Canada: Toronto universities, colleges launch stand against ISIS

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The campaign, which includes efforts at Ryerson, University of Toronto and York University, is described as “a riveting, eye-opening look at guarding against radicalization.”

Photo: Twitter Mahedah Amjad ‏@Mahedah

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Metro News
By Gilbert Ngabo | November 26, 2014

A nationwide campaign that aims to counter ISIS attempts at recruiting students from college and university campuses is under way in Toronto.

Stop the CrISIS was officially launched last week, initiated by members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA).

The campaign, which includes efforts at Ryerson, University of Toronto and York University, is described as “a riveting, eye-opening look at guarding against radicalization.”

“We want to condemn ISIS and let people know it does not represent Islam,” said Blawal Aleem, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Association (AMSA) at Ryerson University.

“As the youth, students are vulnerable so we want to educate them before ISIS reaches them,” he said.

Canada: History students learn about Middle East unrest

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Abdul Qureishi. president of the Ahmdiyya Muslim Community, Halifax chapter, gave a presentation last week at Exploits Valley High School. He was accompanied in Grand Falls-Windsor by Fazal Malik, who delivered a talk on the terror group ISIS and related issues affecting public peace. The men also addressed the public during talks at the Harmsworth Public Library.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Advertiser (Grand Falls)
By Advertiser | November 24, 2014

Exploits Valley High School history students got to learn about the crisis in the Middle East and the terror group ISIS from a slightly different angle last week.

On Tuesday, Abdul Qureishi, president of the Ahmdiyya Muslim Community, Halifax chapter, gave a presentation to the world history classes. He was accompanied by Fazal Malik of Charlottetown, P.E.I., who delivered a talk on the terror group ISIS and related issues threatening public peace.

Exploits Valley High teachers Deborah Ball and Chad Oldford said students benefited from the presentation.

"(The) world history students enjoyed Mr. Qureishi’s presentation on Islam and ISIS," Ball said. "He was knowledgeable and engaged students in this timely topic."

Perspective: Ahmadi Muslim youths focused on peace at UN | Kwabena Osman

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The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association held an event at the UN to provide solutions to these issues titled “Islamic Solutions to Youth Radicalization.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: News-Journal
By Kwabena Osman MD | November 30, 2014

Radicalization of youth is one of the biggest challenges facing us today. Often, we hear of young people taking arms to shoot fellow students while other frustrated youth have traveled or attempted traveling to join ISIS. This is of grave concern since some may return home and cause atrocities.

It is in this light that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association held an event at the UN to provide solutions to these issues titled “Islamic Solutions to Youth Radicalization.”

In his address, the president of the association, Dr. Bilal Rana mentioned one simple solution: “You do it by showing them the love and affection and human kindness which they lacked in the first place. We cannot solve extremism with military excesses of our own.”

Canada: Family of radical son creates outreach program

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In Edmonton, Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza, spokesperson for the city's Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, says many youth today are facing spiritual gaps that make them vulnerable to radicalization.

Damian Clairmont (left) -- killed in Syria in 2012 as a member of the
al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front. Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza (right), is a
spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Edmonton Sun / Toronto Sun
By Catherine Griwkowsky | November 30, 2014

EDMONTON — Chris Boudreau now knows there were signs her son was headed down a deadly path.

Damian Clairmont -- killed in Syria in 2012 as a member of the al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front — was smart as a child but had trouble relating to his classmates.

A day after his 17th birthday in 2008, he attempted suicide in his hometown of Calgary. He remained hospitalized, seeing the same psychiatrist for months.

Later that same year, he converted to Islam, finally finding peace. But that peace quickly gave way to tension.

Damian refused to come to the dinner if there was a bottle of wine on the table. He avoided restaurants where women wore shorter skirts than he approved of. He told his family the western world was not doing enough to help others and started spouting 9/11 conspiracy theories. He had become radicalized.

Perspective: Two faces of Pakistan | Sarwar Jahan Chowdhury

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Massive numbers of Hindus and Sikhs, due to the conditions in Pakistan, migrated to India over the decades since independence.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Daily Star
By Sarwar Jahan Chowdhury | November 29, 2014

It's not easy to understand a sizable country of 180 million with some diversity which is fraught with multifarious complex problems and also some bit of underlying hope. The country in question here is Pakistan. The Pakistani society often seems to embody the worrying version of Sunni Islam, although it's   an apparently democratic or quasi-democratic nation. In the whole world only one or two Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan's neighbor Afghanistan are perhaps in the similar category in terms of religious orthodoxy.

The modern state- traditional society dichotomy is acute in Pakistan and these two are often at loggerheads. The primitivism of the dominant Sunni Islamic segment of the society is increasingly seeping in to the somewhat modern state left behind by the colonial modernizers and carried forward by their native nationalist counterparts. Even Jinnah's “Two Nation Theory” emphasized the cultural and historical distinctiveness of sub-continental Muslims and not on religion per se. He never meant Sunni Sharia Laws to come in force and the deplorable laws like 'Blasphemy Act' etc.

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws legitimise intolerance

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No politician has been prepared to confront blasphemy since Salman Taseer, the governor of Punjab province, was killed by one of his own bodyguards in 2011.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Economist
By The Economist | November 29, 2014

THE killing and incarceration of people on flimsy accusations of insulting Islam has long shamed Pakistan. Hundreds, often members of religious minorities, have been ensnared by blasphemy laws that leave victims with little chance of defending themselves against malicious claims. Cowed judges are unwilling to examine evidence for fear of profanities being repeated in their courtrooms. Outside the courts, mobs can be quickly incited to acts of murder by fire-breathing mullahs.

Accusations of blasphemy soar: just one in 2011; over 100 in 2014. More than half of the 62 people murdered in the wake of blasphemy allegations since 1990 were killed in the past five years, according to figures collated by a Pakistani human-rights group that fears even to be identified. “Blasphemy” can now include spelling errors by children or throwing away a visiting-card bearing the name “Muhammad”.

Australia: Community debates new Ahmadiyya Muslim Association mosque at Rivett shops

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Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Australia ACT branch president Mohammad Hasan said the new mosque would hold prayers for about 100 people on Fridays and feature a library which would be open to the public.

File photo: ACT Ahmadiyya Muslim Community organized Quran Exibition

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: The Canberra Times
By Ben Westcott | November 30, 2014

An ACT Muslim group, which intends to construct a new mosque at the Rivett shops, says it plans to build a state-of-the-art building, open to the public and preaching "love for all, hatred for none".

But the new development has divided shopowners and residents who say they are concerned over parking, construction and vandalism at the new building.

The ACT cabinet approved the block sale in March to the association's ACT branch, which intends to build a place of worship.

A development application has not yet been submitted to the ACT Planning and Land Authority for assessment.

Residents will be able to put in submissions during the public notification period.

Sri Lanka: Opposition presidential candidate vows to protect President and security forces from war crime charges

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The opposition candidate pledged to protect the President and his Family and the security forces commanders and "- members of the security forces.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: ColomboPage
By ColomboPage | November 28, 2014

Sri Lanka's common opposition presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena vowed to oppose any move by anyone to haul the Sri Lankan leaders or security forces to an International Court on war crime charges.

Addressing a media briefing convened by the common opposition in Colombo today, Sirisena stated that he will not allow the international community or the pro-LTTE Tamil Diaspora to carry out an international war crime probe on the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his family or the security forces who freed the country from terrorism if he becomes the President.

In response to a statement made by the Tamil diaspora that if President Rajapaksa lost the presidency he will be taken to an international court on war crime charges, the opposition candidate said that he will never give any chance to the pro-LTTE Tamil Diaspora for such a move.

Canada: Ahmadi Muslims promoting Islam in Quebec City

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“The veil is a lifestyle. It helps me be myself and to dress to please myself, not to please anyone, and to focus on my own objectives. The goal is to feel comfortable in my own skin.”

Sarah Cherki of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community speaks to Quebecers during
an information session on Islam. (Photo credit: Ruby Pratka)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit:  Life In Québec
By Ruby Pratka | November 28, 2014

If there has ever been an easy time to be an imam in Quebec City, now is not it. The divisions stirred up by the Charter of Values still rear their heads every time Islam is mentioned, and the murders of two Canadian soldiers by Quebec-born Muslim converts raised concerns in the media that young men were being pushed to adopt a radical, Islamic State-inspired version of Islam.

It’s not an easy time to promote Islam in Quebec City. But Luqman Ahmed, a 26-year-old Ahmadiyya Muslim imam, has decided to try. With pizza, pop and free Qur’ans, he and three of the members of his congregation attempted to win hearts and minds Wednesday evening at a community centre on Rue Boivin in Ste-Foy.

Perspective: Did Malala deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?

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People criticise her for not living in and working for Pakistan. Given that her life is in danger here and the state is not ready to provide adequate protection, she could be forgiven for that.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Rxpress Tribune
By Asghar Qadir | November 29, 2014

In the issue of The Express Tribune of November 1, there was an article by Razya Siddiqui entitled “Maligning Malala — the sound and the fury”. She said no more than what I had been saying. However, she said it a lot better and, more importantly, she published it. The article shamed me into realising that this is a time to stand up and be counted. If a little girl who desperately wanted education, can stand up for education for girls in a conservative society, how can an educated old man stay silent — especially when the said man is an educator who fervently believes in the equality of men and women in intellectual activities? Let me add my two pennies’ worth.

It is an honour for Pakistan that a teenage Pakistani girl has been given this most prestigious award. Why wouldn’t Pakistanis be delighted with this honour? As Siddiqui pointed out, people ask what she has actually done to achieve this recognition. Everyone has a favourite candidate who, it is claimed, deserved this award more than Malala. I, myself, had thought that Abdul Sattar Edhi might have deserved it more. However, I realised that Edhi’s work, however selfless, useful and significant for Pakistan, does not merit international recognition. What impact has it had outside Pakistan? Malala, on the other hand, has had an immediate and dramatic impact the world over.

Canada: Ahmadi Muslims educate communities about Islam

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The Islamic religion is all about love and peace and any person who commits a violent act in the name of Islam is not a true follower of the religion.

Photo: Brandon Anstey/tc•Media

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Beacon | Gander
By Brandon Anstey | November 28, 2014

Members of Muslim community make a stop in Gander

With conflict raging in the Middle East, some terror groups have made a link between their violent acts and religion.

Fazal M. Malik and Abdul Razzaq Qureshi are Islamic followers of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Community in Canada, and they want to clear up any misconceptions that are fueling public perceptions of Muslims.

The pair was recently in Gander to talk to high school students about the meaning of Islam and some of the stereotypes surrounding the religion.

“We wanted to give the students the tools and instruments to explain to them what Islam is all about in the shortest manner that we can, and then provide an outlet for them to ask questions,” said Malik. “There were a lot of questions here in Gander about how ISIS operates, their funding, and there are a lot of interested people who want to know more. We are not a political organization ­ ­– we are here to raise awareness about Islamic values and teachings.”

UN agency declares state of emergency in Gaza Strip

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The agency further noted that it was “providing emergency fuel to supply back-up generators for pumping stations, portable pumps, municipalities, water, sanitation and health facilities.”

Palestinians make their way through a flooded street during heavy rains in
Gaza City on November 27, 2014.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Press TV
By Press TV | November 27, 2014

A United Nations agency has declared a state of emergency in the besieged Gaza Strip after two days of heavy rains and flooding in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said in a Thursday statement that hundreds of residents in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City had been evacuated due to the rise of a “storm water lagoon” in the area.

It further said that the flooding has caused the closure of 63 schools across Gaza City and 43 schools across the northern Gaza Strip.

"The flooding is exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza caused by blockade and the unprecedented destruction from the latest Israeli offensive," the UN agency said.

Canada: Ahmadi Muslim missionary calls for peace at Barrie interfaith breakfast

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“All people belong to Him who’s not only the Lord of the Christians, Jews or Muslims. He’s not my property or your property. We should all come together.”

Barrie interfaith breakfast: Barrie Councillor Peter Silveira (from left) with
Rabbi Mendel Nakkar and Umar Akbar. (Photo: Laurie Watt)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Simcoe / Barrie Advance
By Laurie Watt | November 28, 2014

Peace on Earth and goodwill toward all people.

That might be a common phrase in a Christmas carol, but one many at Coun. Peter Silveira’s third annual Barrie Interfaith Breakfast today would sing as well.

With the message “Bring people together to build understanding and peace”, Umar Akbar, a missionary from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in York Region, stressed we need to focus on what we agree on — that people of all faiths are children of God — rather than their differences.

“All people belong to Him who’s not only the Lord of the Christians, Jews or Muslims. He’s not my property or your property. We should all come together,” he said.

“Why should be go toward those things that we disagree upon? Why not start where we agree — a belief in God? We can all come together on the fact we’re all God’s children regardless of which country or what religion we come from.”

Perspective: Jihad in Pakistan? -

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While the JI still idealizes Saudi Arabia, it abhors America and its allies. Paradoxically, Saudi Arabia is perhaps the most important Muslim ally of the Americans in the Middle East.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Friday Times
By Shahzad Raza | Issue: November 28, 2014

Jama'at-e Islami's ex-emir Munawar Hassan makes headlines yet again

He was a communist some six decades ago – a president of the National Students Federation. But in 1960, he underwent a complete transformation when he became acquainted with the works of Maulana Maududi. He joined Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, and eventually became its emir.

Munawar Hassan, who was voted out of the office in March, surprised even his critics – who compare him with Taliban ideologues – when he said in a recent statement that Pakistan’s ills could be cured with fighting in the name of Allah (Qital Fi Sabilillah).

In a three-day gathering of the JI at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, the radical politician dwelt upon the sensitive subject of Jihad. He criticised the liberals for distorting the meaning of Jihad at the behest of their so-called foreign masters.

Canada: Ahmadiyya Muslims denounce extremism, spread message of understanding and compassion

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The Ahmadi Muslims live by the motto "Love for all, hatred for none," and emphasize that they have a great deal of respect for their Canadian neighbours.

Behzad Ibrar, 23, Ali Shan Butt,13, Danial Khan, 20, participate in a roundtable
discussion about Islam and their lives (Photo by Brandon McNeil)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Calgary Journal | Canada
By Brandon McNeil / Ryan Rumbold
Posted: November 27, 2014

Calgary group serving as positive example of the Islamic faith

In the last few months, the Canadian public has been awash in news about Muslims and the Islamic faith.

Between talk of the ISIS movement, acts of vandalism against mosques in Alberta and Quebec and the murders of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, the media depicts a clash between cultures and raises questions about the nature of Islam.

It was these events that inspired the Calgary Journal to sit down with some members of a local Islamic youth group to talk about the nature of their faith, their experiences with living in Canada and their own perceptions of the aforementioned events.

EU urges Pakistan to push for repeal of blasphemy laws

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The resolution “calls on the government of Pakistan to carry out a thorough review of the blasphemy laws and their current application ... with a review to repealing the laws.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Al Arabia News
By AFP, France | November 27, 2014

The European parliament called Thursday on Pakistan to overhaul its blasphemy laws with a view to repealing them, saying they were “increasingly used to target” Christians and other minorities.

The parliament expressed particular concern about the case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman sentenced to death four years ago for insulting the prophet Mohammed during an argument with a Muslim woman over a bowl of water.

Her sentence was upheld last month by a high court in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, dashing hopes the conviction might be overturned or commuted to a jail term.

In a non-binding resolution, members of the European parliament in Strasbourg, France expressed their concern that blasphemy laws “are increasingly used to target vulnerable minority groups, including Ahmedis and Christians, in Pakistan.”

Perspective: Reform the British Youth if you want to get rid of threat from ISIS | Meliha Hayat

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As a young Muslim I am familiar with the struggle, but I was lucky because I belong to a community that has always stayed true to its youth. Every weekend we were given workshops and activities to do which admittedly at the time I didn't appreciate until now.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post | UK
By Meliha Hayat | November 27, 2014

For months now the British government have been trying to reduce the threats we face from the 'terrorist state' ISIS. Home secretary Theresa May has raised concerns over jihadist returning from Iraq and Syria but fails to realize the greatest threat we face is home grown extremism. Even if the government is able to implement new laws that will see returning jihadists losing their passports they will not be able to confiscate their funding, training and desire to overthrow the western world.

Young Muslims in the UK face a great identity crisis; many are unable to distinguish their cultural values from their religious beliefs. Many find it hard to find someone to confide in and it doesn't help that more often than not the people that can provide answers belong to the other side of a generation and cultural barrier that is too big to conquer. They are left feeling confused and often guilty for not knowing what Islam really stands for and what it takes to be a true Muslim.

Nigeria: Muslim group laments religious leaders’ affiliation to parties ahead of 2015 elections

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"Few weeks ago, we were invited by a political party for their rally. But we didn’t attend because it would look as if one is sanctioning one person or candidate ahead of others."

Dr. Mashhud Fashola

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Vanguard Nigeria
By Monsuru Olowoopejo & Aderonke Adeyeri
Posted November 27, 2014

A Muslim group, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Nigeria, has lamented that the affiliation of religious leaders to political parties has reduced their efficiency to address issues affecting the country.

Amir of group, Dr. Mashhud Fashola who made the complain at the group’s secretariat, Ojokoro, Lagos, weekend, said “If religious bodies are serious, they can proffer solution to the challenges confronting the country.

“But lot of this religious organisations and their leaders have affiliated themselves to one political party or the order.

He warned that “they need to desist from this,”because rather than control the politicians on how best to provide the dividend of democracy, they become followers of the politicians.

European Parliament takes up blasphemy in Pakistan; kidnapping in Iraq; war crimes in Serbia

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They [European Parliament] call on the government of Pakistan to carry out a "thorough review of the blasphemy laws and their current application"

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: European Parliament / News
By Plenary Session PR / November 27, 2014

Parliament passed three resolutions on Thursday, calling on the Pakistani government to review its blasphemy laws; condemning atrocities by the so-called Islamic State in Iraq; and calling for action against the "wartime rhetoric" and hate speech of provisionally released Serbian war crimes suspect Vojislav Šešelj.

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan

MEPs express concern about Pakistan’s "controversial blasphemy laws" which "make it dangerous for religious minorities to express themselves freely or engage openly in religious activities". They call on the government of Pakistan to carry out a "thorough review of the blasphemy laws and their current application" and to guarantee the independence of the courts, the rule of law and due process "in line with international standards on judicial proceedings". They also ask the European Commission to aid religious communities and "pressurise the Pakistani government to do more for the protection of religious minorities".

Sri Lanka: UN report says extremist Buddhist group promotes racial and religious violence against minorities

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"Failures identified included a United Nations system that lacked an adequate and shared sense of responsibility for human rights violations.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Colombo Page
By Colombo Page | November 26, 2014

Sri Lanka's extremist Buddhist group, Bodu Bala Sena, along with other extreme groups is promoting extremist views and spreading fear among minority communities, a UN report presented Tuesday in Geneva at a forum on minority issues said.

In her report presented to the 7th session of the Forum on Minorities Issues on "Preventing and Addressing Violence and Atrocity Crimes Targeted against Minorities" Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Rita Izsák said the statements made by the Bodu Bala Sena have fuelled tensions and contributed to more than 350 violent attacks against Muslims and over 150 attacks against Christians in the past two years.

The report said the BBS, along with other groups, is promoting extremist views, proclaiming the racial superiority of Sinhala Buddhists and spreading fear among the population by, for example, alleging that statues of Buddha are being bulldozed by religious minorities or that evangelical Christians are forcibly converting vulnerable people.

Canada: Edmonton Muslim students host forum to fight radicalization

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“What we’re trying to do is get ahead of it and say 'this isn’t what our religion teaches us and these are the reasons why, and this is what we can do to try and steer youth away from it,'”

Khalid Ahmad, president of the AMSA (left) and Qaasim Mian (right)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: CBC News
By CBC News | Nov 27, 2014

Stop the Crisis forums are being held in cities across Canada

A group of Edmonton Muslim students is hosting forums in the hopes of stopping youth radicalization on Canadian soil.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Students’ Association (AMSA) is trying to deter radicalization in Canada by hosting Stop the Crisis, an event educating local youth that the teachings of Islam are not in line with what ISIS is preaching.

“What we’re trying to do is get ahead of it and say 'this isn’t what our religion teaches us and these are the reasons why, and this is what we can do to try and steer youth away from it,'” said Qaasim Mian, a member of AMSA.

Perspective: Thanksgiving transcends religious differences | Ahsan M. Khan, M.D.

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As an Ahmadi Muslim who believes in a calpihate that promotes peace and tolerance, I give thanks to nations like the U.S. that allow us to promote this positive message and set the record straight on true Islam.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Press-Enterprise
By Ahsan M. Khan, M.D. | November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving is a truly special holiday because it transcends religious differences and allows us all to celebrate a common value: gratitude. Islam, in particular, is grossly misrepresented by groups like al-Qaida and ISIS. These groups preach hate and forceful conversion.

As an Ahmadi Muslim who believes in a calpihate that promotes peace and tolerance, I give thanks to nations like the U.S. that allow us to promote this positive message and set the record straight on true Islam.

Moreover, this country affords all people the freedom to live and express our thoughts and feelings without fear of repercussion or subversion, and for that we are indeed grateful.

Ireland: Ahmadiyya Maryam Mosque to hold open day this Saturday

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There will be an address by Imam Ibrahim Noonan and a small exhibition. The public will also have an opportunity to ask questions and refreshments will be provided.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Galway Advertiser
By Kernan Andrews | November 27, 2014

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Ireland will hold an open day at its new Maryam Mosque on the Old Monivea Road, next week.

The open day takes place this Saturday from 6pm to 9pm and the theme of the day is ‘World Crisis and Pathway to Peace’.

There will be an address by Imam Ibrahim Noonan and a small exhibition. The public will also have an opportunity to ask questions and refreshments will be provided.

For information on how to attend email chrisk.pender@gmail.com or call 00353 89 476784.

Read original post here: Ireland: Ahmadiyya Maryam Mosque to hold open day this Saturday

Israel: Ahmadi Muslim Leader Says Terrorist Attacks on Jews 'Stain Islam'

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Israeli Sheikh, part of Ahmadiyya branch persecuted by other Muslims, visits Har Nof synagogue, says terror attacks against Koran.

Sheikh Muhammad Sharif Odeh (L) is seen with
His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the head
of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Arutz Sheva
By Ari Yashar | November 27, 2014

Sheikh Muhammad Sharif Odeh, a leader of the Ahmadiyya branch of Islam in Israel, condemned the recent wave of Arab terrorism in the Jewish state committed in the name of Islam, and claimed the attacks are a perversion of the religion.

In an op-ed this Monday in the private Palestinian Arab Ma'an News Agency translated by Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), Odeh wrote "when Allah, exalted be He, gave permission for the Muslims to fight, he did so in order that they might defend complete freedom of religion. He emphasized to them that it was their duty to defend, first of all, the churches, houses of worship and monasteries of their fellow men, even before their own mosques."

Speaking about the Har Nof synagogue massacre in which Arab terrorists murdered four Jews at prayer in addition to a Druze police officer, Odeh wrote "I visited the synagogue that was attacked in Jerusalem, and from the first moment, I felt a sense of anger because of this shameful act, which does not conform to our glorious Islam and contradicts its principles of tolerance."

"My condemnation of this crime arises from my understanding of and belief in glorious Islam; my religion, of which I am proud, and which the above individuals are attempting to stain with their ideas and behavior," wrote Odeh. "I assert that those people who are attempting to sanction this crime or incite to similar acts in the name of religion have no backing from the Koran."

Unfortunately Odeh can not be said to be speaking for mainstream Islam, as his Ahmadiyya branch has been ostracized and persecuted by other Muslims.

Pakistan and Two Sanctuaries

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Pakistanis deserve a permanent break from terrorist attacks and sectarian violence. It is, however, the second type of sanctuaries that constitutes the most devastating blowback reflected in societal radicalisation.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Talat Farooq | Nov 25, 2014

PAKISTAN’S military leadership has said it is resolved not to spare any terrorist sanctuaries in the ongoing military operations. There are, however, two kinds of sanctuaries and while the military operation can destroy one it cannot dismantle the other.

The first kind came into being as a result of Pakistan’s reliance on proxy forces as a security-enhancing tool. Thanks to Ronald Reagan, by 1989 we not only mastered the art of asymmetric warfare but our American friends ensured we were left with trained manpower and material resources to use throughout the 1990s and beyond.

As Pakistan has learnt the hard way the strategy can lead to multiple militant groups with numerous agendas and sources of external support. Unlike a formal alliance, this arrangement lacks specific enforcement and oversight mechanisms; while its covert nature facilitates plausible deniability it simultaneously undermines state influence on proxy groups allowing them to become increasingly independent.

UK MPs propose sanctions on Sri Lanka for non-cooperation with OHCHR

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"We recommend that the Government negotiates with its EU partners to remove GSP status from Sri Lanka, if the Government of Sri Lanka does not allow the OHCHR investigating team into the country and uphold the right of human right defenders to engage with the UN human rights system."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk Desk
Source/Credit: Colombo Gazette
By Colombo Gazette | November 27, 2014

Parliamentarians have proposed imposing sanctions on Sri Lanka if the Government of Sri Lanka does not allow the UN investigating team into the country.

The UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee has noted that given the time that has passed since the launch of the international inquiry, and the constraints placed on the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) team, they believe that the UK Government should be ready to consider all possible options, including sanctions, to convince Sri Lanka to allow access.

“We recommend that the Government negotiates with its EU partners to remove GSP status from Sri Lanka, if the Government of Sri Lanka does not allow the OHCHR investigating team into the country and uphold the right of human right defenders to engage with the UN human rights system,” the Foreign Affairs Committee said in a report handed over yesterday.

UK: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to host Annual Careers Fair in London

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The Ahmadiyya Muslim Careers fair has been running successfully for the last 3 years at Western Europe’s largest mosque, which was previously voted as one of the ‘Top Buildings in the World.’ 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: AMA - UK
By Press Release | November 27, 2014

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is set to hold its 4th National careers fair in Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden on Saturday 29th November 2014.

The event is open to people from all communities as it seeks to bring forward talent from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds to provide them with the opportunity to enhance their goals and careers through unique insight and networking opportunities.

The Careers fair will start at 10:00 and finish at 17:00.

The event has previously been host to over 2,000 men and women. The careers fair aims to exhibit over 50 of some of the UK’s top leading companies and government institutions that work within the employment, entrepreneurship and education sectors. It also promises to provide help and guidance for all those seeking jobs and higher education.

Canada: Education key to fight extremism, youth told at #StopTheCrISIS

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Serjeel Ahmed of Mississauga, who is studying to become an imam, gave an overview and history of Islam to a small audience at Wolf Performance Hall.

Sarjeel Ahmed talks to an audience during Stop The Crisis campaign
Photo: CRAIG GLOVER The London Free Press / QMI AGENCY

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The London Free Press
By Norman DeBono | November 25, 2014

Greater outreach, action and education are needed to stop the terrorist radicalization of Muslim youth that has hit London hard, a member of a Muslim youth group says.

Two young men from London, Ali Medlej, 24, and Xristos Katsiroubas, 22, were killed by security forces in 2013 as they took part in a bloody terrorist takeover of an Algerian natural gas plant.

A third high school friend, Aaron Yoon, was jailed in Mauritania for alleged ties to al-Qaida.

The key to preventing that from happening is to educate youths that terrorist groups don’t represent Islam, and espousing violence is a “sickness” that has nothing to do with religion, said Asif Sheih, an official with the Islamic group Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at.

Canada: ‘Stop the CrISIS’ educates about Islam, stands up against extremists

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[W]hen young people join these groups, it’s usually because of some sort of frustration they are going through and they are looking for a reason to lash out at the world.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: 660 News
By Kaitlin Lee/Chris Bowen | November 25, 2014

A Muslim students’ group at SAIT is hoping to combat radicalization in Canada.

They are participating in a nationwide event Tuesday night, called ‘Stop the CrISIS’.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Association hopes to educate the public about Islam, and fight back against extremism.

Imam Umair Khan says they want to clear up some misconceptions and make both Muslims and non-Muslims understand this is not what their religion teaches.

He says this is an issue that really hits home.

“I personally had a friend that I grew up in high school that went overseas, and he died fighting. You know, we were all shocked to hear that,” he said. “We realized it’s a problem that needs to be talked about.”

Perspective: Grateful for the blessings of my life | Raazia Riffat

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The contrast in the opportunity that has been presented to me on an individual level and on the religious plane is even more profound now for which I am grateful everyday.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Northwestern
By Raazia Riffat | November 26, 2014

On Thanksgiving, with gratitude on everyone's mind, I want to take this opportunity to express how grateful I am for so many blessings in my life. I am grateful that I can openly call myself a Muslim and express my views on the beauties of my religion. I'm grateful that I am free from all societal, religious and political oppressions. I grew up as a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan, where it is severely persecuted and now reside in the United States. The contrast in the opportunity that has been presented to me on an individual level and on the religious plane is even more profound now for which I am grateful everyday.

I'm grateful that the community I live in has accepted me with open arms despite our religious differences. I'm grateful that Oshkosh community has supported our mosque despite many doubts. I'm grateful that my community visits our mosque in an effort to remove any doubts.

Canada: Muslim student groups take stand against youth radicalization

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The event moves to NAIT on Friday at the Shaw Theatre, hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Association of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. It starts at 4 p.m.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Edmonton Journal

By The Edmonton Journal | November 24, 2014

EDMONTON - Edmonton Muslim students’ groups are organizing events on local post-secondary campuses to deter youth radicalization.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Association of the University of Alberta is hosting a Stop the Crisis event Thursday at the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science on the U of A campus, starting at 6:30 p.m.

“ISIS is targeting youth when they’re trying to recruit,” said Khalid Ahmed, president of the AMSA at the U of A.

The event moves to NAIT on Friday at the Shaw Theatre, hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Association of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. It starts at 4 p.m.

Perspective: Time to Stop Criminalizing Beliefs in Indonesia | Rupert Abbott

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The blasphemy laws clearly contravene Indonesia’s international obligations to uphold the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion or belief.

An Indonesian Ahmadi reacts as he checks the condition of an Ahmadiyah mosque
in Tasikmalaya, West Java, after it was attacked by the hard-line Islamic
Defenders Front (FPI) on May 5, 2013.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Rupert Abbott | November 26, 2014

Indonesia has come a long way on human rights since the end of the Suharto era. But despite the progress, there have been some serious setbacks over the past decade — not least when it comes to the issue of freedom of religion and expression.

The past ten years have been marked by shrinking space for religious pluralism, with those professing minority beliefs increasingly facing threats, violent attacks and imprisonment.

Across Indonesia, churches and mosques have been burned down, whole communities forced to flee because of their beliefs, and a range of laws and bylaws introduced to silence the expression of minority beliefs.

Last week, Amnesty International launched a new briefing on one particular aspect of this disturbing trend – Indonesia’s blasphemy laws.

Pakistan: Mob Rule, Vigilante Behavior and Blasphemy in Digital Age

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Not only does the invasion of cyberspace by this extremist behavior create security problems for the accused but also promotes a culture of self-censorship affecting freedom of expression online. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: TechPresident
By Nighat Dad | November 26 2014

Blasphemy cases in Pakistan are considered a norm these days. However, the latest incident of a mob beating to death a Christian couple is the most gruesome manifestation of this sensitive issue. The couple in Punjab was alleged to have desecrated a copy of the Qur’an. The mob attacked the couple, killed them, and later burnt their bodies in the brick kiln where they worked. The blasphemy law presents a frightening level of vigilante violence where prison and private guards, neighbors and colleagues turn into mobs killing those accused of blasphemy. Unfortunately, this mob behavior is being strengthened by the increasing adoption of technology in the country like mobile phones and the internet.

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan prescribe life imprisonment for anyone who defiles a copy of the Qur'an and death for insulting or criticizing the prophet Muhammad. However, seldom do the cases reach the walls of the courts and more often than not, they actually end in the deaths of those accused without ever being proven guilty. An estimated 1,247 people have been charged under this stringent law between 1986 and 2010. However, the death sentence has never been implemented. The law has historically been used to settle personal vendettas with an increasing focus on minorities.

Canada: Muslim students' association aims to Stop the CrISIS

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“The other problem is that some of the imams are letting their own youth down because they are not properly conveying the proper interpretations and the proper message of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad’s message.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Calgary Herald
By Trevor Howell | November 24, 2014

To combat the recruiting efforts of Islamic terrorist groups, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association of Canada has launched a nationwide campaign, Stop the CrISIS, to discuss youth radicalization, de-radicalization programs and foster dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims.

As part of the campaign, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Students’ Association at SAIT will host a multimedia presentation and audience Q&A session with a panel of Islamic scholars.

“A lot of non-Muslims … are sometimes nervous to ask Muslims questions, that they’ll offend us,” said Imam Umair Khan of Calgary’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (Community), one of the speakers at Tuesday’s event. “We say, ‘Look, you ask us any crazy stuff that comes to your mind. We won’t get offended and we will try our best to help give them satisfactory answers.”

Stop The CrISIS will be held 5 p.m. on Tuesdays at SAIT’s Orpheus Theatre (1301 16 Ave. N.W.)

Canada: Suspected suicide bomber, Imam in high school together

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“He had his times when he could get pretty intense in conversations and arguments and stuff, but other than that, we were all shocked.”

Photo credit: CBC Canada

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Olds Albertan
By Joseph Ho | November 25, 2014

They were just two guys from Calgary but each took separate, radically different paths after graduating from high school.

But one became a suicide bomber while the other is trying to promote peace.

On the one hand, there’s Maulana Umair Khan, an Islamic studies and theology graduate from Jami’a Ahmadiyya (Islamic University) in Toronto who works with youth groups and spends time organizing events aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue.

He was in Olds on Nov. 18 for the eighth World Religions Conference, held at Olds College’s Alumni Centre, where speakers representing atheist, Christian and Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at world views discussed religion’s role in peace and conflict.

Khan serves as an Imam for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, an Islamic denomination which hosted the conference.

Nepal: No Man’s Land wins NFDC Award

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The film is about a member of the Ahmadiyya minority in Pakistan, which is discriminated against by the Sunni majority, and how he struggles with his identity in both his home country and the US.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Screen Daily
By Liz Shackleton | 25 November, 2014

Bangladeshi filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s No Man’s Land was awarded the $16,000 (Rs1m) NFDC Development Award at the close of the Film Bazaar co-production market (Nov 20-24).

Produced by Farooki’s Dhaka-based Chabial, the film is about a member of the Ahmadiyya minority in Pakistan, which is discriminated against by the Sunni majority, and how he struggles with his identity in both his home country and the US.

Meanwhile, Raam Reddy’s Thithi won an award for Digital Intermediate services at Prasad EFX under the ‘Work-in-Progress Feature’ category. Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla’s Proposition For A Revolution took the same award in the Work-in-Progress documentary section.

Pakistan: 8 Christian slum settlers targeted with another blasphemy case in the capital

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The slum is made up of the many displaced families of the famous Rimsha case (a minor Christian girl accused of burning the holy verses) who were settled there since then.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Pakistan Christian Post
By Shamim Masih | November 26, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Another blasphemy case against 8 Christians of the capital is registered in the Capital on November 20. Christians of slum area are alleged to disgrace the holy verses of the Quran. The outskirt of the capital is under threat again.

According to the police, Naheed Ahamd complained in the Police Station that he found half burnt pages of the Quran near PTV-2 building in Sector H-9, Islamabad. He also mentioned that name of Ps. Arif, Peera, Ch. David, Victor, Shamshad etc were also found attached with these verses. Police registered First Investigation Report – FIR no. 596/14 under section 295-B, 6/7ATA against the offender and started investigations.

Basharat Khokhar local rights activist has been looking into the matter. He said that blasphemy law is frequently used to settle secures, so this fresh episode in the capital. He assured the residents that federal police is providing assistance in this case. Senior police officials have guaranteed to provide the protection to the innocent residents of the slum settlers, he added.

Perspective: ‘No excuse for… Muslim youth who radicalize’ | Letter

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"But we must help and prevent them from radicalizing, not by misunderstanding a faith they hold dear. But rather, by engaging them with love, reconciliation, and justice.” 

Dr Bilal Rana with Ahmadiyya youth (USA) at the United Nations

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Citizen-Time
By Khurram Khan | November 24, 2014

As an American Muslim, I find it increasingly necessary for me to practice and advocate the true teachings of Islam.

In the wake of several isolated incidences of "lone wolf" terrorism inspired by ISIS, there is a greater need to bring to the forefront Islamic solutions to the problem of radicalization of youth. To this effect, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) hosted several delegates to the UN in a historical event entitled “Islamic Solutions to Muslim Youth Radicalization” in New York. This event beautifully outlined Islam's teachings towards peace.

The president of AMYA, Dr. Bilal Rana remarked, “There can be no excuse for the actions of Muslim youth in the West who radicalize. But we must help and prevent them from radicalizing, not by misunderstanding a faith they hold dear. But rather, by engaging them with love, reconciliation, and justice.”

I hope this message reaches far and wide.

Canada: London panel discussion tackles Islamic extremism

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"We are inviting non-Muslims so they can ask questions to learn so they can know we are against terrorism and extremist activity."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The London Free Press
By Jennifer O'Brien | November 25, 2014

A Toronto-based Muslim youth group is hoping to get a good turnout for a public discussion in London Tuesday on extreme ideology.

Tuesday's event is part of the Stop the CrISIS campaign started by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at with the aim of taking a stand against youth radicalization and the extremist influence of ISIS. The event takes place at Wolf Performance Hall at the London Central Library.

"It's to address the issue of groups using Islam's name to promote extreme ideology . . . especially the ideology that led to the murder of our two service men in Quebec and Ottawa," said spokesperson Kashif Ahmed.

Pakistan: Top court to follow up on its June 19 order about minority rights

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A notice has been issued to Attorney General for Pakistan Salman Aslam Butt but his deputy, Sohail Mahmood, will appear before a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk, which will take up the case.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By ET Correspondence | November 25, 2014

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court will hear on Tuesday (today) a case related to the non-implementation of its June 19 landmark judgment regarding protection of rights of minority communities.

A notice has been issued to Attorney General for Pakistan Salman Aslam Butt but his deputy, Sohail Mahmood, will appear before a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk, which will take up the case.

On November 7, the top court had sent reminders to the prime minister, provincial chief ministers and chief secretaries, law ministry, establishment division, IGPs and others to submit their reports regarding measures they have taken for the implementation of its order. However, no report has been received as yet, a court official said.

Ghana: Ahmadiyya Head calls on Chief Imam

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Maulvi Bin Salih expressed regret that some schools were forcing Muslim children to participate in Christian worship, something he noted goes against the regulations of the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Ghana Web
By Daily Guide | November 25, 2014

The Ameer and Missionary-In-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Ghana, Alhaj Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, has reiterated the commitment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission to rally fully behind the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu in his quest for a harmonious and united Muslim front to ensure peace and tranquility.

Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih gave the assurance when he led a delegation from his mission to pay a courtesy call on the Chief Imam at his Fadama residence to formally welcome him from the pilgrimage recently.

The visit was to also formally introduce the newly-appointed head of the Mission to the Chief Imam.

Female Genital Mutilation: Death at the Hands of Culture, Not Religion

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The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was the first Muslim community to take an active stance against FGM in the UK.

A man stands Nov. 5, 2014, in front of the grave of 13-year-old Suheir El-Batea,
inset, who died undergoing the procedure of female genital mutilation

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post | UK
By Meliha Hayat | November 24, 2014

The first doctor in Egypt to be brought to trial on charges for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was acquitted last week. Dr Raslan Fadl was acquitted of Manslaughter following the death of 12 year old Sohair al Bata'a in June 2013.

Many were hoping this landmark case would instigate a nationwide crackdown on this horrific practice. Despite the fact that FGM was criminalised in Egypt in 2008, this barbaric tradition still continues to plague Egypt and many other countries across the Globe. A different ruling in this case could have led to an international overhaul and possible instigation to end FGM.

Certain critics accredit such atrocious acts to religion, claiming that female circumcision is indeed prescribed by faith, most prominently Islam. However, the tradition of FGM pre dates all major religions, which proves that religion and indeed Islam is not to blame for this barbaric custom.

The Caliph, a Community and a Collective Sense of Identity

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Mention Caliph in today's world and some will jump to the conclusion that it is associated with ISIS, yet the term Caliph has been a concept in Islam from the beginning of the faith in Arabia.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffing Post
By Fiyaz Mughal | November 25, 2014

A few weekends ago, one of the largest gatherings of Muslims took place in the UK. The National Peace Symposium was held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque, the largest mosque in Western Europe. It is a mosque that I have regularly attended and whilst I am not from the Ahmadiyya community, one cannot be overawed by the sheer determination, honesty, integrity and strong volunteering ethic that is the foundation of the Ahmadiyya community in the UK.

The National Peace Symposium is an annual event where people of faith and those who have an interest in faith come together with politicians, social activists and many others. The Symposium is run by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, a community that has suffered much overt persecution in countries like Pakistan and one which suffers bigoted prejudice by others in Europe. It therefore suffers intra-Muslim intolerance and anti-Muslim bigotry by non-Muslim communities.

Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan say women not equal to men

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“You cannot put women and men on an equal footing. It is against nature. They were created differently. Their nature is different. Their constitution is different.” [Recep Tayyip Erdogan]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Irish Examiner
By Irish Examiner | November 25, 2014

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said women are not equal to men and accused feminists of not understanding the special status that Islam attributes to mothers.

Addressing a meeting in Istanbul on women and justice, Mr Erdogan said men and women are created differently, that women cannot be expected to undertake the same work as men, and that mothers enjoy a high position that only they can reach.

“You cannot put women and men on an equal footing. It is against nature. They were created differently. Their nature is different. Their constitution is different,” Mr Erdogan said.

“Motherhood is the highest position. You cannot explain this to feminists. They don’t accept motherhood. They have no such concern,” he said.

Pakistan: 26 years jail term awarded to Geo TV owner Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, actress Veena Malik, anchor Shaista Wahidi for 'blasphemous content'

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Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, owner of Geo and Jang group, was accused of allowing the airing of a blasphemous programme by Geo television in May, which played a religious song while staging a mock marriage of Malik with Bashir.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Daily News & Analysis
By Agencies / PTI | November 25, 2014

The owner of Pakistan's biggest media group, Geo TV along with actor Veena Malik and her husband was sentenced to 26 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court for allegedly airing a blasphemous programme.

Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, owner of Geo and Jang group, was accused of allowing the airing of a blasphemous programme by Geo television in May, which played a religious song while staging a mock marriage of Malik with Bashir.

Judge Shahbaz Khan also sentenced both Malik and Bashir along with TV host Shaista Wahidi for 26 years each. The ATC also imposed a 1.3 million Pakistani rupees fine on the convicts and ordered that their properties should be sold to raise the fine, if they failed to pay it.

The judge said in his judgment that all four accused committed profanity. The court in its 40-page verdict also asked the police to arrest the convicts, an official said. He said that the convict can appeal in the regional high court in Gilgit-Baltistan.

There are reports that all four are out of Pakistan. Rahman resides in the UAE and the other three also went abroad after recieving threats by militant organisations. It is not known when the arrests would be carried out.

Both Wahidi and the Geo group have tendered apology after the allegations were levelled but the extremists in the country refused to accept it. Other blasphemy cases were also registered against them in various cities, including Karachi and Islamabad.


Read original post here: Pakistan: Geo TV owner, actress Veena Malik sentenced to 26 years in jail for 'blasphemous content'


This content-post is archived for backup and to keep archived records of any news Islam Ahmadiyya. The views expressed by the author and source of this news archive do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Ahmadiyya Times.

Bangladesh: Pastors arrested for preaching in Nabinagar village

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"More than 100 Muslims headed by local Jamaat-e-Islami party members and Muslim clerics gathered at the house and started barking questions at the pastors -- why did they propagate Christianity in the locality and convert some of them?"

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Baptist Press
By Morning Star News | November 24, 2014

DHAKA, Bangladesh -- Two pastors in northwestern Bangladesh could each face two years in prison if convicted of "hurting religious sentiments."

Police arrested the pastors Nov. 9 along with 41 people listening to their preaching at a rented house in Nabinagar village 186 miles northwest of Dhaka after at least 100 Muslims disrupted the meeting and began "jabbing" at the church leaders' faces, sources said.

The 41 listeners, who were detained along with their children, were released that night. The pastors of Faith Bible Church of God were not released on bail until Nov. 17. They were charged with "hurting religious sentiments" and luring Muslims to convert by offering money. The church leaders deny both charges.

"We did not tell anything to anyone that might hurt religious sensibility," one of the pastors, said. "We did not offer any money to anyone to be converted to Christianity."

Canada: Vancouver Muslim community looks to end radicalization

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In our community, we have taken the responsibility to educate other Muslims where there is a chance. — Balal Khokhar

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Vancouver 24 hrs
By Stefania Seccia | November 24, 2014

In an effort to end radicalization in the wake of the recent attacks in Quebec and Ottawa, the local Ahmadiyya Muslim community is joining a national movement to counter it.

On Nov. 26, a Stop the Crisis event is set for UBC Robson Square with live presenters and video presentations to delve into the issue.

The event’s lead speaker Balal Khokhar said his community found it necessary to condemn radicalization by “standing shoulder to shoulder with other Canadians.”

“In our community, we have taken the responsibility to educate other Muslims where there is a chance,” he said. “It is our responsibility to let other Muslims know to be loyal to countries we’re living in.”

Canada: University of Windsor hosts forums on countering radicalization of Muslim youth

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Most Ahmadiyya Muslims live in or came from Pakistan, where the sect has endured constant persecution — including legislation that prohibits them from calling themselves Muslims.

Kashif Saeed of the Ahmaddiya Muslim Students' Association at the University
of Windsor. (Photo credit: Dax Melmer / The Windsor Star)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Windsor Star
By Dalson Chen | November 24, 2014

It’s time for the global Muslim community to take a stand against the radicalization efforts of violent extremists, says a religious group on the University of Windsor campus.

“These jihadists, they are trying to recruit these innocent-minded youth, misquoting the verses of the Qur’an and the sayings of the holy prophet — twisting and molding them to benefit their cause,” said Kashif Saeed, a spokesman for the university’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Students’ Association.

On Thursday night, the association will host an event entitled ‘Stop the Crisis‘ — part of a campaign to address the radicalization of Muslim youth by militant groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Indonesia: New report reveals a surge in Indonesian convictions for blasphemy

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Blasphemy cases are mostly lodged at the local level, where politicians, hard-line Islamist religious groups and the security forces often collude to target minorities.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Ekklesia
By Agency reporter | 24 Nov 2014

The Indonesian authorities have increasingly made use of a range of oppressive blasphemy laws to imprison individuals for their beliefs, contributing to an intensifying climate of intolerance in the country, Amnesty International said of the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, in a new briefing today.

Prosecuting Beliefs shows that the number of blasphemy convictions increased greatly during former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s decade in power (2004-2014). Since 2004, Amnesty has documented the cases of at least 106 individuals convicted under various blasphemy laws, some imprisoned for up to five years. Many of those convicted are perceived as holding minority religious views and beliefs and were charged for nothing more than whistling while praying, posting their opinions on Facebook or saying they had received a “revelation from God”.

Canada: Waging war against ISIS on the home front | Video

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"The prophet Muhammad had two names: One was Muhammed and the other Ahmad. Our name is from Ahmad. Our motto is “Love for All, Hatred for None."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Otawa Citizen
By Chris Cobb | November 24, 2014

Imam Imtiaz Ahmed is Muslim community leader of Stop the CrISIS, an initiative to counter the radicalization of Canada’s Muslim youth. He will be a guest speaker Thursday evening at an inaugural University of Ottawa Muslim Student Group event to locally launch the initiative. The 32-year-old imam, from Pakistan, is leader of the Ahmadiyya sect of Muslims in Ottawa — a congregation of about 500 in and around Cumberland. He spoke to the Citizen about Stop the CrISIS — a title that emphasizes the last four letters.

Q Who are Ahmadiyya Muslims?

A The prophet Muhammad had two names: One was Muhammed and the other Ahmad. Our name is from Ahmad. Our motto is “Love for All, Hatred for None.”