Ireland: Bangladeshi bus hero due to be deported

 Hossain Chowdhury -- who studied business and finance at Griffith College in Limerick and hotel and catering management at Galway Mayo Institute of Technology -- said he fears religious persecution if he is deported home.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: Irish Independent
By Barry Duggan | November 30, 2011

A FOREIGN national hailed as a hero earlier this month after preventing a bus crash has received his deportation orders to leave the country.

Mosharaf Hossain Chowdhury (28) from Bangladesh will learn next month whether a High Court appeal to grant him asylum has been successful.

On November 11 last, he prevented an accident on the Dublin-bound carriageway along the busy M7 motorway when the driver of the Bus Eireann bus collapsed at the wheel.

With 15 passengers on board the Limerick-Dublin service, Mr Hossain Chowdhury jumped up from his seat and took control of the vehicle.

"We thought we were all going to die. It hit the barrier to the left very badly and went to the right again and then to the left," he said.

Pakistan: Blasphemy allegations | Ahmadi family under threat from clerics

Since the family had been accused of blasphemy, the AMTKN had been organising meetings at a mosque near their residence where they made inflammatory speeches. “People have turned against us. We are under serious threat.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Rana Tanveer | December 1, 2011

LAHORE:  An Ahmadi family in Khushab says it is being victimised by local clerics who instigated the expulsion of a 16-year-old from his school and are now pressing the police to register blasphemy cases against him and his father.

The father, Hakim Jameel, told The Express Tribune that activists of the Aalmi Majlis Tahafuz Khatme Nabuwat (AMTKN) were also trying to get his other two sons expelled from a college where they are ICom and BSc students.

AMTKN members insisted that the 16-year-old student of class 10 and his father had both committed blasphemy. They also made thinly-veiled threats to this correspondent not to publish this story.

Qari Saeed, the divisional president of AMTKN, and Waqas Ahmed moved the application seeking a case under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code against Rana Sajeel, 16, for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and under Section 289 against his father Rana Hakim Jameel for allegedly describing Sajeel as a Muslim in the school admission form.

Tap into the Power of Prayer

Vatican Insider found that “people who regularly attend church services, or have a defined religious identity tend to live longer than their non-religious counterparts.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: St. Louis Islam Examiner
By Basiyr Rodney | November 29, 2011

Muslims pray 5 times a day. In fact The Holy Qur’an asks Muslims to pray as often as is possible. So in addition to the 5 daily prayers called Salaat, Muslims make “extra” prayers for the little things throughout the day. You may hear a Muslim friend say the simple prayer “Bismillah” literally “In the name of Allah” when she begins a task or “al hamdulillah” when expressing thanks or gratitude.  Indeed all faith traditions have some type of prayer or contemplative exercise. Prayer is therefore a fundamental pillar not only of Islam but of most faith traditions.

Research is now confirming what Muslims and their coreligionists have long known. Prayer is effective in supporting good physical health, mental well-being and even recovery from illness. With modern technologies such as heart rate monitors, MRIs and blood sugar meters, we can examine the physical effects that prayer have on the human body.

Over the last ten years a number of studies tell us some interesting things about prayer. Here are some interesting facts:

Pakistan: ‘Good looking Jamaat-e-Islami’

A series of articles written by Imran from 1987 to 1992, in which he [Imran Khan] criticized the Western culture and British Empire and emphasized on promotion of one’s own Islamic-Nationalistic identity, reflected a deep influence of JI’s brainwashing. The JI got hold of Imran in the early stages of his reversion to his native culture.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: ViewPoint Online
By Nayyer Khan | November 29, 2011

Both Jamat-e-Islami and Pakistan's deep state were looking for a charismatic character, who had a glitz of the Western culture and a mindset of an Islamist. One senior memeber of Jamat-e-Islami, namely Hafeea ullah Niazi effectively solved this problem by finding the right person for this job. He happened to be the brother-in-law of Cricket's super star, male sex symbol and Casanova of International repute, Imran Khan.

The Jamaat Islami (JI) won Pakistan state’s patronage to be given a role in home politics for the first time during the brief, yet eventful tenure of military ruler Yahya Khan, when designing of state’s vital policy matters was assigned to then minister for Information and National Affairs, Major General Sher Ali Khan. Yahya Khan was no different from his predecessors – starting from Jinnah to Ayub Khan – who were hardly observant of Islamic practices in their personal lives; but had used political Islam as a major tool for defining national identity and nation-building.

One a liar, Only a liar

There was a Pakistani theoretical physicist once. His name was Abdus Salam. He worked on Quantum electrodynamics, quantum field theory, quantum chromodynamics, particle and nuclear physics.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Dastatic | Blog | Cross-post
By Ali Suleiman | November 28, 2011

Once upon a time, there lived a poet in Greece. His name was Homer. He used to write epic poems. For those who think that ‘epic’ is an adjective here, Epic Poem is a lengthy narrative poem ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. So, Homer wrote epics. Epic poems. And he believed that the earth is flat. It was not a crime at that time, though. Everyone in those times had funny beliefs. So, well, Homer wrote a poem which he named Iliad. Then he wrote another poem which he called Odyssey. These were his poems. Yes, epic poems. And was one of the best epic poets of Greece. But that’s not important, you now. What is important is his belief. He believed the earth to be flat, which in those times, was of course not a criminal offense. But then came Socrates. He said that the world is round. And when it became a well-known fact that the world is round, Homer was proved wrong. And when Homer was proved wrong, everyone became angry! They became really angry! So what if Homer wrote Iliad or Odyssey… he was a liar! One day, a group of truthful Greek people thought of taking revenge from Homer. They took their guns and went to Homer’s house. They knocked. A young boy came out. They asked him if Homer was home. But they were very disappointed to hear that he had died some centuries back.

Faith and Extremism: The enemy of America is my friend, no matter what

Can we ever imagine a Fareed Zakaria or an Ali Velshi on Moscow or Beijing Television network? Could Khaled Hosseini ever be a best-selling author in Russia? Where else but in the West could a Muslim woman become a baroness and head the ruling Conservative Party in the UK.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Tarek Fatah | November 9, 2011

It seems we Muslims have developed an entirely new doctrine that determines who is friend or foe and have added it as a new tenet of our faith.

A country could ride roughshod over its Muslim population, jail us, ban our language and religious practices, send tanks to crush our fight for fundamental human rights. Yet, such a nation could escape any criticism from the world's one billion Muslims if it met one condition: It should be seen as anti-American. All sins seem to be forgiven and forgotten if our oppressor hates the USA.

On the other hand, no matter how Muslim-friendly a power, no matter how much it tries to accomodate its Muslim population, if it happens to be a U.S. ally, e.g., Canada, it'll be seen as an adversary, if not an enemy.

Indonesia: Terror threats now more local, expert says

“Any public official who doesn’t back Shariah law is seen as an infidel, while their motivation for attacking the police is out of revenge for their colleagues who have been killed or arrested by police.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe |
By Nurdin Hasan | November 29, 2011

Banda Aceh. The threat of terrorism in Indonesia remains high, with police and government bodies deemed to have transgressed against Islamic teaching now the main targets, a leading expert warned on Tuesday.

Sidney Jones, a senior adviser with the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, said it would be “difficult to reduce the level of radicalism and terrorism in Indonesia.”

“The numbers [of victims of terrorism] have indeed fallen, but the number of [terrorist] groups continues to rise,” she said on the sidelines of a public discussion of the links between terrorism, politics and Islam in Aceh.

Jones said the indications that terror cells were flourishing did not point to a failing by the police or government, but rather served to highlight how strong the radical ideology behind those groups was.

A Christian Gives Thanks That America Is Not A Christian Nation

If a Christian nation is one whose popular culture is dominated by Christian convictions about what's good and true and beautiful, I'm afraid that's strike three. Just look at the fact that our nation-wide Christmas festivities begin on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, a day that celebrates consumerism, our true civil religion.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post | Religion
By Parker J. Palmer | November 24, 2011

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

--The Declaration of Independence

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...

--First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

These foundation stones of American democracy were laid a century too late to save Mary Dyer's life. Dyer, a middle-aged mother of six, was hanged in 1660 for defying a Puritan law that banned Quakers from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Christians who cruelly deprived this woman of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness were dead certain (so to speak) that they were on a mission from God, protecting their "divinely ordained" civic order against Mary Dyer's seditious belief in the Inner Light.

Holland: Dutch Government Defends Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at from false allegations

Whilst it is true, that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat takes every opportunity to defend true Islam, it does so only through entirely peaceful means and through prayer.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: AMJ International
By Press Release | November 29, 2011

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat abhors all forms of terrorism

On 19 October 2011, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat issued a Press Release entitled ‘World Muslim Leader sends warning to Dutch Politician Geert Wilders’ (Linked here in PDF).

The Press Release was based on a Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat Khalifa-tul Masih V (aba) , Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, in Holland on 14 October 2011. During the Sermon, His Holiness warned the opponents of Islam, and in particular Mr Geert Wilders, about the consequences of their lies and false propaganda about Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw).

His Holiness also used the Sermon to praise the efforts of Queen Beatrix to promote interfaith harmony and tolerance.

Following the publication of the Press Release, Geert Wilders who is the leader of the PVV Party in Holland took notice of its issue and in response sent the following three questions to Holland’s national Interior Ministry:

1.     Are you (the Interior Ministry) familiar with the article ‘World Muslim Leader sends warning to Dutch Politician Geert Wilders’ ?

UK: Muslim medical students boycotting lectures on evolution... because it 'clashes with the Koran'

Similar to the beliefs expressed by fundamentalist Christians, Muslim opponents to Darwinism maintain that Allah created the world, mankind and all known species in a single act.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Daily Mail | UK
By Daily Mail | November 28, 2011

Muslim students, including trainee doctors on one of Britain's leading medical courses, are walking out of lectures on evolution claiming it conflicts with creationist ideas established in the Koran.

Professors at University College London have expressed concern over the increasing number of biology students boycotting lectures on Darwinist theory, which form an important part of the syllabus, citing their religion.

Similar to the beliefs expressed by fundamentalist Christians, Muslim opponents to Darwinism maintain that Allah created the world, mankind and all known species in a single act.

Steve Jones emeritus professor of human genetics at university college London has questioned why such students would want to study biology at all when it obviously conflicts with their beliefs.

Guatemala: Dispatches from Gift of Sight camp - Final

Since it’s inception in January 2010, Humanity First Guatemala has been working actively to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life for Guatemalans in need. 

Photo: Humanity First / GoS Mission.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Humanity First USA / Gift of Sight mission
By HF, GoS, Ahmadiyya Times | November 28, 2011

Final Post Operation Clinic, Gift of Sight 2011

Saturday, November 26th marked the last day of Gift of Sight 2011 mission with their final dispatch from the clinic held at Salud y Paz in Chichicastenango.

The post-op team that included HF Guatemala Director David Gonzalez, Aliya Latif, Dr. Josa Carlos Garcia and Dr. Jorge Sanchez reported back that all of the patients’ surgeries were successful.

They expressed gratitude for having their vision restored, the team added.

The Gift of Sight team extrended thanks to all individuals who supported their trip in any manner.

Without their contributions, Gift of Sight team said, "we would not have been able to give the gift of sight to the people of Guatemala."

After the great success of their 2010 trip, the Gift of Sight team again returned to Guatemala at the end of October. This year, the volunteer team stayed in Chichicastenango and hold a week-long clinic at Clinica Salud y Paz.

Faith and practice: Islamists do not understand the reality of Islam

Because of the distortion of their hearts, today's Islamist clerics wrongly interpret some of the verses of the Holy Qur’an, equate Islamic Jihad to rebellion, and associate self-concocted imprudent beliefs to Islam. [Ahmadiyya Gazette USA]

Islam portrayed as a religion of extremism and terrorism by these suicide
bombings exhibitionists.  

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Malfoozat, volume 3, p. 176, 177
By Mirza Ghulam Ahmad ^(as) (1835 - 1908) | Excerpt

Contrary to the portrayed beliefs:
“Islam is such a religion, which does not need the support of sword for its propagation. Rather, the inherent excellences of its teachings, its truth, enlightenment, reasoning, arguments, and the active assistance of God the Exalted, the signs, and His personal attention are such matters that always drive its progress and propagation…The message of Islam does not need any compulsion for its propagation…

"To mention that the Ghazis (Islamic veterans of wars) of the Frontier Region raise rebellion in the name of Jihad is an absurd thought, and it is nothing but foolishness and ignorance to call these rebellious people by the name of Ghazi. If an ignorant Muslim harbors even the least amount of sympathy for these people considering them performing Jihad, I tell the truth, that the one who calls a rebellious person ghazi, and praises those who bring a bad name to Islam is an enemy of Islam…

Pakistan: Hate campaign against the Ahmadiyya Community in Rawalpindi

Residents of the area are also concerned about this hate campaign but nobody is bothered or willing enough to talk about this issue openly or even discreetly. Silence of the mass may eventually lead to some kind of mishap.

Photo: Shiraz Hassan | Blog

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Shiraz Hassan | Blog | Cross Post
By Shiraz Hassan | November 28, 2011

Just a few days before Eid-ul-Azha, I visited The Holy Family hospital in Rawalpindi to see my friend who was admitted there. During this visit, I witnessed something very odd and alarming. It was a hate campaign against the Ahmadiyya Community. Initially, like most others, I saw and ignored. However, as the days passed, I felt that this hate campaign was turning into a full-fledged movement against the Ahmadiyya community that resides in this part of the city.

This hate campaign was carried out quite visibly, in the form of banners placed in different areas of the E-block, threatening the Ahmaddiya community to stop their “un-constitutional” activities in the area. Incidentally, right after Eid, a set of new banners with a stronger message replaced the old ones. The word “protest” changed to “movement” in these banners which were again placed in various parts of E-Block, Satellite Town, including Holy Family Road, College Chowk, Hyderi Chowk and even in Commercial Market. It also announced boldly that, an “action committee” has been formed. On being enquired about the real faces and brains behind this campaign, the residents of the area, were unwilling to talk.

Pakistan: The Blasphemy Law and the minorities

A 1974 constitutional amendment declares that Ahmadis are non-Muslims. Section 298(c), commonly referred to as the “anti-Ahmadi laws,” prohibits Ahmadis from calling themselves Muslims, referring to their religious beliefs as Islam, preaching or propagating their religious beliefs, inviting others to accept Ahmadi teachings, ... [thus] insulting the religious feelings of Muslims.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Lanka Web | AMJ Sri Lanka.
By A. Abdul Aziz | November 28, 2011

Pakistan is a country that has invoked laws of hatred against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which prevent its members in Pakistan from basic acts of worship. The blasphemy laws are one of the many ways in which the government of Pakistan severely violates the internationally guaranteed right to religious freedom. Pakistan’s “Blasphemy Law” makes the death penalty mandatory for blasphemy. These laws require no evidence to be presented after allegations are made and no proof of intent, and contain no penalty for leveling false allegations, they are easily used by extremists to intimidate members of religious minorities and others with whom they disagree.  They are also often used by the unscrupulous simply to carry out a vendetta or gain an advantage over another. Pakistan’s penal code explicitly discriminates against religious minorities and targets Ahmadis in particular by prohibiting them from “indirectly or directly posing as a Muslim”.

The country is an Islamic republic. Islam is the state religion, and the Constitution requires that laws be consistent with Islam. The Constitution states that “subject to law, public order, and morality, every citizen shall have the right to profess, practice, and propagate his religion;” in practice the Government imposes limits on freedom of religion.

Indonesia: A Look at Shariah in Aceh, 10 Years On

A person accused of adultery often faces mob justice and must endure degrading treatment such as being paraded around the village after being stripped naked and splashed with raw sewage.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Nurdin Hasan | November 28, 2011

Banda Aceh. Ten years ago today, Shariah-inspired bylaws were put into effect in Aceh province. But some activists and clerics are unhappy with their impact.

Some say the bylaws go too far. Others say they don’t go far enough.

Where the criticism seems to converge is the claim that the bylaws have been discriminatory, targeting women and common citizens while leaving political elites largely unaffected.

Teungku Faisal Ali, chairman of the Aceh chapter of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Muslim group in the country, said the bylaws had failed to have any real effect on Aceh society because they were not strong enough.

He blamed the shortcomings on a lack of political will by the local government.

UK: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community celebrates 50 years of Africa Independence

“It is my heartfelt prayer that the African people are able to take full advantage and benefit from their independence. All countries should keep in mind that the leader of a country is the servant of that nation."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at International
By Press Release | November 28, 2011

His Holiness, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad urges African countries to protect the freedoms they have gained

On 26 November 2011, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat celebrated the Golden Anniversary of the Independence of Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Tanzania in an event organised by the PanAfrican Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK.

Dignitaries representing a number of African countries attended the function that took place at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, Surrey.

The highlight of the event was the attendance and address given by the Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad and he addressed the need for unity amongst the people and leaders of Africa.

Norway: 'Without Jesus' death and resurrection, no Christianity,' a visitor's apprehension

...among other things, read the following: Jesus did not die on the cross, but walked through Iraq and Iran to India. He died in a small village in Kashmir, where he lies buried. You can flock and put the flowers on the tomb of Jesus.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: OA. no
By Svein Elvsborg | November 28, 11

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamat is hosting its fourth information show in England on Monday 28 November, this time in Gjovik library.

The same exhibition has previously been shown in Dokka, Raufoss and Fagernes.

In this regard, it would fall naturally to go to AMJs website for more in-depth knowledge of this branch of Islam, a reform movement within Islam founded in 1889 by Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.

I did it and could, among other things, read the following: Jesus did not die on the cross, but walked through Iraq and Iran to India. He died in a small village in Kashmir, where he lies buried. You can flock and put the flowers on the tomb of Jesus.

This, in plain language means that Christianity is a big hoax, a forgery, because without Jesus' death and resurrection, no Christianity.

So what we learned in school and in Sunday school that is just nonsense and deception?


Read original post here: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at

Faith and Practice: How Moderate Muslims Get Trapped

The clerics and protesters who forced the New Delhi police to shut down the exhibition whipped up the people by saying that the ruling Congress Party of India, the Israeli Embassy, and the governments of India and Israel support the Ahmadi Muslims’ religious campaign across the world.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Hidson Institute | NY
By Mohshin Habib | November 28, 2011

[Background: To beat down on any target in the Muslims world the clerics have long learned the trick of whipping up the sentiment by associating the target with the Jews. Then, added to that mix in Pakistan is, a claim that the target is supported by India. The claim is further strengthened by adding the supposed US  support for the nation of Israel and India.]

After a holy war on the Jews and the Christians, the Islamic Extremists try to destroy Muslims not to their liking.

After the hatred of the Jews, the Ahmadiyyans, or Qadiani, one of the Muslim sects living mostly in the Sub-Continent, are now suffering the same hatred as the Jews. Many incidents against both take place continuously; the suppression is becoming intolerable.

Australia: The Holy Quran Exhibition - Ahmadi Muslims put out word

The exhibition, which has been organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Victoria, includes paintings and calligraphies, many created by local people for the event, and introductory lectures.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: Casey Weekly | Cranbourne
By Catherine Watson | November 28, 2011

Organizers of a Koran exhibition in Cranbourne this weekend hope it will not only illuminate their religion but help to correct some misconceptions about Muslims.

The exhibition, which has been organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Victoria, includes paintings and calligraphies, many created by local people for the event, and introductory lectures.

The group's president, Javed Safdar Choudhary, said the exhibition was a first step in bridging the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims.

"Unfortunately, the extreme views of some Muslims are the ones that tend to reach the headlines.

"We want people to see the beautiful side of Islam. The whole idea is to convey the message of peace and tolerance that represents the actual teachings of the Koran."

Scarred and scared: These Pakistani Hindus seek refuge in India

With their tourist visas expired some two months ago, these people from Bagidi community are reluctant to go back to Sindh where, they say, there is no security of their life and property. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Ummaid | IANS
By Gaurav Sharma | November 27, 2011

New Delhi: Sitting hunched with his face cupped in his hands, 42-year-old Shobhamal dreads going back to Pakistan's Sindh province where he has earned the status of a pariah and "bore the brunt of being a non-Muslim".

A group of 146 Pakistani Hindus took refuge at capital's Majnu ka Tilla Sep 8 after crossing the Attari border Sep 4.

"I don't fear for my life but for my family. I decided to come here as there is no place for Hindus in Pakistan. Sexual assault, forced conversion, abduction and humiliation is all this country (Pakistan) has given us," Shobhamal told IANS.

Shobhamal's 18-year-old son died of cancer here earlier this month.

With their tourist visas expired some two months ago, these people from Bagidi community are reluctant to go back to Sindh where, they say, there is no security of their life and property.

Hindus form around seven percent of the total population of Sindh province.

"We don't want to go back. We are outcast there. We appeal to the government that please just give us refuge and we don't want any citizenship," rues 45-year-old Ganga Ram.

Pakistan: Third rally in a week: Prepare for jihad, Jamaatud Dawa says

Jamaat-i-Islami leader Farid Ahmed Paracha said jihad was the only answer to “terrorism of any form, including drone attacks and attacks on checkpoints”. He said only jihad could rid Pakistan of external intervention. “We should go for an eye for an eye,” he said.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Rana Tanveer | November 27, 2011

LAHORE: Banned group Jamaatud Dawa (JD) protested in front of the Lahore Press Club on Sunday – its third demonstration in the city in a week – against the granting of most favoured nation (MFN) trade status to India and the NATO attack on Pakistani troops.

Some 800 protestors from Al Muhammadia Students Pakistan, JD’s youth wing, gathered at the press club carrying banners and placards calling for, among other things, Pakistan’s withdrawal from its alliance with the United States. Some young men wielded daggers. They later travelled in buses to Nasser Bagh and offered prayers for the Pakistani soldiers.

Addressing the rally, JD leaders urged the young protestors to prepare for jihad and urged the Pakistan Army to give a “befitting response” to the “NATO aggression”.

Pakistan: Once were Muslims

We were denied the right to publicly practice any religious rites associated with Muslims, defend or propagate any of our beliefs, and worse still, pose directly or indirectly as a Muslim. A mere Islamic greeting could land you in jail.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Borderline Green
By Haroon Y. Khan | November 27th 2011

Welcome. I am one of the residents of this, the most unique graveyard of the world. And before we go any further, please accept my apologies. I would have extended you the traditional Muslim greeting, but that would be breaking the law. So let me compensate by saying Shalom instead, hopefully the Jews will be more tolerant than the laws of my beloved homeland.

Being here can be quite monotonous, as you would expect, so I tend to wander amongst the graves looking at the names of strangers, friends, young, old, men, women. I can sense your impatience in wondering what has that got to do with making this graveyard such a distinctive one. After all, death is truly impartial; it does not discriminate, among other things, on the basis of gender or age. But patience please, for the sake of an old man indulging in a bit of melodrama…

Pakistan: Holy blunders

... the growing influence of JI’s student-wing, the IJT, on major campuses — a happening one of Bhutto’s youngest ministers, Meraj Muhammad Khan, claims was facilitated by Bhutto himself.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Nadeem F. Paracha | November 20, 2011

In the early 1990s when the then ameer of the Jamat-i-Islami (JI), Qazi Hussain Ahmed, decided to add a more populist dimension to the otherwise exclusivist Jamat, the old guard of the party balked. Some Jamat members felt that Qazi’s attempt to make JI a more populist party was done to counter the image of JI being an establishment-backed party that had been used by various figures to meet their own ends.

There is enough evidence to maintain that the above is correct. Though JI was a staunch opponent of Jinnah, ironically it burst on to the mainstream with the help of one of Jinnah’s associates, the then chief minister of Punjab, Mumtaz Daultana. In spite of being a secularist, Daultana used the JI and another fundamentalist party, the Ahrar, to instigate a violent religious movement in Punjab in 1953 to divert the attention of the people from the grave economic failings of his ministry.

USA: Workplace religious discrimination complaints double over 10 years

"The rise relates to how certain groups are perceived, coupled with people who carry their faith-based precepts and act as missionaries in the workplace."

Photo: SPEhr's blog

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post | Religion News Service
By Marcia Pledger | November 25, 2011

CLEVELAND (RNS) Northeast Ohio native Suhad Hasan says neither her Muslim faith nor her headscarf should be an issue where she works.

But she said they were while she was a sales associate at the Old Navy clothing store in Santa Clara, Calif., three years ago. Hasan said she was assigned to work in the fitting room and was never offered training for other positions, despite her repeated requests.

After several months, Hasan moved back to Ohio, only to be denied what she said was supposed to be an automatic transfer to a job in another Old Navy store. She found herself without a job.

"I was born and raised in the United States and I pay taxes like everybody else," said Hasan, 39, now a Parma, Ohio, resident who has sued Gap Inc., the parent company of Old Navy. "What I wear on my head and the God that I believe in should not be an issue in the workplace."

The number of complaints like Hasan's is steadily rising. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission statistics show that religious discrimination complaints in workplace settings have more than doubled from a little over a decade ago, resulting in roughly $10 million in settlements. Last year, nearly 3,800 were filed.

USA: A Muslim Honors National Bible Week

Because of the honor and respect my holy scripture lays on the Torah and Gospel, I fully support the National Bible Week and its effort to encourage more people to read, study and understand the Bible. To do this is to follow the guidance of God.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Harris Zafar | November 26, 2011



For those who may not know, we are in the midst of National Bible Week, sponsored by the National Bible Association. This is a week, especially identified to raise awareness of the Bible's importance and relevance to the nation and the lives of individuals. During this week, Christians are encouraged to read and study the bible in greater detail. But Christians aren't the only ones who can benefit from it, right?

As an American Muslim, I fully support the goal and purpose of National Bible Week. It may sound strange to hear a Muslim honoring National Bible Week, but I'm not the only one. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community -- the oldest Muslim organization in America -- supports this week and calls on Americans to join together in this cause of reading and studying the Bible. This is just part of the effort the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has waged all year long, which is why we have hosted many interfaith symposia throughout the year all over the country on the topic of "sanctity of holy scriptures," where we advocate for respect and honor to all Holy Scriptures.

Ghana: Headmaster of Ekumfi T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS commends government for projects

The Headmaster complained of an acute water shortage facing the school as the taps had seized flowing for more than two months now, and therefore appealed to the contractor working on the water treatment plant at Gomoa Antseadze to speed up work.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: VibeGhana | GNA
By GNA | November 26, 2011

The Headmaster of T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (SHS) at Essarkyir, Mr Mohammed Ackonu has commended the Government for improving the school’s infrastructure.

He said currently a 12-unit storey classroom block and another seven-unit classroom block were under construction to solve current challenges relating to classroom accommodation.

Mr Ackonu however appealed to the government to provide dormitory accommodation for the school as well.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, the Headmaster said the boys’ dormitory was inadequate and that some of them had been sleeping in a classroom converted into a dormitory.

Italy: Two new prizes to honour young scientists from Pakistan

An annual call is made by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences for suitable candidates working in the fields of basic sciences for the "Abdus Salam Prize in Science" and applied sciences/technology for the "Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Prize in Applied Science and Technology".

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: TWAS | ICTP
By ICTP | November 25, 2011

The Pakistan Academy of Sciences and TWAS announce "Abdus Salam Prize in Science" and "Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Prize in Applied Science and Technology".

The Pakistan Academy of Sciences and TWAS, considering the necessity to foster scientific and technological cooperation among developing countries, are announcing the new "Abdus Salam Prize in Science" and the "Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Prize in Applied Science and Technology".

An annual call is made by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences for suitable candidates working in the fields of basic sciences for the "Abdus Salam Prize in Science" and applied sciences/technology for the "Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Prize in Applied Science and Technology". The specific fields for both prizes rotate on an annual basis.

Pakistan: Ahmadi student ejected for resisting terrorists

In the past several similar incidents took place, but the [COMSATS]administration allowed the Tahaffuz-e-Khatam-e-Nabuwwat to continue their propaganda against the Ahmadis, the administration allows the TKN to act, because of the support from the administration they have become strong.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Spero  News | Forum
By Rodrick Sams | November 25, 2011

Ahmadi Muslims live in constant fear of persecution in Pakistan. Last year, nearly one hundred were killed by Islamic radicals.

A female student of the Ahmadi religious sect in the final year of studies at the COMSATS Institute of  Information Technology in Lahore, Pakistan, has been expelled on allegations of blasphemy. Rabia Saleem was accused of blasphemy by the student wing of the banned ^[*] Islamist organization known as Tahaffuz-e-Khatam-e-Nabuwwat (TKN).  She lived at a student hostel in Lahore, and allegedly removed a banner displayed by TKN condemning the Ahmadi community. A guard observed her removing the poster. He then accused her of committing blasphemy by dishonoring the verses of the Koran. Ahmadis are considered by many Muslims to be heretics and are treated to the same persecution as are Christians and Hindus in Pakistan.

Indonesia: RI to hold fourth BDF despite religious freedom blemishes

Three members of the Ahmadiyah sect were murdered and dozens of others severely injured when they were attacked by a mob in Cikeusik, Banten, West Java, on Feb. 6.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Post | Jakarta
By Mustaqim Adamrah | November 26, 2011

Indonesia will host the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) next month with Bangladesh as the co-chair.

The BDF, scheduled for Dec. 8–9 in Nusa Dua, Bali, is intended to be a venue for government representatives to share their respective countries’ latest democratic developments.

“In the light of how democracy develops in the world today, there is a need for us, governments, to find way to respond to people’s aspirations,” Foreign Ministry director for public diplomacy Kusuma Habir told journalists on Friday.

With the theme of “Enhancing Democratic Participation in a Changing World: Responding to Democratic Voices”, the BDF will have two interactive sessions — the ability of a state to respond to the voice of democracy and ensuring democratic space for the participation of civil society, according to Kusuma.

Pakistan: Countering a disturbing mindset | Plotting murder at prestigious school

Even after the girl’s expulsion there are some who seem bent upon poisoning the atmosphere with hate and incitements to violence. See the comments on the wall of the Comsats students’ facebook group and on their facebook event announcing a “Protest against female qadyani student and Qadyani management of COMSATS”.

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

“Pakistani ‘Muslim’ youth wants blood,” wrote my friend and fellow journalist Mohsin Sayeed, tagging me on twitter with a link leading to a blog post titled “Plotting murder at COMSATS Lahore?” He wasn’t wrong.

The blog post of Nov 24, 2011, by journalist and cartoonist Jahanzaib Haque makes for horrifying reading, revealing a poisonous mindset that cannot be allowed to continue unchallenged.

Please see for yourself and take what action you deem fit. Below is a letter I just sent to the COMSATS Board of Governors, copied to a few friends who asked to be co-signatories, and my message to the facebook group administrator:

To Ali Raza, Administrator of VOC (Voice of COMSIANS) – [The biggest group of COMSIANS on facebook] which created the facebook event Protest against female qadyani student and Qadyani management of COMSATS:

Ghana: Peace Council chides presidential spokesperson Koku Anyidoho

Maulvi Adam, who is also the Ameer and Missionary In-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, told an Accra-based radio station Joy FM on Friday that such comments are “unfortunate” especially when it comes from someone who speaks on behalf of the president.

Maulvi Dr. Wahab Adam, the Ameer and Missionary
In-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Ghana Web | CitiFM Online
By  CitiFM Online | November 25, 2011

A member of the National Peace Council, Maulvi Wahab Adam, is not happy with the comments that emanated from the Communications Director at the Presidency, Koku Anyidoho, which threatened to show the main opposition “where power lies”.

Anyidoho told a London-based news network, Focus radio that the government will deal with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer if he dares incite his supporters to engage in electoral violence next year.

“I am saying it today that Akufo-Addo should dare,” Anyidoho charged. “I know Gabby [Otchere-Darko] is in London and listening. Gabby you are my friend and I’m telling you that you and that your Akufo-Addo, if you claim to be men, make a wrong move in this country and you will see where power lies. We are waiting for them since they say ‘all die be die’. ”

But Maulvi Adam, who is also the Ameer and Missionary In-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, told an Accra-based radio station Joy FM on Friday that such comments are “unfortunate” especially when it comes from someone who speaks on behalf of the president.

Indonesia’s security reforms - Unholy muddle

The government seems helpless; ministers merely talk of respecting the independence of the courts. Yet an unreformed judiciary seems to be dominated by religious conservatives, within a nominally secular state, or judges who fear Islamist radicals.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Economist
By The Economist | November 26, 2011

Pakistanization of Indonesia: At odds over dealing with intolerance and terrorism


THE world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia, has long had a problem in some parts of the archipelago with religious extremism, intolerance and the sort of terrorism that can flow from both. The country has had a good deal of success in combating Islamist terrorism since the bombings on the island of Bali in 2002, which killed 202 people. But continuing suicide-bomb attacks and the discovery of terrorist training-camps suggest that Indonesia remains in danger. Judging by recent events, however, the country has yet to develop a clear strategy to deal with the threat. Too often, different bits of the state give out different, even contradictory, signals. The result is a dangerous muddle.

Pakistan: Ahmadi student expelled on false blasphemy charges

Rabia Saleem ripped up an anti-Ahmadi poster. Students affiliated with Islamic fundamentalist groups accused her falsely in order to expel her from campus. The university usually covers up extremist abuses as silence reigns in the Education Ministry. Catholic priest slams the authorities’ inaction.

Google Images: COMSATS Lahore 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Asia News | Italy
By  Jibran Khan | November 25, 2011

Lahore (AsiaNews) – An Ahmadi student from Lahore (Punjab) was expelled from her university in her senior after she was accused of blasphemy. Students affiliated with Tahaffuz-e-Khatam-e-Nabuwwat (TKN) accused Rabia Saleem of ripping up a poster with anti-Ahmadi content. Ahmadi Muslims are considered heretical by mainstream Islam because they do not view Muhammad as the last prophet. The poster was on the door of the hostel where the young woman lived, and, according to sources, it did not contain any verses from the Qur‘an. A student, who asked for anonymity, said that the university “discriminates against religious minorities” and allows fundamentalist groups to “do as they as they please.”

Rashid Ahmad Khan, additional registrar at the Comsats Institute of Information Technology in Lahore, had denied any link between the student’s expulsion and her religion. Instead, he said she was expelled for “breaking university rules” since she “did not provide a document” required in order to register. Student sources say instead that the expulsion of the Ahmadi student was racist in nature, the result of an attitude of discrimination towards religious minorities that permeates the university.

The Pan African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association to mark 50 years of independence for three African

“We have established schools and hospitals which cater for all.  And recently, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, through its associated charity Humanity First, has established IT centres as well as the provision of water and solar energy in those countries.“

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Sierra Express Media
By SEM | November 25, 2011

The Pan African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA) will on Saturday 26 November mark the 50th anniversaries of independence of Tanzania, Cameroon and Sierra Leone at an event in London.

The celebration is of special significance as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been associated with the countries well before and throughout their free history – and freedom of faith and freedom from coercion underpins Islamic belief.

Rafiq Hayat, National President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK said:  “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has a very long association with Sierra Leone, Cameroon and Tanzania and we are delighted to host a celebration of 50 years of their independence.”

“We remain dedicated to promoting the development of those countries in a way that makes them fully self-sufficient and enables them to become independent in every way.”

He added: “We have established schools and hospitals which cater for all.  And recently, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, through its associated charity Humanity First, has established IT centres as well as the provision of water and solar energy in those countries.“

This celebration and dinner, which will be attended by senior diplomats, will be held at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, on 26 November.  It will be graced by the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the fifth Caliph of the community.

Web: http://www.loveforallhatredfornone.org


Read original post here: The Pan African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association to mark 50 years of independence for three African 

Canada: Interfaith Symposium | Religion should be a source of peace

“No religion tells you to fight. Religion is nothing but promotion of peace. People don’t believe in God, you think they don’t fight? Religion is not meant to put you in hardship or incite violence."

Photo: Steven der-Garabedian

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Canadian Champion
By Kathy Yanchus | November 24, 2011

Religion should be a source of peace, not terror.

That was the general consensus at the conclusion of last week’s Interfaith Symposium hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the Milton Centre for the Arts.

“I am not denying that religious people are fighting but the reasons are not religious,” stated Muhammad Afzal Mirza during the presentation, which sought to answer the question ‘Religion: A Source of Terror or Peace?’

“No religion tells you to fight. Religion is nothing but promotion of peace. People don’t believe in God, you think they don’t fight? Religion is not meant to put you in hardship or incite violence.

“Love it, follow it, cherish it. Everyone has a religion, everyone has a prophet. In the Quran there is not a single verse which dictates Muslims go and fight.”

USA: Islam-Ahmadiyya and Thanksgiving | My faith in action

This summer, over a thousand of us Ahmadi youth met in Cheswick at the Pittsburgh International Sports Arena to learn that our faith tells us to be loyal citizens of our country.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Pittsburg Post Gazette
By Khalid Husain | November 24, 2011

This 11-year-old Muslim-American wonders how I can give thanks in this holiday season. The world seems like a crazy place these days. People are blowing themselves up in places like Pakistan and someone recently even tried to shoot at the president from outside the White House.

Sadly, many of these fanatics are doing it in the name of God. Some even say they belong to my faith, Islam.

As a kid, this makes me ask what Islam really teaches. I belong to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and grew up with the motto, "Love for All, Hatred for None." This summer, over a thousand of us Ahmadi youth met in Cheswick at the Pittsburgh International Sports Arena to learn that our faith tells us to be loyal citizens of our country.

USA: Purely American holiday has universal sentiment

Mehmud is president of the Fitchburg chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and serves as the imam. He first came to America on Nov. 24, 1980, and each Thanksgiving he hosts a family gathering in Fitchburg that attracts nearly 40 people.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Sentinel and Enterprise | Excerpt
By Michael Hartwell | November 24, 2011

FITCHBURG -- Immigrants across the region put their own ethnic spin on the holiday.

This Thanksgiving marks the 31st year that Bashir Uddin Mehmud came to America from Pakistan.

Mehmud is president of the Fitchburg chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and serves as the imam.

He first came to America on Nov. 24, 1980, and each Thanksgiving he hosts a family gathering in Fitchburg that attracts nearly 40 people.

"We are thankful we are in a country where we have the freedom of religion and freedom of speech," said Mehmud.

Pakistan: Pressured by extremists, education institution expels Ahmadi student

According to several firsthand reports cited by Al Ufaq, TKN, an outfit known for disseminating anti-Ahmadiyya propaganda had produced and placed anti-Ahmadiyya hate posters throughout campus targeting the sentiments of Ahmadi Muslim students.

Campus life - Google images

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Al Ufaq / Atif S. Ahmad
By Imran Jattala | November 25, 2011

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT)  Lahore expelled an Ahmadi student accused of blasphemy, it was reported today.

Rabia Saleem, A female Ahmadi student of the final year, was accused of Blasphemous actions by the student wing of a terrorist organization, Tahaffuz-e-Khatima-eNabuwwat (TKN), it was first reported by an online news website, Al Ufaq (The Horizon).

According to several firsthand reports cited by Al Ufaq, TKN, an outfit known for disseminating anti-Ahmadiyya propaganda had produced and placed anti-Ahmadiyya hate posters throughout the university campus adversely targeting the Ahmadi Muslim students sentiments.

Ms. Saleem was accused of removing the hate material attacking her faith and sentiments of other Ahmadi Muslim students, it was independently reported to Al Ufaq.

Pakistan: Owning a war | Will terrorism stop when the US leaves Afghanistan?

Before 9/11, we had proudly declared the Taliban “our boys”, the same boys who were then blamed for supporting insurgencies in India, Iran, Russia and China. If there was much less terror in Pakistan, it was because we were exporting terror all over the region.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The News International
By Imran Khan | November 23, 2011

Corruption, illiteracy, epidemics, and fiscal constraints are typical third world problems – problems that Pakistan is no exception to. But one problem that sets us apart from the rest is the unbridled and ever-increasing incidence of terrorism.

During 2010 almost 3000 Pakistanis died due to terrorist attacks. These included the more than 100 dead in Lakki Marwat when a car bomber targeted a volleyball match, another 86 were literally hunted down when two Ahmadi mosques were attacked in Lahore, and yet another 50 were killed in the carnage at Daata Darbar. The resulting atmosphere of fear and uncertainty is further aggravating all our other problems; foreign investors are becoming increasingly reluctant, illiteracy is getting exacerbated through the wanton destruction of schools, the incidence of polio is on the rise as health workers are under threat, and so on. There is no doubt that this state of affairs needs to change.

Pakistan: Petition filed in LHC challenging Rehman’s appointment

The petitioner moreover stated that Ms Rehman had also presented an amendment bill to the Blasphemy Act over which the LHC was hearing a petition seeking her disqualification from the assembly.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Dawn.com | November 24, 2011

LAHORE: Sherry Rehman’s recent appointment as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States was challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, DawnNews reported.

Petitioner Mohammad Azhar Siddique Advocate was of the opinion that Ms Rehman being a member of the National Assembly could not be appointed to any government post.

The petitioner moreover stated that Ms Rehman had also presented an amendment bill to the Blasphemy Act over which the LHC was hearing a petition seeking her disqualification from the assembly.

The petitioner requested the court to revoke Ms Rehman’s appointment as ambassador to the US.


Read original post here: Petition filed in LHC challenging Sherry’s appointment

Pakistan: Analysis | A sting operation? - Muhammad Ziauddin

I don’t think the former ambassador deserved the kind of treatment that has been meted out to him by the ‘ghairat brigade’ within our establishment and the media.

Pakistan's Former ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Muhammad Ziauddin | November 23, 2011

If I know Hussain Haqqani, I don’t think this is curtains for him. I have found him to be a great survivor. However, let me digress a little and recall another incident here to give a context to the ensuing developments.

When Raymond Davis, an American with dubious diplomatic credentials, was caught red-handed killing two Pakistanis in broad daylight in Lahore and then proceeded against under the law of the land, all the three branches of the US government closed ranks and came to his defence with one voice certifying the questionable immunity of a mole known to be a CIA contractor.

Now let us compare this cohesive US response to a decidedly open and shut case with that of Pakistan’s bizarre position in the still to be investigated Memogate case with most of us baying for the blood of an accredited diplomat.

“What is this mac-and-cheese? Is it a black thing?”

“It is a black thing,” the televangelist’s African-American co-host Kristi Watts said, laughing. “The world needs to get on board with macaroni and cheese!”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Washington Post / Associated Press
By The Reliable Source / AP | November 23, 2011

Quoted: Pat Robertson on Condi Rice’s mysterious Thanksgiving dish

"Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson has been set straight on Thanksgiving comfort food," wrote Associated Press.
.
— Pat Robertson on “The 700 Club” Wednesday, after an interview segment where guest Condoleezza Rice cited her favorite Thanksgiving dish.

"The 700 Club" founder showed a clip of Condoleezza Rice. Robertson's host, Kristi Watts, asked what dish the former secretary of state had to have on Thanksgiving. Rice replied macaroni and cheese.

Pakistan: Ahmadi student expelled on false blasphemy accusation - Al Ufaq

“...the matter could have been resolved among them or with the hostel warden but the administration used it for false propaganda against the Ahmadi Student.”

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore (Google images)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Al Ufaq (The Horizon)
By Al Ufaq staff | November 24, 2011

Ahmadi Student expelled on false accusation of blasphemy by COMSATS in Lahore

A female Ahmadi student of the final year has been expelled by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT)  Lahore. When contacted by Al Ufaq, Mr. Rasheed Ahmed Khan, the Registrar of  the institute denied any connection of  the removal with the student’s faith. “Rabia Saleem has been expelled for violating the discipline of the Institution and not complying with the rules and regulation.”  he added. Mr Khan also declined to provide a copy of the notice that was served to the student and also refused to provide any more details.

Meanwhile Al Ufaq when approached other sources it was confirmed that Rabia Saleem was accused of Blasphemy by student wing of the terrorist organization Tahaffuz-e-Khatam-eNabuwwat.  Prior to this incident members of the same organisation displayed posters and banners containing hate against Ahmadis and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community throughout the Campus.

Faith and interfaith: ‘You are praying to the same God’

The Bait uz Zafar Mosque, which sponsored the interfaith event, ascribes to the Ahmadiyya branch of Islam. The century-old sect views all religions as one community that is distinguished by taste.

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik speaks at a mosque in Hollis, flanked by
Imam Daud Haneef, left, and Imam Azhar Hanif, both of the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The banner above them reads,
“Love for all, hatred for none.” Photo: Aidan Gardner

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Queens Chronicle | NY
By Aidan Gardiner | November 23, 2011

Jewish, Christian and Muslim clergy try to bridge religious gap in forum

In the wake of anti-Semitic incidents in Queens and Brooklyn, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik sat in a Queens mosque on Sunday, flanked by two imams and a reverend. Potasnik grew animated.

“When a mosque is torched, how much more important is it for Jewish or Christian leaders to come forward and say, ‘Now you have attacked one of us?’” said Potasnik, the vice president of New York’s board of rabbis. “When it’s anti-anything, we have to all stand together in speaking out against hate of any kind.”

In the multiple incidents that happened in November, vandals spray painted swastikas and the acronym “KKK” on buildings. In the Brooklyn incident, one or more anti-Semites also set three cars ablaze.

Thanksgiving Day: What do you know about it?

In 2011, approximately 248 million turkeys have been expected to be raised in the United States. The turkeys produced in 2010 together weighed 7.11 billion pounds and were valued at $4.37 billion.

Photo: Annapolis.Com

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Various | US Gov. Facts
By Ahmadiyya Times | November 24, 2011


Thanksgiving Day, observed on the fourth Thursday in November, finds its roots way back in the fall of 1621, when Pilgrims held a three-day feast.

The pilgrims were simply celebrating a bountiful harvest that year but many regard this event as the nation's first Thanksgiving.

Historians have also recorded ceremonies of thanks among other groups of European settlers in North America, including British colonists in Virginia in 1619.

The legacy of thanks and the feast have survived the centuries.

The event gained the national holiday status in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving.

UK: Birmingham Ahmadi Muslims to hold blood donation session

“Now we want more Muslims to give blood, as a sign of respect to those who have fallen in the service to their country and freedom we all enjoy. We have to have full respect for human life regardless or colour, creed or faith.”

File photo: Blood Donation held at Darul Barakaat Mosque in November 2010

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Birmingham Mail
By Jasbir Authi | November 23 2011

CITY Muslims are holding a blood donation session in memory of the victims of the 7/7 and other bombing atrocities.

The Ahmadiyya Muslims Youth Association has organised a session with the National Blood Service and West Midlands Police, to encourage more donors from the South Asian community.

The event will be segregated into male and female donation sessions.

Volunteers from the association also helped the Royal British Legion raise £12,000 by selling poppies in the run up to Remembrance Day.

Organiser, Dr Nadeem Ahmed said: “Now we want more Muslims to give blood, as a sign of respect to those who have fallen in the service to their country and freedom we all enjoy. We have to have full respect for human life regardless or colour, creed or faith.”

The event will take place on Sunday at the Centre Darul Barakaat Mosque, Tilton Road. Contact Dr Ahmed on 07711 956236.


Read original post here: Birmingham Muslims to hold blood donation session

Pakistan and Blasphemy: Sunni Tehreek lambast Sherry Rehman's appointment

The Sunni Tehreek leader urged the government to appoint an ambassador who is loyal to the country and Islam. “Those who are confident and spies of United States and perusing anti-Islam policies should not be considered for such key posts.”

Sherry Rahman seen after submitting private member bill
proposing amendments to the blasphemy law.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The express Tribune
By  Owais Jafri / PPI | November 23, 2011

ISLAMABAD / MULTAN: The Sunni Tehreek (ST) on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the appointment of Sherry Rehman as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States (US).

Speaking to PPI, Central leader of the Sunni Tehreek Shahid Ghauri said Rehman was already following “policies of the US and the Jewish lobby as she tried to abolish the country’s blasphemy laws.”

“We are not satisfied with Sherry Rehman appointment because she is not fair with Islam or the country,” he said.

In late 2010, Rehman’s life was threatened since she submitted a private member bill suggesting amendments to the blasphemy law.

Rehman was criticized by speakers of religio-political parties at large-scale rallies and kept a low profile in the ensuing months, particularly after the assassinations of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer and the Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti.

The Sunni Tehreek leader urged the government to appoint an ambassador who is loyal to the country and Islam. “Those who are confident and spies of United States and perusing anti-Islam policies should not be considered for such key posts,” he said.

Rehman was appointed Ambassador to the US by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on November 23.

Canada: Third Abdus Salam Science Fair

Professor Abdus Salam, the first Muslim scientist to win a Nobel Prize, ... was born in Pakistan and remained a proud citizen of Pakistan all his life and after death his remains were also transported and buried in Pakistan on November 25, 1996.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Weekly Voice | Canada
By  Weekly Voice Photo: Bashir Nasir  | November 21, 2011

Third Abdus Salam Science FairThe Abdus Salam Science Fair is held every year since 2009 in the memory of Dr. Abdus Salam by the National Department of Taʻlim, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaʻat Canada. Professor Abdus Salam, the first Muslim scientist to win a Nobel Prize, shared the 1979 Nobel Prize for physics with two American scientists Sheldon Glashow and Steven Weinberg for their independent development of a theory unifying the electromagnetic and the weak nuclear forces. He was born in Pakistan and remained a proud citizen of Pakistan all his life and after death his remains were also transported and buried in Pakistan on November 25, 1996.

This year the science fair was held on Saturday 12th November 2011 at the newly built Tahir Hall, with prize distribution and closing ceremony being held in the Baitul Islam mosque.

UK: Mosque plan for Concorde House

"It has been over eight years since we had our existing mosque and now children have grown up membership has increased and hence we would like to have a bigger place of worship for prayers and community activity."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: This is Scunthorpe
By VJ_Slack | November 23, 2011

Permission is being sought to establish a new mosque in Scunthorpe.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association wants to create the mosque, complete with living accommodation for a religious leader, and community facilities at Concorde House, on Bessemer Way, Scunthorpe.

Part of Concorde House is currently used for offices, but the rest of the site is empty.

If granted permission, the mosque would be used for prayers five times a day and the site would be used for community meetings and indoor community activities.

Dr Syed Muzaffar Ahmed, president of the Scunthorpe Muslim Association said the current mosque on Cliffcloses Road had become too small to accommodate its growing number of worshippers.

"It has been over eight years since we had our existing mosque and now children have grown up membership has increased and hence we would like to have a bigger place of worship for prayers and community activity," he has told North Lincolnshire Council.

USA: Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum supports profiling of young Muslim males

"Obviously, Muslims would be someone you look at, absolutely. The radical Muslims are the people committing these crimes, by in large, with younger males." [Rick Santorum]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Andrea Stone | November 22, 2011

Rick Santorum Claims He Supports TSA Using Ethnic And Religious Profiling Of Younger Muslim Males

One of the most devout Christians in the GOP field endorsed singling out Muslims for extra screening by the Transportation Security Administration while the only African-American candidate called for racial profiling by another name.

"Obviously, Muslims would be someone you look at, absolutely," said former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum. "The radical Muslims are the people committing these crimes, by in large, with younger males" also deserving of more scrutiny at airport checkpoints.