradley Heath branch, said: "We look forward to working closer with our local leaders to ensure social harmony prevails."


Read original post here: Cradley Heath Muslims meet MP

Netherlands: Dutch blasphemy law likely to stay

rime Minister Mark Rutte’s Liberal Party, which had supported scrapping the blasphemy law before the Senate elections, quietly dropped the issue as it sought to muster majority support. Unlike parliament’s more powerful Second Chamber, the Senate does not formulate legislation but it has the power to veto bills.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: The Washington Post
By Associated Press | May 24, 2011

Christian fundamentalist takes Senate balance of power

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Dutch courts have not prosecuted a blasphemy case since putting a novelist on trial in 1966 for a story about wanting to have sex with God, who had taken the form of a donkey.

Gerard Reve was acquitted, but more than 40 years after his landmark trial Parliament is still not ready to scrap the blasphemy law, which bars scorn against any religion.

In this country that cherishes freedom of expression, plans to repeal the 1932 law, which mandates a maximum sentence of three months in prison for a convicted “scornful blasphemer,” have foundered in the latest round of party politics.

Pakistan: Mark Zuckerberg Avoids Death Penalty But Facebook Likely To Be Shut Down

TG Daily reports that Mark Zuckerberg has just dodged the death penalty in Pakistan after a blasphemy case had been silently dropped by the Pakistani courts.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Gizmo Crunch |
By Christopher Hudson | May 26, 2011

Facebook had come under heavy criticism for its lackluster approach to privacy. While most tech pundits were certain that this would be the eventual demise of Facebook, a new turn of events show that the social network has managed to create waves in many other ways, seeing as the Facebook users and their content it technically the responsibility and property of Facebook.
Mark Zuckerberg out of danger but Facebook still unknown

TG Daily reports that Mark Zuckerberg has just dodged the death penalty in Pakistan after a blasphemy case had been silently dropped by the Pakistani courts.

USA: Muslims Should Stand Up Against Harassment of Fellow Muslims

Do we own Islam? If we cannot stand up for anyone wronged, why should anyone stand up for us? Prophet Muhammad asked to find how many Muslims were in Medina, and the only criterion was if they called themselves Muslims. Let's respect the wisdom and norm of our Prophet, Amen.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Mike Ghouse | May 25, 2011


To have the power to affect a positive change in a given society one must be just. It is not justice when one gains at the wrongful expense of others. Many a Muslims have lost the gut in their voice because they have failed to stand up for others.

Reciprocity, a bedrock fundamental underlying the principle of justice, requires that what is good for Muslims has got to be good for others (and vice versa) to bring about sustainable peace and security for everyone in the world, and that this principle of justice should not be predicated on what others do in this regard. We need to insist on it until a genuine understanding is developed sans coercion.

Nigeria: Ahmadiyya chief condemns killing of corps members

“We should not take it easy with such society that kills at will. Nobody has the right to kill another person. Islam does not support killings. We are all equal before God.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Nigerian Tribune
By Kunle Awosiyan | May 27, 2011

The Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, Dr  Moshood Fashola, has condemned the killing of 10 corps members at the recent political violence in the northern part of the country.

He condemned the killing at a news conference in Lagos, describing it as anti-Islamic and the handiwork of a  number of people who were working against the unity of the country.

While attributing the killings to security negligence of the Federal Government, the cleric called on Nigerians to hold responsible the governors of the state where such acts had occurred.

When Will Muslim Americans Assimilate?

Data from Pew 2007 polls claims that Muslim-Americans share similar socioeconomic characteristics with the general U.S. population: one-fourth have a bachelor's degree or higher, one-fourth live in households with incomes of $75,000 per year or more and the majority are fluent in English.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Faheem Younus | May 27, 2011

The assimilation of my wife and me into American culture started in New Jersey in 1996. That is where we, both doctors, settled after moving from Pakistan.

As I started my medical residency at Monmouth Medical Center, she sacrificed her career for our newborn daughter and became a full-time homemaker. Our inability to afford a car left us stranded on weekends.

And even though a NJ Transit train station was right across from our home, round trips to Manhattan were expensive. This always left us one available and affordable excursion: a walk to the beach.

As practicing Muslims, you could recognize us from a mile away on the wooden boardwalk. My wife always chose to wear an outer garment with an Islamic head cover (burqa) and I kept a well-trimmed beard.

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Humanity First: Helping Haitians | Northville's Jeff Crawford, friends raising funds for clinic

They are representing an organization called Humanity First. The three of them started their trip by dipping their tires into the Pacific Ocean at Venice Beach in southern California and ended up by mid-May at their destination goal of Charleston, SC.

File photo: Humanity First volunteers raising funds in California

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Home Town Life
By Lonnie Huhman | May 26, 2011

Biking across the United States is a difficult challenge, but for Northville High School graduate Jeff Crawford it was a perfect way to spend a month off from his medical studies at the University of Michigan.

The goal of the 37-day trip was, and still remains, to raise funds for the Cloud Forest Medical Clinic located in Seguin, Haiti. Crawford, who recently graduated from U of M, has visited this clinic in Haiti at least eight times since he was 16.

His first experience came when he went on a mission trip with his church, Livonia Memorial Church of Christ.

Pakistan: Black Friday

The Ahmedis are the victims of continuous harassment, attacks and target killings. Hardly any of our leaders have the guts to come out in full support of this particular minority community.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan
By Mehmal Sarfaraz | May 28, 2010

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly attacks on two places of worship of the Ahmediyya community during Friday prayers. The Punjab wing of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attacks. More than 80 people died and over a hundred were injured on that fateful Friday. It is with great disbelief that today most Pakistanis are celebrating ‘Yaum-e-Takbeer’ to commemorate the 13th anniversary of Pakistan going nuclear while completely forgetting what happened just a year ago on that same day. It is not surprising that just like the rest of our nation, thePakistani authorities too have a short memory span. Apart from the initial investigations and a few arrests made in this regard last year, no details of what happened to the arrested or any new developments have been made public. This is the height of irresponsibility. It also shows the apathy our state as a whole shows towards the minorities.

Eye on terrorism: Al-Qaeda had warned of Pakistan strike

"Islamic sentiments are common in the armed forces. We never felt threatened by that. All armed forces around the world, whether American, British or Indian, take some inspiration from religion to motivate their cadre against the enemy."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Ashia Times Online
By Syed Saleem Shahzad | May 26, 2011

This is the first article in a two-part report.

ISLAMABAD - Al-Qaeda carried out the brazen attack on PNS Mehran naval air station in Karachi on May 22 after talks failed between the navy and al-Qaeda over the release of naval officials arrested on suspicion of al-Qaeda links, an Asia Times Online investigation reveals.

Pakistani security forces battled for 15 hours to clear the naval base after it had been stormed by a handful of well-armed militants.

At least 10 people were killed and two United States-made P3-C Orion surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft worth US$36 million each were destroyed before some of the attackers escaped through a cordon of thousands of armed forces.

Lahore, Pakistan: Ghari Shahu attacks anniversary: 86 Ahmadis killed. 1 year on. 0 justice.

The Lahore attacks, according to Ahmadiyya Jama’at, were not a big surprise as the provincial government had been forewarned by various sources about the likelihood of such an attack.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Rana Tanveer | May 28, 2011
[Corrected 86 victims, not 88]

LAHORE: As grieved Ahmadi families prepare to mark the first anniversary of the deadliest attack on their community in Pakistan’s history, investigations stand still.

On Friday, May 28, 2010, over 85 people were killed in twin gun-and-bomb attacks at Ahmadi places of worship in the Garhi Shahu and Model Town areas in Lahore. Investigations were launched and arrests were made but little has come out of the investigations.

According to police, a charge-sheet against the accused was prepared after investigations and has been submitted before an anti-terrorism court in Lahore. “The remaining attackers were killed in the operation and no other attackers or facilitators have been identified,” Civil Lines Superintendent of Police (Investigations) Captain (retd) Liaquat Ali Malik told The Express Tribune. “Police responded effectively and killed all of the attackers.”

Pakistan: Extremist Muslims lodge blasphemy case against handicap Christian

“These neighbors were of the opinion that they could not refuse to give evidence after the Muslim clerics forced them, telling them that they were coming out of the mosque after prayer when Babber Masih used abusive language against the prophet Muhammad.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Pakistan Christian Post
By Jawad Mazhar | May 24, 2011

Lahore, Pakistan: May 24, 2011. (PCP) Police in tehsil (administrative division) Cheechawatni, of district Sahiwal have registered a fake Blasphemy Case, against a mentally ill Christian person for hurting Muslims’ religious feelings, under Pakistan’s black controversial blasphemy laws.

The Christian families elated to 25-year-old Christian youth identified as Babber Masih – the only other Christian families in the area – have fled their homes after a Muslim mob threatened to harm them, relatives of the accused told PCP.

Cheechawatni police in Pakistani Punjab Province registered the blasphemy case against Masih on May 02nd after arresting him at about 2200 hrs.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Celebrates Khilafat Anniversary

The current Khalifa is Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad who was elected to lead the Community in April 2003. Although based in London he is accessible to all Ahmadi Muslims worldwide through his sermons and his various tours.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
By Press Release | May 27, 2011

Ahmadiyya Khilafat is granted the Help of God who is the master of all powers

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat throughout the world today celebrated the 103rd anniversary of its system of spiritual leadership known as ‘Khilafat’. This system has existed since the passing of the Founder of the Community in 1908.  Under this system Ahmadi Muslims throughout the world are united under the leadership and guidance of the ‘Khalifa’ who is the Head of the Community worldwide. The total unity of the Ahmadiyya Community makes it unique amongst all Muslim groups.

Australia: About 100 people attend a Harmony Day event in Blacktown

Besides the UBM, other participants were the Bidwill Uniting Church, Baha’i Community of Blacktown, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Australia Mosque at Marsden Park, and the Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara Association, Schofields.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: Blacktown Sun
By Nick Soon | May 27, 2011

ABOUT 100 people attended this year’s Harmony Day organised by the Universal Brotherhood Mission(UBM) held in Blacktown recently.

Besides the UBM, other participants were the Bidwill Uniting Church, Baha’i Community of Blacktown, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Australia Mosque at Marsden Park, and the Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara Association, Schofields.

Raj Gauba spoke on the core message of Universal Brotherhood Mission which he said is universal brotherhood through God’s teaching.

Canada: Conference looks at loyalty to country | Immigration can create good tension, professor says

The conference featuring discussions about Christian, Jewish and Islamic perspectives of loyalty to country is being hosted by the Toronto chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, a minority peace-loving group that aims to dispel myths about Islam.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Nugget
By Maria Calabrese | May 25, 2011

Immigration is changing the demographics of Northern Ontario, and that's an opportunity for residents rooted in the region to rethink what makes them comfortable, says a North Bay educator.

Nathan Colborne is the interim chair of Nipissing University's department of religions and cultures who researches religion in violence and politics. He will join other speakers at an upcoming public conference about loyalty to country as part of one's faith.

It's a broad topic that hits home as the city continues its efforts to boost immigration at a time when it's seeing a surge of retirements in an aging population and faces the dilemma of trying to replace those positions.

The peaceful Islam: 103 years of Islam Ahmadiyya Khilafat

The Islam Ahmadiyya Khilafat is no different from the earliest Khilafat in Islam known as "Guided Khilafat." Upon the passing of Prophet Muhammad, the institution of Khilafat was established in Medina.

His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad,
the 5th Khalifat-ul-Masih,  the current spiritual head
 of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Richmond Muslim Examiner
By Ayesha Noor | May 27, 2011


Today the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is celebrating the 103rd anniversary of the institution of Khilafat. Khilafat is a dynamic leadership that aims at guiding humanity towards spiritual, moral and social prosperity. The Khalifa, the recipient of the title of Khilafat, ensures that he is contributing in the spiritual and moral well being of his followers by inspiring them to become such human beings who struggle to attain the nearness of God and are beneficial for the society’s practical betterment.

This is quite different from the status quo definition of Khilafat. Khilafat is widely and wrongly associated with political empowerment. Non-Muslims consider it a threat to western democracy, liberalism and secularism. Liberal Muslims, although revere the system of Khilafat, yet deem it to be an outdated institution. Orthodox muslims aspire to re-establish Khilafat through force and consider it a tool to demolish other systems prevailing in the world.  So the question arises, if the very definition of Khilafat is so enigmatic, then how can Ahmadiyya Muslim Community celebrate 103 years of Khilafat with no bloodshed, riots against the west, and burnings of the American flag?

The Islam Ahmadiyya Khilafat is no different from the earliest Khilafat in Islam known as "Guided Khilafat." Upon the passing of Prophet Muhammad, the institution of Khilafat was established in Medina. Abu Bakr Siddiq became the first Khalifa of Islam.

USA: Love for all, hatred for none | Letter

Loyalty to America is something all American Ahmadi Muslims possess and cherish deeply. There is no conflict whatsoever evident in being a good Muslim as well as a good American citizen.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Dalton Daily Citizen
By Khola Humayun | May 25, 2011

The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights grants every citizen of the United States freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and to petition the government. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I am proud to be a part of this country, where my religious freedom is protected, and where I have been granted countless rights and privileges.

In honor of our soldiers this coming Memorial Day, I think that we should respect and obey our country of residence and the authorities above us. Loyalty to America is something all American Ahmadi Muslims possess and cherish deeply. There is no conflict whatsoever evident in being a good Muslim as well as a good American citizen. In fact, my religion truly teaches me both. Any Muslim who sees a conflict in being a patriotic citizen and being a Muslim, they are not acting within the teachings of Islam.

  -- Khola Humayun, Tunnel Hill

Read original post here: Letter: Love for all, hatred for none 

Pakistan: A year later | A minority without rights

Even if Ahmadis are considered non-Muslim, they have rights under the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as citizens of Pakistan which have been violated time and again. Ordinance XX of 1984 for example makes it a crime for Ahmadis to even use the Islamic greeting of "Assalamualaikum" and other Islamic symbols and religious verses. This hits at the root of the Ahmadi mode of worship.

Shoes scattered at the scene of Lahore Ahmadi mosques attacks

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Friday Times
By Yasser Latif Hamdani | May 27, 2011

Last year's attacks on the Ahmadiyya community are part of a bigger problem where nobody's places of worship are safe. What is different, however, is the indifference and apathy showed by the administration
"An unIslamic authority can survive but an unjust authority cannot,” said Hazrat Ali (AS), the fourth righteously guided caliph of Islam.

This simple observation has turned out to be true all through Islamic history, most notably in the Mughal Empire. The heterodox Akbar laid the real foundations of the empire on tolerance and justice for all communities in the realm, and his great grandson the pious and orthodox Aurangzeb Alamgir laid the foundations of its disintegration because of his discriminatory and unjust policy against Non-Sunnis and Non-Muslims.

Eye on extremism: ‘Pro-jihadi, anti-India’ policy #fail

Those who argue that basically suicide bombings began in Pakistan following 9/11 and that violence actually escalated to its present levels following the drone attacks might have forgotten the violence visited upon Pakistanis by armed, trained and brainwashed 'jihadis' since the 1980s.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Heard News
By Beena Sarwar | May 25, 2011

Jehadis are emboldened when India responds to terrorist attacks by stalling dialogue with Pakistan

The simmering rage brewing in Pakistan since the American Seals landed in Abbottabad and 'took out' Osama Bin Laden (OBL) is not just about the growing anti-Americanism in the country. Beyond that, there is rage at Pakistan's own military establishment, and a public questioning of its long held security paradigms and secretive finances. For the first time, demands for military accountability are being openly made along with a growing realisation about the unviability of Pakistan's outdated security paradigm.

Abbottabad incursion an act of war: Musharraf

Musharraf admitted that he was “embarrassed” after one of the most wanted men was found hiding in Pakistan and said that the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence could not be blamed for the “slip-up” that saw Osama residing in Abbottabad.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By The Express Tribune | May 26, 2011

Former president terms Obama’s threat to strike again ‘arrogant’.

NEW DELHI: The US raid which killed al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was technically “an act of war”, said former president Pervez Musharraf, Hindustan Times reported.

Musharraf described US President Barack Obama’s statement that he would order another raid if necessary as “arrogant”. Bin Laden was gunned down on May 2 by US Special Forces who attacked his hideout in Abbottabad. The US said it had carried out a unilateral assault.

Musharraf told CNN: “No country has a right to intrude into any other country.”

Eye on extremism: Braving Pakistan's ‘clerical tsunami’

The blasphemy law is a tool used to persecute Muslim and non-Muslim minorities, as well as to settle petty grievances. In one case involving a 17-year-old ‘who allegedly blasphemed on a physics exam.’ is now condemned to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: ABC | Australia
By Stephen Minas | May 26, 2011

When American forces found and killed Osama bin Laden earlier this month, many were surprised.

Not because the Al Qaeda chief had been hiding in Pakistan. That, after all, had been the belief of the United States for years. No, the surprise was that bin Laden was found not in the rugged tribal regions hard by the Afghanistan border but in the garrison town of Abbottabad.

What’s more, the bin Laden compound proved to be several hundred yards from an army officer training headquarters that soon became, in media shorthand, ‘Pakistan’s equivalent of Sandhurst’. And Abbottabad is a mere 60 kilometres from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.

Pakistan: Benazir Bhutto sought Blackwater, Armor Group protection; Musharraf, US resisted

The British Telegraph was the only major paper to report that Bhutto had sought foreign security assistance at the time. A few days after her death, a story suggested that her staff had discussed deals with the American security firm Blackwater and the British firm Armor Group.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Atlantic | Int'l
By Brian Till | May 23, 2011

Could the U.S. Have Prevented Benazir Bhutto's Death?

The former prime minister of Pakistan may not have been killed in 2007 had U.S. ambassador Anne Patterson granted her requested security protection

In October 2007, four days after a bomb killed more than 140 people in Karachi, Pakistan, at a parade celebrating Benazir Bhutto's return after eight years of exile, Bhutto, a former Pakistani prime minister who was, at the time, challenging General Pervez Musharraf for the presidency, asked for additional protection from foreign contractors. She noted that Hamid Karzai had such a protective force, and former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide had enjoyed one as well.

United States Religious Leaders Honor the Moral Ascendancy of the Environmental Protection Agency

“We must not despair or give up our efforts to stop and turn back environmental damage despite how difficult the task may seem.” [Imam Nasim Mahdi]

Photo: PR Web

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: PR Web | Washington, DC
By Press release | May 20, 2011

National Religious Coalition on Creation Care Awards EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson “Steward of Creation Award” for progress on clean air, clean water and atmospheric pollution reduction in the midst of several attempts by congress to erode EPA authority. 

United States religious leaders, attending the annual meeting of the National Religious Coalition on Creation Care in Washington, D.C., applauded the work of the EPA and its administrator Lisa P. Jackson. In a May event at the historic Willard Hotel, the NRCCC recognized Jackson with its “Steward of Creation Award,” for clean water and clean air initiatives and for having forcefully moved forward under the Clean Air Act to help regulate the atmospheric pollution of CO2 emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.

UK: Cradley Heath mosque plan gets green light at appeal

The decision to allow the mosque was welcomed by the association’s branch president Dr Masood Majoka, who claimed the councillors original refusal was politically motivated.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Halesowen | UK
By Halesowen News | May 26, 2011

A DECISION to refuse plans to convert a former Cradley Heath church hall into a mosque has been overturned at appeal.

Sandwell Council blocked the bid by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association to convert the old St Luke’s Church Hall in School Street into a mosque complete with a small dome and a minaret.

But planning inspector Penelope Metcalfe this week over-ruled the planning committee, saying it would not harm the character and appearance of the area.

She said there would no more parking, traffic, noise or disturbance caused by using the building as a mosque than for any of the other legitimate uses allowed for the hall.

Faith and practice: Can we all just get along? Yes, we can, a Muslim says

Americans hurt when Muslims hesitate to declare their loyalty to the flag of United States of America. Muslims hurt when their loyalty to the flag of United States is questioned. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: The Charleston Gazzette
By Faheem Younus | May 24, 2011

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- I am a Muslim physician. For the past decade, I have taught a simple principle to my medical students: Never jab your patients where they hurt.

Not because you don't have the freedom to do so. But exercising your freedom recklessly would not foster trust between you and your patients. If you must examine such an area, do it gently, with their permission.

This principle seems to be at the heart of the debate over Islam, so aptly captured by the May 19 editorial in the Gazette. And in this debate, we are all doctors; we are all patients.

Just look at how many times in 2010, both Muslims and Americans, jabbed each other at tender spots in the guise of "freedom." Americans hurts when Muslims insist on building a mosque near Ground Zero. Muslims hurt when South Park insists on mocking their prophet on primetime.

Americans hurt when their Muslim neighbor drives an explosive filled SUV to midtown Manhattan, hoping to kill scores of innocent people. Muslims hurt when TV show hosts bash their faith, hoping to increase their ratings.

Liberia: Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Graduates Several

Ahmadiyya champions the empowerment and education of women. It members are among the most law-abiding, educated, and engaged Muslims in the world.

The graduates with some officials of the mission

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Inquirer | Liberia
By The Inquirer | May 25, 2011

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Liberia which runs Qur'anic Classes in Tubmanburg, Bomi County has graduated Fourteen (14) Ahmadi Muslim Children between the ages of Five to 12 years recently. The head of mission in Liberia along with some executive members graced the occasion. Maulvi Naveed Ahmad Aadil, Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge encouraged parents to take advantage of this opportunity in order to prepare their children for a better future; he presented the graduates a copy of the Holy Qur'an each. The Qur'anic Classes accommodate children of Five (5) Years and above, and teach them how to read the Holy Qur'an-First Course, within the minimum period of Six (6) consecutive Months.

Pakistan: Taseer’s daughter in UK speaks out against political Islam

‘Repressive mindsets have been allowed to flourish. The state has abdicated its responsibility, and hatemongers have been given a platform. ‘My father’s death has highlighted how grave the situation is, but blasphemy cases are still on the rise.’

Shehrbano Taseer (left) with her mother Aamna Taseer

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Lapido Media |
By Lizzy Millar | May 25, 2011

LONDON 20 May 2011 – Qur’an schools in Pakistan are raising a new generation of children to propagate hatred in the wake of bin Laden's assassination.

Shehrbano Taseer, the daughter of Salman Taseer, the governor of Pakistan’s Punjab region who was assassinated by his bodyguard on 4 January for opposing blasphemy laws, blames Pakistan's countless madrassas – or Qur’an schools - for using Islam as a 'political tool'.

Taseer who was speaking at the Quilliam Foundation in London, the first UK-based Muslim think tank dedicated to challenging extremism, is calling on the international community to lobby her government to reform the madrassas and allow greater democracy in Pakistan.

Dutch anti-Islam politician Wilders' trial to go ahead

One of Europe's most prominent right-wing populists, Wilders argues that his remarks comparing Islam to Nazism and calling for a ban on the Quran are part of legitimate public debate that is protected by freedom of speech.

Photo: Google images

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: CBC News | AP
By The Associated Press | May 23, 2011

Dutch appeals judges on Monday ordered the continuation of anti-Islam lawmaker's Geert Wilders' hate speech trial, rejecting his claim that the court trying him was biased.

Wilders is on trial on charges of "making statements insulting to Muslims as a group," and inciting hatred against Muslims.

Presiding judge Marcel van Oosten rebuffed defence calls for the case to be dropped, saying "his right to presumption of innocence has not been violated."

He said a judge who discussed the case with a witness at a dinner party had not attempted to tamper with the witness and the court's independence had been demonstrated.

FACT CHECK: Netanyahu speech ignores rival claims

While Hamas and al-Qaida have killed hundreds of people in religious holy wars, they have no connection, and Hamas has in fact come under criticism from the global terror network for being too moderate. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The San Francisco Chronicle |
By Joseph Federman | Associated Press | May 24, 2011

JERUSALEM, Israel (AP) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave an impassioned defense of his approach to peace during a speech to Congress on Tuesday. But the address reflected the world view of Israel's nationalistic right wing, one of several conflicting narratives that divide Israelis and Palestinians.

Here is a sampling of Netanyahu's claims along with what he did not mention.

___

NETANYAHU: "You don't need to send American troops to Israel. We defend ourselves."

THE FACTS: Israel is a leading recipient of American foreign aid, including more than $1 billion in military assistance each year.

Pakistan: Anti-US sentiment popular in National Defense University | WikiLeaks

In the cable, former US Ambassador Anne Patterson gives details of US Army Colonel Michael Schleicher’s study period at (NDU), where he attended the Senior Course along with 110 Pakistani officers.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By The Express Tribune | May 25, 2011

A  WikiLeaks cable dated May 2008 reveals that many of Pakistan’s National Defense University’s (NDU) students and instructors “have an anti-American bias”.

In the cable, former US Ambassador Anne Patterson gives details of US Army Colonel Michael Schleicher’s study period at (NDU), where he attended the Senior Course along with 110 Pakistani officers. Schleicher reports that 25 foreign students who were military officers from the US, Britain, Canada, China, Islamic Countries, South Africa, Nigeria, and Libya, also attended the course.

The program was part of the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, a component of US security assistance that provides training on a grant basis to students from US allies.