Pakistan: Anti-US cricketer-turned-politician rallies 100,000 people in Lahore

Mosharraf Zaidi, a Pakistani political analyst, said the rally was significant because Khan's party has not been able to attract such large crowds in the past.

PTI supporters gather for rally. PHOTO: RABIA MEHMOOD/EXPRESS

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Boston Globe | Associated Press
By Asif Shahzad and Sebastian Abbot | October 30, 2011

ISLAMABAD—Cricket legend and opposition politician Imran Khan railed against the government and its alliance with the U.S. before more than 100,000 flag-waving supporters Sunday, establishing himself as a force in Pakistani politics.

Khan, 58, entered politics 15 years ago when he founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or the Movement for Justice Party, but up to now he has struggled to translate his fame into votes. The rally in the eastern city of Lahore indicated his message may have found new resonance at a time when Pakistanis are fed up with the country's chronic insecurity and economic malaise.

"I have come here to register my hatred against this corrupt system," said 29-year-old Nadeem Iqbal, who attended the rally.

A poll conducted by the U.S.-based Pew Research Center in June found Khan, the captain of Pakistan's 1992 world champion cricket team, to be the most popular political figure in the country.

Eggs and potatoes: A different menu

Beyghairat Brigade lashes out against army intervention in civilian politics, corruption, the persecution of the Ahmadi community, Zia’s Islamisation policies and misplaced public sympathy for terrorists and murderers such as Ajmal Kasab and Mumtaz Qadri.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Huma Yusuf | October 31, 2011

IN the polarisation of Pakistan’s political and social landscape, the fault lines have been drawn between the ‘liberal fascists’ and the ‘ghairat brigade’. The former stand for a secular, democratic and tolerant Pakistan that engages with the world through trade and innovation, rather than terrorism.

The latter staunchly defend the nation’s honour and sovereignty against dubious threats, confuse religiosity and patriotism, propagate hate and intolerance and suffer a strong persecution complex. It is Pakistan’s tragedy that the ghairat brigade has captured the national imagination at the expense of the liberal fascists.

Canada: Ahmadi Muslim group bridges gap between faiths

Rabbani and his group have been touring the country holding these open houses since April as a peaceful reaction to the March 20 burning of the Qu'ran by Florida Pastor Terry Jones, which led to a violent uproar in the Middle East, including an attack on a United Nations compound in Afghanistan that killed 12.

Rizwan Rabbani and Imran Babar of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Photo: Gord Waldner, The Starphoenix

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The StarPhoenix
By Rory MacLean | October 31, 2011

A group of Ahmadiyya Muslims had an open house in Saskatoon Saturday to try to dispel myths about Islam.

"There is a lot of misconception out there, especially with the jihad," said organizer Rizwan Rabbani.

He said that, though there are different forms of jihad, they apply more to self-struggle and selfdefence. "Nowhere does it say, 'Oh, if people don't believe in you, go kill them.' Nowhere," said Rabbani. "We believe in peace, harmony and religious freedom. We can live together in this world being brothers of different faiths."

Rabbani and his group have been touring the country holding these open houses since April as a peaceful reaction to the March 20 burning of the Qu'ran by Florida Pastor Terry Jones, which led to a violent uproar in the Middle East, including an attack on a United Nations compound in Afghanistan that killed 12.

UK: Muslim youths will be out in force today – collecting money for the British Legion

This is not the first time they have raised money for the poppy appeal, and not the first time they’ve made great efforts to reach out to the British population as a whole (you may have seen their adverts on the side of buses).

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Telegraph | UK
By Ed West | October 31, 2011

Here’s some cheering news that will warm the iciest of hearts.

    Young Muslims are planning to turn up at London's rail and underground stations in force – to collect money for the Poppy Appeal.

    Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association will again be helping The Royal British Legion as a mark of good citizenship and a testament to the Islamic edict of demonstrating loyalty to your country.

    They will also pay tribute to the valuable role Britain played in the fight against fascism – and the continuing need to be ever vigilant to the threat of extremism. The carnage caused by bloody extremists on the underground on 7/7 will give greater resonance to the charity campaign.

Canada: Six faiths, many Gods — one peaceful gathering

An Islamic organization called Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at organizes the conferences, in this instance with assistance from local volunteer Nadeem Ahmed, who is an accountant living in Stoney Creek.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Hamilton Spectator | The Spec
By Jon Wells | October 30, 2011

A Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, Native, Buddhist, and an atheist walk into a room.

The punch line? There was none — and no punching, for that matter, or arguing, at least in the first half of the event, but rather a peaceful discussion of God and different approaches to religion.

As speakers from each religion rose to offer prayers in their own faith — and language — an audience numbering perhaps 200 listened quietly.

“The silence speaks for itself,” said the moderator, Reverend Sheldon Clark. “No tension, just a convergence of the common spirit.”

Guatemala: Dispatches from Gift of Sight camp ~ Syed Awais Ahmed

Along with getting clinical and surgical exposure, I also experienced the cheerful spirit of strong Guatemalans. During the whole process of the eye surgery they were still smiling and happy. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Gift of Sight / Humanity First
By Syed Awais Ahmed | October 29, 2011

It has been an experience of a lifetime working with Humanity First and Gift of Sight in Guatemala.

I have been mesmerized by the beautiful nature of people of Guatemala. At Proyecto Salud y Paz, I saw hundreds of young and old people lined up for eye exams. The optometrist gave out free eye glasses while the ophthalmologist screened the patients for cataract surgeries. As the patients were brought in the room, they were prepared for the surgery by dilating their respective eyes.

I was able to learn how to put the dilating cocktail in the patients eyes and start their IVs. Being in the operating room and seeing the cataract surgery being done was an amazing experience. Everyone was really relaxed in the operating room and the surgery was finished in about an hour.

Along with getting clinical and surgical exposure, I also experienced the cheerful spirit of strong Guatemalans. During the whole process of the eye surgery they were still smiling and happy.

I cannot forget the heartfelt, motherly kiss on my hands given by an old Guatemalan lady after her surgery and hearing her repeatedly say, “Gracias, gracias, muchos gracias!”

  -- Syed Awais Ahmed


Read original post here: Volunteer Insight: Syed Awais Ahmed

Canadian imam beaten by Wahabi enforcers in Saudi Arabia, witnesses say

Saudi religious police base their practices on a "very narrow interpretation of Islam" and that they "become very oppressive" toward those who practice other interpretations.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: CTVNews.ca | Calgary
By CTVNews.ca Staff | October 30, 2011

A Canadian imam who studies cancer research at the University of Alberta was beaten and arrested by Saudi religious police while reciting prayers in Medina, according to witnesses.

Usama Al-Atar was attending hajj with an international group of pilgrims early Sunday when witnesses said he was confronted by about 10 to 15 officers from the country's religious police force.

Observers said the officers beat him without provocation, chasing and choking him in front of more than 200 witnesses. The officers then reportedly took him into custody without explanation.

At the time, the 33-year-old imam was leading a prayer service as part of a global pilgrimage with a group of Canadian, British and American citizens.

British citizen Michael Hayward witnessed the incident and said the trouble began when Saudi religious police took issue with their recital of a prayer at a prominent cemetery near the Mosque of the Prophet.

The group was asked to leave the cemetery, Hayward said, but the situation escalated as they made their way across the courtyard of the nearby mosque.

Canada: “Negativity towards Muslims remains” survey not accurate

I think such survey comparisons are misdirected. How one can compare Muslims with non-religious subsets such as atheists, aboriginals, Chinese, blacks and Hispanics? Then again there are many sub-sets of Muslims.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Voice Online | Letters to Editor
By Rizwan Peerzada | October 29, 2011

Dear Editor: Re - “Negativity towards Muslims remains”: survey

Canadians see conflict between West, Islam ‘irreconcilable' the headline read.

What a coincidence that over 450 young and old members of Ahmadiyya Muslims were knocking at doors, talking to British Columbian about Islam and Muslims and handing over 65,000 pamphlets as part of their biannual campaign  on Sunday, October 16th,2011.

There were no hints of irreconcilable differences. They gladly accepted the information with smiles and appreciated that it is being done to counter these types of negative surveys. We are here to promote “Love for all, hatred for none.”

Power of visuals: Holy Terror comic is 'Islamophobic', say critics

"We are witnessing a growing industry of information and fear-mongering, and this work fits in the centre … It's unfortunate that Islamophobia is becoming mainstream."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The National | UAE
By Michael Hernandez | October 25, 2011

WASHINGTON // There is nothing subtle about Frank Miller's newest graphic novel, Holy Terror. The book opens with the quote: "If you meet the infidel, kill the infidel", which Mr Miller attributes to the Prophet. From there the jingoism, violence and Islamophobia take off.

Miller is no stranger to controversy. His stories, which include the famous Batman mini-series, The Dark Knight Returns, and comics-to-film 300 and Sin City, regularly explore the darker corners of society amid shades of moral grey. Any nuance, however, is all but absent in his latest work.

Originally envisioned as a Batman tale after September 11 attacks on the US, the comic features heroes The Fixer, and thief-come-love interest, Natalie, as they join forces to stop an Al Qaeda plot on Empire City, a thinly veiled New York City.

For some, the best-seller underlines a worrying shift in American entertainment.

USA: Radio ad refuses service to Obama supporters, Muslims

"If you are a socialist liberal and or voted for the current campaigner in chief, please do not take this class. You have already proven that you cannot make a knowledgeable and prudent decision as under the law."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: KVUE NEWS
By Morgan Chesky | October 27, 2011

MASON, Texas -- It was a message intended to bring in some extra business. A radio ad for a concealed handgun class at Keller's Riverside Store in Mason, located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is causing controversy.

"We will attempt to teach you all the necessary information you need to obtain your C.H.L.," the ad stated.  Forty-five seconds in, the advertisement added a disclaimer.

"If you are a socialist liberal and or voted for the current campaigner in chief, please do not take this class. You have already proven that you cannot make a knowledgeable and prudent decision as under the law."

Pakistan: Christian leader, minorities not impressed by Imran Khan speech

Dr. Nazir Bhatti urged Pakistani Christians not to join PPP, PML (N), PML (Q) and TI in Punjab province of Pakistan on their silence on attacks on their life and property by Muslim mob in Punjab.

Anti-US Pakistani cricketer rallies 100,000 people - Photo: AP/Boston Globe

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Pakistan Christian Post
By PCP | October 30, 2011

"Imran Khan have no program for Pakistani Christians, Hindus and Ahmadi's," says Dr. Nazir S Bhatti

Lahore: (PCP) - Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC commenting on Public gathering in Lahore of Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan said that Address of TI Chief Imran Khan fell short on protection of rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.

Imran Khan said in his speech that rights of minorities will be fully protected while addressing public meeting in Lahore but not commented on controversial blasphemy law, election system for minorities on reserved seats in National Assembly of Pakistan, Senate of Pakistan and Provincial Assemblies. He nor assured minorities to raise their reserved seats in parliament not mentioned Quota for Christian students in professional colleges and higher academic institutions and due share in job opportunities.

Faith and Practice: Hijab is Not a Halloween Costume

Don't think that a Muslim American women's chagrin is limited to Halloween. Ignorance about hijab is a year-around phenomenon in some segments of our society. How do I know that? I simply asked my female family members.

Hillary and Chelsea Clinton are seen wearing 'Muslim' headdress. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Dr. Faheem Younus | October 29, 2011

What's common between the following Halloween costumes? A guy who painted his neck red, pretending to be a redneck, his friend wearing a white T-shirt which has "wife beater" written on it, and his friend dressed like a Hasidic Jew keeping a tight grip (literally) over a pack of fake dollar bills.

All three of them represent ethnic or religious stereotyping.

Keeping that in mind, what should you say to someone using hijab, a Muslim woman's head cover, while going to "trick or treat" or a Halloween party? Bad idea.

Why?

Guatemala: Dispatches from Gift of Sight camp ~ Dr. Agustin Omar Rodriguez Belli

... [I]t is amazing to witness their faces the day after surgery when they realize that they can enjoy simple everyday pleasures, like seeing their grandchildren for the first time.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Gift of Sight / Humanity First
By Dr. Agustin Omar Rodriguez Belli

It always inspires me to work with people who use their own free time and money, covering everything from airline tickets and hotel costs to medicines for patients and their room and board, to make the time to go to a foreign country and help people who they’ve never met without expecting a single thing in return.

Its difficult to imagine the life of people after years of decreasing quality of eyesight, how they slowly become accustomed to live without using their eyes, walking slowly across the room with a cane, using their hands to touch walls, always followed by someone close to protect them from the normally safe situations of life. But it is amazing to witness their faces the day after surgery when they realize that they can enjoy simple everyday pleasures, like seeing their grandchildren for the first time.

- Dr. Agustin Omar Rodriguez Belli


Read original post here: Volunteer Insight: Dr. Agustin Omar Rodriguez Belli

Facebook a foundation for "cyber misbehavior": 600,000 account logins compromised every day

The revelation was buried in a new security announcement issued by the company on Thursday describing the virtues of its new "Trusted Friends" password restoration technique.

Photo: Google images/Getty/Daily Mail UK

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: MSNBC | MSN NEWS
By Bob Sullivan | October 28, 2011

Facebook said this week that hackers using stolen username and password credentials try to break into at least 600,000 accounts every day on the mammoth social networking site.

The revelation was buried in a new security announcement issued by the company on Thursday describing the virtues of its new "Trusted Friends" password restoration technique. UK-based computer security firm Sophos first noticed the data.

The Facebook blog entry includes an infographic explaining the success of the network's efforts to beat back spam, account hijacking, and other ills.  In it, Facebook says that "only 0.06 percent of 1 billion logins per day are compromised." The site is able to precisely count the number of stolen or otherwise compromised logins because it challenges the would-be hackers with additional authentication questions, such as asking users to identify friends in pictures, said spokesman Barry Schnitt.

"(This means) 600,000 times a day, we stop a bad guy from getting access to an account even though he has guessed, phished, or stolen the login and password of an account," Schnitt said. "This is something we're very proud of."

USA: Ad for gun training bars Muslims and Obama voters

"Conduct by an instructor that denied service to individuals on the basis of race, ethnicity or religion would place that instructor's certification by the Department at risk of suspension or revocation."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Yahoo News | The Lookout
By Zachary Roth | October 28, 2011

A radio ad for a handgun training class that bars Muslims and Obama voters has sparked an investigation in Texas.

"We will attempt to teach you all the necessary information you need to obtain your [Concealed Handgun License]," the ad says. Then towards the end, it adds: "If you are a socialist liberal and/or voted for the current campaigner in chief, please do not take this class. You have already proven that you cannot make a knowledgeable and prudent decision under the law."

And then: "If you are a non-Christian Arab or Muslim, I will not teach you the class with no shame; I am Crockett Keller, thank you, and God bless America."

Indonesia: Religious tolerance bill creates news problems

A number of problems in relation to religious tolerance are evident. They include violent actions against other religious denominations or Ahmadis. Several hard-line Muslim groups view the latter as a false Islamic sect, Prof Mulia said. Such problems are not the result of many ideas on the issue but of government regulation.

File Photo: Several churches were set ablaze by Islamist extremists this year 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Asia News |
By Mathias Hariyadi | October 28, 2011

Parliament and government submit draft bill to solve confessional conflicts, which have flared up in recent years. However, the proposal has generated a heated debate among scholars and in civil society. Bishops call for “a law that guarantees the right to practice one’s faith”.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Far from being a breakthrough, the religious tolerance bill has stirred controversy on fundamental issues. Drafted by the three government bodies, namely the Ministry for Religious Affairs, the Interior Ministry and the Ministry for People’s Welfare, the bill on religious tolerance, known here as the Rencana Undang-undang (RUU) Kerukunan Beragama, was presented to the Indonesian House of Parliament earlier this year (February 2011). After a series of discussions between members of the Eighth Commission of the House and top government officials from the three ministries, the RUU Kerukunan Beragama has met with strong criticism in Indonesian civil society and it is unclear when it might be adopted.

Growing Urban Islamist Militancy in Punjab Province Poses New Challenge for Pakistani Authorities

The main reason for the emergence of a militant mind-set in Punjab is the rapid growth of religious madrassas (seminaries), most of them tied to militant organizations. There are a total of 5,500 religious madrassas in the Punjab, the majority of them belonging to the Deobandi sect.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | James Town Foundation
Source/Credit: Terrorism Monitor Volume: 9 Issue: 39
By Zia Ur Rehman | October 28, 2011

While Pakistan has directed its focus and significant resources to fighting terrorism in the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), the growing activities of banned militant organizations and their influence in Punjab, the country’s most populous province, have been largely ignored.  Militants, most trained in Afghanistan and others ex-inmates of Afghan prisons, have recently surfaced in Punjab and become active in Punjabi jihadi groups.

The Punjabi militant network is a loose conglomeration of members of banned militant groups of Punjabi origin that have developed strong connections with the Tehrki-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), al-Qaeda, the Afghan Taliban and other militant groups based in FATA and KPK. Members shuttle between FATA and the rest of Pakistan, providing logistical support to FATA and Afghanistan-based militants to conduct terrorist operations deep inside Pakistan.

Breeding extremism: In Pakistan, a militant deal sours

LJ and other militant groups can muster significant support in Punjab and parts of Sindh province through their schools and mosques, making them an important political force. Mainstream politicians have shown no hesitation in courting them despite their links to violence.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan | AP
By AP | Dawn | October 28, 2011

ISLAM NAGAR: The deal saw one of Pakistan’s most feared militants walk from jail apparently in exchange for his commitment to nonviolence, help in reining in other fighters and possibly delivering the votes of his followers.

Supporters showered Malik Ishaq with rose petals when he left the prison in the eastern city of Lahore in July.

Days later, he was preaching murderous hatred toward minority Shias to a cheering crowd, energising a network whose members have joined al-Qaeda for terror strikes.

That was too much for Pakistani authorities, who arrested him again last month.

Faith and Freedom: Shadows of Endless Nights

The plight of Ahmadi students is not a new a phenomenon in Pakistan. Ever since 1974, Ahmadi students have been victimized through boycott, expulsion, discrimination, denial of due credit, and torture. Across Pakistan, Ahmadi students and teachers both face faith-based persecution.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Richmond Muslim Examiner
By Ayesha Noor | October 29, 2011

Dedicated to the students
Those who arrived at the gates of the officials
Petitioning with open arms for pen and paper.
But never came back.
Those innocents who, in their idealism,
took the fire of dedicated learning in their young hearts
and reached where
Were being promiscuously distributed the shadows of endless nights.

(Faiz translated by Raza Rumi)

“No they are Kafirs” was my Islamiat teacher’s abrupt response to my classmate’s inquiry about Ahmadis. Until that moment, I was 14 and Pakistani, no different than the rest of them. My teacher continued to fulfill her God-given duty and shared her deep misunderstandings of Ahmadiyya beliefs; “Ahmadis dishonor the Quran, blaspheme the Prophet Muhammad (as), and worship their Khalifas.”

UK: Young Ahmadi Muslims collecting money for the Poppy Appeal

AMYA president Fahim Anwer, speaking in London yesterday, said: “As Muslims living in this country it is our duty to honour those who risk life and limb for the protection of all British citizens.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Star | UK | Edited by AT
By Kim Dawson with John Earls | October 29, 2011

HUNDREDS of young Muslims like this lad are collecting money for the Poppy Appeal.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association will be helping the Royal British Legion collect at 40 London Tube and rail stations, hoping to beat the £20,000 they raised last year.

AMYA president Fahim Anwer, speaking in London yesterday, said: “As Muslims living in this country it is our duty to honour those who risk life and limb for the protection of all British citizens.”

Fundraising for The Royal British Legion: Each year the nation expresses its unequivocal support for The Royal British Legion's charity work through the Poppy Appeal, emphasising the need to help all generations of the Armed Forces and their families - today and for the rest of their lives.

As custodians of Remembrance, The Royal British Legion through the Poppy Appeal, provides ways for commemorating those who are no longer with us.

Read original post here: HUNDREDS of young Muslims like this lad are collecting money for the Poppy Appeal.

The Ahmadiyya Community Rejects Revenge And Embraces Peace

There would be nothing unique about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community if after leaving behind Pakistan for a new headquarters in Great Britain their movement had turned violent.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Rev. Chuck Currie | October 28, 2011

One of the truths of human existence is religious conflict. Those conflicts exist not just between different religions but within religions. Christians understand this through experience. There is great diversity within the Christian faith and with that diversity has come disagreement and plenty of violence. The war in Iraq illustrated, however, that American Christians (and Americans in general) had little understanding of the diversity within Islam. Policy makers struggled to explain the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims and why those differences sparked sectarian violence after the fall of Saddam Hussein. A safe guess to make would be that most Americans have historically viewed Islam as a monolithic faith. Yet the differences extend beyond just Sunni and Shia and include, among other smaller Islam communities, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Like Christianity, Islam is a religion divided among theological, cultural and political perspectives.

Remembering Heroes: Mohammed A. Hassan on TWAS and Abdus Salam

As a Nobel Laureate, his [Dr. Abdus Salam] stature was such that he could call upon Heads of States when he visited a country. But the respect and love that he commanded from the scientific communities across the developing world was unquestionable. They saw in him a champion of their cause and gave him that status and he delivered in return.

Dr. Abdus Salam (L) Dr. Mohammed H. A. Hassan (R) [Photo: Google]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Muslim Science | Archives
By Dr. Athar Osama | February 16, 2011

Muslim-Science.Com talked with Dr. Mohammed H. A. Hassan, the outgoing Executive Director of The Academy of Sciences of the Developing World (TWAS). While Dr. Hassan hopes to continue to remain engaged with TWAS, his retirement is an end of an era for the institution created more than 25 years ago.

Remembering those days, Dr. Hassan recalls his first encounter with Dr. Abdus Salam – one of the most prolific and inspirational scientist ever to have been produced by the Developing World – who had a formative influence on TWAS. As Hassan became a regular visitor at Salam’s International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste in Italy, he had an opportunity to work closer with Salam.

UK: Young Ahmadi Muslims part of Poppy Appeal launch

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) will again be helping The Royal British Legion as a mark of good citizenship and a testament to the Islamic edict of demonstrating loyalty to your country.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: iTV | UK
By  Nick Thatcher | October 28, 2011

This weekend marks that time of year when we wear a poppy and remember those who have given their lives for their country in War.

The 'Poppy Appeal' raised more than thirty five million pounds last year and this year, they're hoping to top the forty million mark thanks to the hard work of 'The Royal British Legion'.

And the appeal may just reach its target, because they've got some new recruits to help.

Young Muslims are planning to turn up at Londons rail and underground stations in force to help collect money for the Poppy Appeal.

Malaysia: Ahmadiyya decry govt. sponsored attacks

According to a TheNutGraph report, the Selangor Fatwa Council issued a fatwa in 1975, declaring the Ahmadiyya as non-Muslims. In 2009, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) forbade the Ahmaddiya from using their Batu Caves mosque.

At the behest of local extremists, a govt. sponsored anti-Ahmadiyya sign
has been placed in front of Ahmadiyya mosque. Photo: NutGraph 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Free Malaysia Today
By Patrick Lee | October 29, 2011

Ahmadiyya decry JAIS attacks: Islamic authorities are bent on demonising us, say local Ahmadiyya Muslims

PETALING JAYA: Local Ahmaddiyya Muslims are tired of being discriminated against, and want to challenge the state to a discussion on their stand as believers.

The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), according to Ahmadiyya spokesman Maulana Ainul Yaqeen Sahib, has worked hard to declare his community as apostates.

“JAIS has been attacking the Ahmadiyya through the media. Everything gets thrown against us. It’s not fair. They say we are not Muslims, and (at the same time) they don’t give us a chance to say anything (in return),” he told FMT.

US seeks tolerance against minorities in Islamic countries

"One of the things that we tried very hard to do is to work with a number of countries, including Muslim-majority countries, the Organisation of Islamic Conference, to begin to change the dialogue from something they wanted to call religious defamation."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: MSN News | India
By Lalit K Jha | PTI | 28/10/2011

Washington, Oct 28 (PTI) Expressing concern over increasing intolerance against religious minorities in Islamic countries, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said this is the "biggest problems in the world" right now.

"On the question of persecution, obviously, what we''re seeing is deeply distressing. It''s not only against Christians or against Hindus; it''s also against different sects of Muslims. I mean, there are Islamic sects in Afghanistan and Pakistan and elsewhere that are also discriminated against, persecuted and their adherents brutally treated," Clinton told lawmakers at a Congressional hearing yesterday.

One of the biggest problems in the world right now is that there needs to be a greater acceptance of religious tolerance.

Eye on politics: Musharraf the Candidate

The former President didn't get irritated, or ruffled, or dismissive. ...  He was compelling and deeply informed on the details of global security and economic issues as well as many dimensions of state and global governance.

Photo: AFP / Express Tribune

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Atlantic
By  Steve Clemons | October 25, 2011

Pervez Musharraf, the former Army general turned (former) President of Pakistan, is a different man than the Musharraf who has now declared that he will again contest for his nation's presidency.  The earlier version of Musharraf would bristle at questions about his respect for democracy, about the relationship of the Taliban to the security organs of the government, and, well, just about anything.  Musharraf, before, was self-confident, a talker more than a listener, and personally intimidating.

The man who spoke to the students of Washington College on the eastern shore of Maryland yesterday evening struck a significant contrast to the man that so many believed had become a de facto dictator during his tenure as Pakistan's president.  Musharraf listened.  He met students and engaged them seriously.  He spoke to them like mature adults who were informed -- and didn't dumb down his commentary.

Faith and practice: Can a person of faith appropriately celebrate Gadhafi's death?

"Everyone knows that he did heinous things during his time as a leader. But I am making an argument that religious people seem to be out of alignment with the way the God of us all would like for us to treat each other."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Deseret News
By Joseph Walker | October 26, 2011

2011 has been a big year for bringing the malevolent influence of despots and terrorists to violent, bloody ends: Osama bin Laden, Anwar al-Awlaki and now Libyan tyrant Moammar Gadhafi.

It has also been a big year for people of faith to consider how to appropriately respond when bad guys get what, many feel, is coming to them. When Osama bin Laden was killed in early May, many Americans felt a sense of joyful triumph — some literally danced and celebrated in the streets. But others approached the news of bin Laden's death from the perspective of faith, citing the counsel of the Psalmist to not "gloat when your enemy falls."

"All people of good will should be pleased that bin Laden is no longer a personal threat, and that his death may further weaken terrorist plans and aspirations," said R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. "But open patriotic celebration in the streets? That looks far more like revenge in the eyes of a watching world, and it looks far more like we are simply taking satisfaction in the death of an enemy. That kind of revenge just produces greater numbers of enemies."

Pakistan: Taseer murder case | ‘Threatened judge in Saudi Arabia for Hajj’

Following threats to Shah’s life, LHC Chief Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry placed his services at the disposal of the Punjab government and transferred him from the anti-terrorism court-II to the Child Protection Court in Lahore in the first week of October.

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

It had been reported that Syed Pervez Ali Shah fled the country after receiving death threats.

LAHORE: Contrary to the recent media reports, the judge who handed a death sentence to the late Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer’s assassin has left the country to perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia, according to official sources and documents. It had been previously reported that Judge Syed Pervez Ali Shah and his family were forced to flee the country and seek residency in Saudi Arabia after receiving death threats.

Shah has been on leave since he handed down the death sentence to Qadri on October 1.

Eye on extremism: Clinton appeals for tolerance of Islamic minorities

"There are Islamic sects in Afghanistan and Pakistan and elsewhere -- they're discriminated against, persecuted and their adherents brutally treated."

Photo AFP

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Yahoo News
By AFP | October 27, 2011

WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday appealed for Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Muslim-majority nations to respect religious minorities, saying some are treated "brutally."

"This is one of our biggest problems in the world right now. There needs to be a greater acceptance of religious tolerance and in so many places there is no history of religious tolerance," Clinton told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Clinton was responding to a question from Representative Chris Smith, who voiced concern about Christians, Hindus and other religious minorities in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Egypt.

Pakistan: Ahmadis | The lightning rod that attracts the most hatred

Pakistani Ahmadis today live in constant fear and humiliation. So much so, the hatred has permeated into each and every slice of society and the oppressors have become more vocal and aggressive.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: DAWN.COM | Pakistan
By Zofeen T. Ebrahim | October 28, 2011

A month after ten Ahmadi students were expelled from two schools in the village of Dharinwala, in Faisalabad district, all have been put back to school, not in there old ones, but in two schools in Hafizabad, thanks to Khalil Ahmad, father and grandfather of four students who were among those expelled.

“I managed to get all of them enrolled in two schools in the nearby city of Hafizabad,” he said talking to Dawn.com over phone from his village.

But it’s not been easy. Most parents of the expelled children are too poor, so Ahmed volunteered to pay for their admissions, their books and stationery. And that is not all. He, with the help of his two sons, makes sure they drop and pick all of them on a motorbike, doing turns.

In one school, the principal knows he has given admission to Ahmadi students but the educator believes faith should not come in the way of those seeking education. “In the other the principal has not been told,” Ahmed revealed.

Canada: A relevant question | Is God Relevant in the 21st Century?

This is the fifth annual world religions conference put on by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’t in Hamilton. Its general secretary, Nadeem Ahmed, believes the annual conference is gaining momentum. Last year’s was attended by 250 people who discussed peace.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Spec | Hamilton Spectator
By Carmela Fragomeni | October 27, 2011

About 300 people expected at a free multi-faith conference in Hamilton Sunday will be pondering the question: Is God relevant today?

The conference, organized by the Hamilton branches of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’t, an international organization promoting peace, will present speakers — in this case called partners — from the following religions: Aboriginal spirituality, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, a secular humanism worldview and Sikhism.

Each partner will present how a belief in God is still relevant in the 21st century according to his or her religion. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Guatemala: Dispatches from Gift of Sight camp ~ Dr. Amna Malik

Today we gave a young mother a simple pair of glasses, and later outside the clinic I observed her watching over her kids playing in the park.  She could see their faces.  This happened over and over and over again during this week - giving the gift of sight. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Gift of Sight / Humanity First
By Dr. Amna Malik | October 27, 2011

Guatemala: a place I really never thought i would come to.  There has always been a desire to help people in this manner, but somehow the time was never right.   But this experience has exceeded all of my expectations.  It is true that it was difficult getting here with months of planning, leaving my family, a long rocky journey to the clinic, but it was truly worth it.

Although we are only a two and a half hour plane ride away from home, I feel like I am in a different world.  We are in a small village deep in the mountains, and the people are raw, hard working, and gracious.  They have very little, but their life is good.  One morning during my clinic break I was watching the kids play with a ball, and  it struck me that kids were the same everywhere.  All smiles, full of love, no worries, playing with a tattered ball in Guatemala. The laughter from these children was just as contagious as my own kids.

UK: Ahmadi Muslim youth to be in London's subway for poppy drive

"Muslims are obliged to be loyal to the country in which they live. Honouring those who fought to defend and safeguard one's country is an important principle of Islam and in fact is an important principle of peace." [Khalifa of Islam,  Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: Digital Journal | UK
By KJ Mullins | October 27, 2011

London - Around 100 young Muslims will be in London's Underground subway stations Saturday and Monday to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal.

More than 100 young volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association will be working to help the The Royal British Legion as they take to the 40 Zone 1 train and tube stations in London this weekend. The group is hoping to collect more than the GBP20,000 they collected last year.

The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

UK: The EDL's attacks are causing serious harm to British communities

Worryingly, the EDL's irrational suspicion of Britain's Muslims is not the sole preserve of the white far-right, and this is perhaps best demonstrated by the ethnic make-up of EDL rallies. While it is predominantly made up of the white working class, there are enough black and non-Muslim Asian attendees to make one question if indeed this is a neo-Nazi, white-supremacist movement.

Photo: Press TV/ Morteza

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens | October 27, 2011

Last Monday, it was reported that a gang of around 25 EDL members attacked a bookstall in Birmingham which was run by the local Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, threatening and manhandling the stall owners. This latest example of street thuggery shows us that the EDL is not only growing in size, but is also succeeding in spreading its simplistic and bigoted views about Muslims in Britain.

As yet, the EDL has not responded to the accusation, and has ignored my requests for any comments which, admittedly, are unlikely to veer from their stock responses to similar incidents. EDL reactions to incidents like this usually take one of four forms: it condemns all violence and promote peaceful demonstrations; it has no connection with the perpetrators; the claims of violence have been overblown by a hostile leftist media; the EDL stands only against radical Islam and does not target ordinary Muslims.

Indonesia: Convicted terrorist gets a break; court reduces Bashir's term 'due to age'

Abu Bakar Bashir's lawyers appealed his 15-year sentence and on Oct. 20 judges quietly agreed to cut off six years.  Achmad Sobari of Jakarta High Court says that humanitarian considerations were factored in to the decision.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By AFP | October 27, 2011

An Indonesian court says it slashed radical cleric Abu Bakar Bashir's prison sentence in part because of his advanced age.

The 72-year-old cleric, known as the spiritual leader of al-Qaida-linked militants, was found guilty in March of helping plan a terror attack and fund a jihadi training camp in westernmost Aceh province.

Bashir's lawyers appealed his 15-year sentence and on Oct. 20 judges quietly agreed to cut off six years.

Achmad Sobari of Jakarta High Court says that humanitarian considerations were factored in to the decision.

Eradicating mischief - No shortcuts ~ Beena Sarwar

Even the first elected government in Pakistan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s, tried to appease the clergy when he felt his power weakening. In fact, Bhutto went a step further and also tried to establish Pakistan as a leader of the Muslim world.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Viewpoint Online | Cross-post
By Beena Sarwar | October 21, 2011

“When Ghazi Ilmuddin killed Rajpal for blasphemy nobody said he was not liable to be tried under the law… Today the situation is radically different. The orthodox clerics are supporting their quaint theory of private justice and denying a person’s accountability under the law on the ground that his action is not an offence under the Islamic code”

Watching Libyans celebrate the toppling of their dictator two things come to mind. First, Gaddafi’s apparent extra-judicial murder after being captured must be condemned. Secondly, a cautionary reminder: don’t expect the death or removal of a dictator to mark the end of the struggle. It is just the beginning of another struggle, an even messier one -- the political process known as democracy.

We in Pakistan know this all too well. Dictators die or get toppled but their legacies live on. Their creations like Zaid Hamid may lose, even as the creator Gen Zia wins (see Anas Abbas’ de-construction of this phenomenon at his blog http://bit.ly/nkrDpF).

UK: British Ahmadi Muslims go Underground - For Poppy Appeal

This is part of a nationwide campaign by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to contribute to the country in different ways. This has included blood drives where Ahmadi Muslims give blood; charity walks; peace conferences and interfaith meetings.

File photo: 2010 Poppy Appeal fundraiser

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: PRNewswire
By AMA - UK | October 27, 2011

100 volunteers at 40 Zone 1 train and tube stations, aiming to raise £20,000

LONDON,  /PRNewswire/ --Young Muslims are planning to turn up at London's rail and underground stations in force - to collect money for the Poppy Appeal.

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association will again be helping The Royal British Legion as a mark of good citizenship and a testament to the Islamic edict of demonstrating loyalty to your country.

They will also pay tribute to the valuable role Britain played in the fight against fascism - and the continuing need to be ever vigilant to the threat of extremism. The carnage caused by bloody extremists on the underground on 7/7 will give greater resonance to the charity campaign.

Pakistan: Government sends a judge abroad to appease extremist religious groups

Besides the religious groups the lawyers, particularly the Rawalpindi Bar Association, also quickly reacted to the decision against the killer and agitated inside and outside the district courts including the High Court of Islamabad, threatening the judges with dire consequences if they did not rescind the death sentences on Qadri.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Asian Human Rights Commission
By AHRC-STM-160-2011 | October 26, 2011

The unspoken message is also clear: that the judiciary can expect no help from the government for carrying out their sworn duty to uphold the laws of the land.

The government's policy to appease the militant religious organizations and Jihadis is continued in the clear cut violation of the constitution and the law. Once again the government has revealed its impotency to fight against growing religious intolerance. The government has also exposed its powerlessness to provide security to its own citizens by sending a judge of the Sessions Court to Saudi Arabia with his family. This was the judge who awarded the death sentences in two cases to Mumtaz Qadri, the assassin of the Punjab Governor, Salaman Taseer. The judge has left for Saudi Arabia along with his family after receiving death threats from extremists.

Pakistan: Judge Pervez Ali Shah flees 'death threats' after blasphemy verdict

The BBC's Aleem Maqbool in Islamabad says the judge has been forced to put a hold on his career - and his fate will serve as a warning to other judges willing to take on the tough task of tackling extremism in Pakistan.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: BBC News| South Asia
By BBC News | October 25, 2011

A Pakistani judge has fled to Saudi Arabia after receiving death threats for sentencing a religious extremist.

Pervez Ali Shah sentenced Malik Mumtaz Hussein Qadri to death for murdering Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer because of his opposition to the blasphemy law.

Qadri said he was proud of what he had done - and many Pakistanis staged large protests in his support.

Critics of the law say it can be used to persecute minority faiths and is sometimes exploited for grudges.

Guatemala: Dispatches from Gift of Sight camp ~ Juan Nunez

Being here always inspires me to be a better person, a better husband, a better brother and a better role model for my family and friends. I just hope that my mother is watching me from heaven and that she is proud of her son.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Gift of Sight / Humanity First
By Juan Nunez | October 26, 2011

It’s good to be back in Guatemala. Day two is over and I can say it felt like a great success. There were some tough cases but no major problems during any of the surgeries, and this is always good news in any operating room. I really feel a big difference in my surgical skills compared to last year’s trip. I would have to thank my fellow co-workers back home for the improvement; they have taught me to be one step ahead of the surgeon and always be aware of what’s going on in the operating room.

I heard there were many patients that traveled over three hours just to visit us at Proyecto Salud y Paz, and it really touched me that they waited three to six more hours after that to be operated on. I also noticed when the patients arrived at the clinic, the entire family is there for support.

Pakistan, Islam & Radicalism

...[T]he same ilk of religio-political parties who now manipulate public discourse were at the forefront of using religious narrative for political point scoring before Pakistan came into being.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi | October 26, 2011

I was in Kasur, a small town near Lahore, Pakistan, where the celebrated mystic poet Bulleh Shah is buried. Thousands gathered for the 254th anniversary of his death. Slogans chanted on that occasion would be branded 'blasphemous' by extremist organisations in Pakistan.

Neither Hindu nor Muslim,
Sacrificing pride, let us sit together.
Neither Sunni nor Shia,
Let us walk the road of peace.

Bulleh Shah penned these verses challenging religious extremism and orthodoxy that plagued Muslim society hundreds of years ago. He was exiled from his home town and, history has it, he was denied a burial in Muslim cemetery. His advice has clearly gone unheeded as my country is still yet to find peace. Not even the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah has been spared being labelled 'the great infidel'.

Salvaging Libya: Malta’s role should be written in gold

...[T]he Maltese government and people left no stone unturned to help and support the Libyan people. This great and sincere support should be written in golden words and remembered forever.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: The Times of Malta
By Laiq Ahmed Atif | October 26, 2011

The death of Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi has closed a chapter of four decades’ rule and opened a new chapter of freedom and democracy. The new beginning has started and now the Libyan people have to focus on establishing peace, freedom, democracy and human rights for all with equality and justice.

No doubt, as Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said, “news of someone’s death is always ugly but for the Libyan people it means the start of a new chapter that we hope will translate into a better life”. Yes, that’s absolutely true and we hope for a flourishing, happy, free, equal and democratic new beginning for Libya.

Pakistan: Majlis Khatme Nubowat urges nation to stand by Army

Nefarious plots of anti-Islam and anti-Pakistan forces alleged: "Qadianis/Ahmadis ... [are] responsible for the prevalent crisis and ... their (Qadiani’s) houses were in fact the arms depot which should be probed by the authorities." [AMTKN Leaders]

Photo: Google images

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Nation | PAkistan
By The Nation | October 26, 2011

HAFIZABAD: Central Leader of Aalmi Majlis-e-Tahaffuz Khatme Nubowat (AMTKN) Maulana Allah Wasaya has appealed to all the religious and political workers and leaders to shun their petty differences and shoulder the Pakistan Army in the sacred mission of protecting the frontiers of the country.

While addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Maulana Wasaya maintained that the US and other infidels were hell-bent to destabilising Pakistan and all and sundry must stand rock solid behind Pakistan Army to foil all such evil designs. He lashed out at both the PML-N and PPP for the present sad state of affairs, saying that the country was passing through a critical juncture while both the parties were busy in dividing the nation.

Faith and practice: Apostasy and UN Declaration of Human Rights

I believe that Nadarkhani should not have to pay any price for his freedom of faith; instead he should be released immediately and should be free to practice any faith he wishes. It is extremely amazing and frustrating that how can these Iranian (or any other Muslim) clerics enforce someone to believe in the religion they have chosen for themselves with their free will.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: AMC - Malta
By  Laiq Ahmed Atif | October 25, 2011 by

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a document to help and support mankind. And all those countries who have signed this declaration are duty-bound, morally and legally, to abide to all articles, clauses and regulations stipulated in this declaration. The very first article of this declaration speaks that ‘all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights’. That is to say that each and every single human being irrespective of colour, faith and politics has the right of freedom, equality, dignity and liberty. And that freedom should not be compromised and ignored by any member state of the United Notations.

This wonderful document duty-bounds all those nations and states, who have signed and endorsed this valuable document, to follow all its articles including 18, which states: ‘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.’ This article not only speaks about the free choice of religion, but also, clearly endorses the freedom to change any religion without any fear and punishment.

Canada: Groups divided over food donations to Occupy Montreal activists

The Quebec chapter of Humanity First was contacted by Occupy Montreal organizers for ready-to-eat foods and will start providing the food this weekend.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit:The Gazette | Montreal
By Ashliegh Gehl | October 25, 2011

MONTREAL - Diverting goods that could help local food banks to the Occupy Montreal kitchen has some aid agencies at odds with one another.

“I think a lot of those activists are not needy people,” Cyril Morgan of the Welcome Hall Mission said of the campers in Victoria Square. “If you are needy, you don’t have food on your table to eat.”

Unable to assess the level of their need, Morgan said he’s hesitant about giving food – especially when excess food at the mission can be distributed to homeless shelters and food banks.

The Welcome Hall Mission operates one of Montreal’s largest food banks, servicing 1,200 families every week. The mission also delivers 70 tonnes of food per month.

USA: NYPD shadows Muslims who change names

For centuries, immigrants have Americanized their names in New York. The Roosevelts were once the van Rosenvelts. Fashion designer Ralph Lauren was born Ralph Lifshitz. Donald Trump’s grandfather changed the family name from Drumpf.

Photo AFP - 2010 Muslim Day parade in New York

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan | AP
By Associated Press | October 26, 2011

NEW YORK: Muslims who change their names to sound more traditionally American, as immigrants have done for generations, or who adopt Arabic names as a sign of their faith are often investigated and catalogued in secret New York Police Department intelligence files, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The NYPD monitors everyone in the city who changes his or her name, according to internal police documents and interviews. For those whose names sound Arabic or might be from Muslim countries, police run comprehensive background checks that include reviewing travel records, criminal histories, business licenses and immigration documents. All this is recorded in police databases for supervisors, who review the names and select a handful of people for police to visit.

Guatemala: Dispatches from Gift of Sight camp ~ Dr. Ahsan M. Khan

As we took the patch off, she opened up her eye and began reading letters, probably for the first time in a long time. The smile on her face was unforgettable. I embraced her as she expressed her gratitude and thanked her for her cooperation and trust.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Gift of Sight / Humanity First
By Dr. Ahsan M. Khan | October 26, 2011

We’ve began our second Gift of Sight eye camp in Guatemala. The venue has moved to the remote town of Chichicastenango, which is about two hours outside of Guatemala City. There are also many new faces on the team this year as only three members of the 2010 team have returned. What hasn’t changed, however, is the overwhelming sense of purpose and gratification gained from helping the wonderful people of Guatemala.

Yesterday morning I had the opportunity to meet Maria Panchal Sequez, an elderly 79 year-old Mayan woman who traveled to our clinic from a remote village. I first noticed her as I was walking past the long lines of patients waiting to be seen at Proyecto Salud y Paz. She seemed frail and was wearing a bright violet Mayan blouse. Maria had a dense white cataract in her right eye which was clearly visible from afar. She was accompanied by her husband, Miguel, a tall, thin, sun-tanned man with deep wrinkles on his face, donning a sombrero and an old over-worn Boston Celtics sweatshirt. He stared at me without expression, perhaps because he wasn’t sure if he should trust me (or perhaps because he somehow knew I was a Lakers fan).

UK: Child abuse claims at Briton madrassas 'tip of iceberg'

One hundred and ninety-one local authorities disclosed a total of 421 cases of physical abuse. But only 10 of those cases went to court, and only two led to convictions. The councils also disclosed 30 allegations of sexual abuse in the Islamic supplementary schools over the past three years, which led to four prosecutions but only one conviction.

File photo: Teacher convicted of child abuse for striking pupils with sticks

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: BBC News
By Fran Abrams | October 18, 2011

Britain's madrassas have faced more than 400 allegations of physical abuse in the past three years, a BBC investigation has discovered.

But only a tiny number have led to successful prosecutions.

The revelation has led to calls for formal regulation of the schools, attended by more than 250,000 Muslim children every day for Koran lessons.

The chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board said he would treat the issue as a matter of urgency.

Leading Muslim figures said families often faced pressure not to go to court or even to make a formal complaint.

A senior prosecutor told the BBC its figures were likely to represent the tip of an iceberg.

New Zealand: South Auckland Ahmadiyya Muslim community promotes tolerance

The Peace Conference is inclusive of all faiths with speakers from Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Islam sharing common beliefs of religious harmony.

File photo: NZ Ahmadiyya community prepares for Interfaith Conf.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: Info News | New Zealand
By Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at | October 25, 2011

Panmure is becoming the heart of change next weekend with the help of one south Auckland community.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community New Zealand, with its centre in Manukau, is inviting together leaders from all the major faiths in Auckland to discuss how peace, loyalty and tolerance are achievable through religion. The community aims to improve relations amongst various religions by holding an annual interfaith Peace Conference helping to build understanding and peace amongst religions, and promote their motto ‘love for all hatred for none’.

The worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held the first peace conference in the 1920s as a Religious Founders’ Day, to help relieve the growing tension among different faiths in the Indian sub-continent. The New Zealand branch adopted the event nine years ago to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding within communities.

Pakistan: The line between ‘reporting’ and ‘mouthpiece’

The question comes down to whether these media groups are reporting, or just transcribing? Are they giving readers a complete understanding of issues and events, or are they, intentionally or unintentionally, acting as mouthpieces for political groups?

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Pakistan Media Watch
By  PMW | October 25, 2011

What is the line between ‘reporting’ and ‘mouthpiece’? When is a reporter simply telling about an event, and when is he amplifying a political message? This is not an easy question – it raises important questions of neutrality and professional responsibility in journalism, as well as what is media’s role in society. But whether or not the question is difficult, it is one that needs to be considered.

Earlier this month, several newspapers reported on a conference of Aalmi Majlis Tahafuz Khatme Nabuwwat in a way that was criticised as being less like a news report and more like a press release. Each of the pieces in Daily Jang, Daily Khabrain, and Daily Express is basically the same report about what was said at the Khatme Nabuwwat conference, including the claim that “the real threat is not Haqqanis but Qadiani’s denial of Prophet’s finality”.

In each piece, the anti-Ahmadi claims are published without comment. While Daily Jang, Daily Khabrain, and Daily Express will certainly offer the defense that this is not their position, that they are simply reporting what was said, is it possible that readers of these newspapers could come away with the idea that Khatme Nabuwwat’s positions are validated by the reports?

But even if the report was neutral about the Khatme Nabuwwat gathering, why was only one side of such a controversial issue presented for readers? With such a strong statement against Ahmadiyyas by Khatme Nabuwwat, why did the reporter not seek out a comment from an Ahmadiyya leader for his response? Since the claim involves matters of national security, why did the reporter not request a clarification from ISPR about whether terrorists or Ahmadis are the real threat to Pakistan?