Saudi Arabia Pushes for Global Anti-Blasphemy Law Despite High Rates of Human Rights Violations

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Many churches and already concerned about the repressive effect of blasphemy laws in Muslim countries such as Pakistan where it is used to persecute Christians.

Ethiopian Christian community protests in front of the Saudi Arabian Embassy
Photo: The Christian Post

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Christian Post
By  Hermoine Macura | July 31, 2015

Saudi Arabia is calling on every nation to implement a global blasphemy law to criminalize any act that defames religious beliefs and symbols of faith.

Abdulmajeed Al-Omari, director for external relations at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for the kingdom, claims such abuse breeds intolerance, extremism and human rights violations throughput the world.

"We have made it clear that freedom of expression without limits or restrictions would lead to violation and abuse of religious rights," Al-Omari said. "This requires every nation to intensify efforts to criminalize insulting heavenly religions, prophets, holy books, religious symbols and places of worship."

Saudi Arabia currently has very heavy restrictions on freedom of speech, including the death penalty for blasphemy, as well as for leaving Islam, witchcraft and sorcery. The kingdom also defines atheism as terrorism.

India: Derwaish Khurshid Ahmad Parbhakar buried in Qadian

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The burial took place in the special area for Derwaishan-E-Qadian where a large number of Ahmadi Muslims participated in the funeral prayer and a large number of Hindu and Sikh people were also present to observe Derwaish Khurshid Ahmad Parbhakar's last rites.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Author
By Ch.Maqbool Ahmad | July 30, 2015

Maulana Mohammad Inam Ghori led the funeral prayer at Bahishti Maqbara

Khurshid Ahmad Parbhakar, Derwaish, was buried at Bahishti Maqbra here in Qadian yesterday.

Maulana Mohammad Inaam Ghori, Chief Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at India led the funeral prayer after Sala'at-ul Asr.

The burial took place in the special area designated for Derwaishan-E-Qadian where a large number of Ahmadi Muslims participated in the funeral prayer and a large number of Hindu and Sikh people were also present to observe Derwaish Khurshid Ahmad Parbhakar's last rites.

West Bank: Palestinian baby burned to death after settlers set fire to home

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Settlers reportedly started fire after throwing firebombs into West Bank house; Hebrew graffiti was found at the scene, reading 'revenge' and 'long live the Messiah.'

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Haaretz | Jerusalem, Israel
By Jack Khoury, Chaim Levinson and Gili Cohen
Posted July 31, 2015 | Excerpt

A one-and-a-half year-old Palestinian baby was burned to death and three were seriously wounded late Thursday night after a house was set on fire in the village of Douma, near Nablus.

According to Ghassan Douglas, the Palestinian Authority official in charge of monitoring settlement activity in the northern West Bank, several settlers threw firebombs into the house and spraypainted graffiti reading "revenge" and "long live the Messiah" before fleeing. Witnesses say the whole house caught fire soon after.

Douglas identified the child as Ali Saad Daobasa. The father and mother, Saad and Reham, and another son, 4 year old Ahmad, were evacuated to a hospital in Nablus.

Perspective: Americans must remain calm, united against terrorist acts | Ramlah Malhi

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Terrorism has no justification in any faith. Terrorists have no religion. Religion teaches compassion and humanity. Killing people is not humane.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Contra Costa Times
By Ramlah Malhi | July 31, 2015

It is heart breaking to hear that our country lost four [five] heroes on July 16 in Chattanooga, Tenn. This terror act not only targeted the Marines in the recruiting facility but was a blow to every American.

Growing up close to the Military Ocean Terminal Concord and the Concord Naval Weapons Station, which has become part of pride and identity, and personally knowing members of our armed forces, makes the loss very close to home. Every loss is a loss we must bear as one with a heavy heart and respond to it calmly.

The officials reported that the motives behind this horrific act are not determined yet. No matter what the motives might have been, nothing can justify the act of taking an innocent life.

Perspective: Terrorists accountable not their religion | Muhammad Nayyer

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The issue must be tackled from the home and community centres. However wider measures are also needed and it requires firm steps and firm action if progress is to be made.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Bradford Telegraph and Argus
By Muhammad Nayyer | July 30, 2015

SIR - The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Leeds welcomes efforts to counter extremism. Dr Asim Salim, President, and Muhammad Nayyer, Secretary External Affairs, said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s renewed focus on tackling the root causes of extremism.

The issue must be tackled from the home and community centres. However wider measures are also needed and it requires firm steps and firm action if progress is to be made.

"We acknowledge the Prime Minister’s reference to Islam being a religion of peace, but we disagree that there is any link to Islam and extremism. There is absolutely no link and the Holy Quran rejects extremism outright.

Perspective: Caliphate of ISIS is un-Islamic and brutal | Farhad Ahmad

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When Islam is said to have a link with extremists, every peaceful Muslim is understandably hurt to see his/her faith’s peaceful teachings linked to barbaric acts that find no basis in the Koran.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Financial Times
By Farhad Ahmad | July 31, 2015

Sir, As a proud Brit and just one of the 7,000-plus British youth members of the peaceful Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I find there to be no conflict in being British and my Islamic faith. However, I do find there to be an issue with David Cameron’s presumption that we cannot deny “a connection between the religion of Islam and the extremists”.

Islam’s foundation is the Koran which clearly rejects extremism and terrorism of any kind. I would not disagree if Mr Cameron were to say there is a link between terrorism and certain Muslims. This I believe is a very simple but significant distinction and the UK government should acknowledge this. When Islam is said to have a link with extremists, every peaceful Muslim is understandably hurt to see his/her faith’s peaceful teachings linked to barbaric acts that find no basis in the Koran.

Nigeria: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at flags off activities for 100 years celebration

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According to the Amir, AMJN, Dr Mashuud Fasola the building will be one of the landmarks of the centennial programmes next year.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Vanguard Nigeria
By Aderonke Adeyeri | July 31, 2015

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, AMJN, has flagged of activities for the celebration of  its 100th anniversary with the groundbreaking/ foundation laying of a two flat guest house for the world leader of the Islamic organisation, Hazrat Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Masih, 5th,  at the headquarters in Ojokoro Lagos.

The guest house will be used for the official visit of the world Islamic leader next year.

According to the Amir, AMJN, Dr Mashuud Fasola the building will be one of the landmarks of the centennial programmes next year.

Meanwhile, the organisation has congratulated the new president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abdul-Waheed Odusile. In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Publications and Media Relations, Qasim Akinreti, the organisation under the leadership of Dr. Mashuud Fasola prays for Allah’s guidance and wisdom for the new NUJ President.  He enjoined him to work assiduously towards lifting the status of the Nigerian media to enviable positions in the country and the world at large.

Pakistan: 130 Christians face blasphemy charges

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"There is a big difference between accusations of Muslims and Christians: if one Muslim is accused, just one Muslim is accused."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Irish Catholic
By The Irish Catholic | July 30, 2015

The priest who directs the Dominican order’s peace centre in Lahore said that 130 Christians are now facing blasphemy charges in Pakistan.

"According to my estimate, there are 130 Christians whose trials are proceeding,” Fr James Channan told Aid to the Church in Need. “But people will be surprised to learn that there are about 950 Muslims currently held under the law. But there is a big difference between accusations of Muslims and Christians: if one Muslim is accused, just one Muslim is accused," he continued.

“But in the case of a Christian being accused, an entire community, an entire neighbourhood is accused. And in several cases the entire Christian village or a Christian neighbourhood has been burned to ashes.”

USA: Imam Shamshad presents Basics of Islam at Unity Church

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Imam Shamshad gave an example that just as when a doctor prescribes medication, if the sick patient doesn't take it, the patient stays sick.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Masjid Baet-ul-Jaamay
By Staff Report | July 29, 2015

Imam  Shamshad Ahmad Nasir of Glen Ellyn, IL's Masjid Baet-ul-Jaamay and members of his interfaith outreach team were at Unity Church of Oak Park on July 22, 2015 where the Muslim group presented the basics of Islam for the benefit of the Church congregants.

Saiyed Kaashif A. Qaderi, local director of interfaith outreach for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Chicago SW, and  Michael Korpan and John O'Rourke of Unity Church of Oak Park, worked together to arrange this meeting and the presentation on the Introduction of Islam by the Muslim leaders.

Qadri opened the program with an introduction to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and spoke about how their auxiliary youth organization is taking steps to condemn extremist groups such as ISIS through the community's StopTheCrISIS initiative and highlighted events such as blood drives, homeless feedings.

Perspective: Violent extremists violate Islam | Letter - Mahnoor Waseem

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The actions of the perpetrator are not representative of Islam. There is nothing in the teachings of Islam that can justify his vile actions.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Courier-Post
By Mahnoor Waseem | July 30, 2015

I’d like to offer my sincerest heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic Chattanooga shooting.

As I keep reading news articles about the horrific occurrence, I have noticed that the attacker is described to be a devout Muslim. As an American Muslim, I strongly condemn his actions because they were entirely un-Islamic. They violate the teachings of Islam, which give great regard to the sanctity of human life; the Quran clearly states, “the killing of one ... is like the killing of all mankind” (5:33).

The actions of the perpetrator are not representative of Islam. There is nothing in the teachings of Islam that can justify his vile actions.

Perspective: Religious Persecution On the Rise, Minorities Under Threat in the Middle East

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Unpopular minority faiths are like the proverbial canary in the mine: When they die, further violations of human life and dignity inevitably are coming.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Doug Bandow | July 25, 2015

All religious faiths are victims of persecution somewhere. In this supposedly enlightened, tolerant age, people routinely are brutalized, jailed and killed for their faith -- or lack of faith -- in God. Hostility to believers is evident even in the West, long home to the strongest advocates for freedom of conscience, expression, and association. Worse, over the last year "a horrified world has watched the results of what some have aptly called violence masquerading as religious devotion" in several nations, observed the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom in its latest annual report.

However, the fact that everyone is persecuted does not mean that everyone persecutes equally, or at all. Authoritarian regimes which fear independent thought and allegiance to anyone or anything beyond the state tend to war against any public expression of faith. But such systems usually are equal opportunity oppressors. It is belief in a transcendent, not what that transcendent looks like, which they usually see as the problem.

USA: Who Are Most-Diverse And Least-Diverse Religious Groups In The U.S.

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According to a January survey by Christian research group LifeWay, 67 percent of American churchgoers believe their church has done enough to promote racial diversity. (HF)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Antonia Blumberg | July 28, 2015

African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans were more likely than white congregants to say their church needs to be more diverse.

The five most racially diverse U.S. religious groups are a diverse group themselves. Seventh-day Adventists, a Protestant denomination, tops the list, followed by Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, Buddhists and the religiously unaffiliated.

Pew Research analyzed its 2014 Religious Landscape Data to see which of 29 religious groups boasted the highest racial and ethnic diversity. The analysis included five racial categories,according to Pew's website: Hispanics, non-Hispanic whites, blacks, Asians and an umbrella category of other races and mixed-race Americans.

Victoria, Australia: Ahmadiyya Muslim Association plants more than 2500 trees on National Tree Day

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The campaign, in its 20th year running, aims to motivate all Australians to put their hands into the earth and give back to community.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Au Desk
Source/Credit: AMA Victoria, Australia
By Community release | July 29, 2015

More than a hundred Ahmadiyya Muslim members gathered to celebrate National Tree Day on July 26, 2015, by teaming up with local volunteers and planted more than 2500 trees along Eumemmerring Creek in Doveton, Southeast Melbourne.

The group included youngsters from the Bait-ul-Salam (The House of Peace) mosque, Langwarrin.

The campaign, in its 20th year running, aims to motivate all Australians to put their hands into the earth and give back to community.

In an interview to The Age, youth branch President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Victoria, Mr Kaleem Mohammed said, "We have people aged 10 to 55 years participating in the event. As a community we actively take part in humanitarian activities, like donating blood and the Red Cross Door Knock appeal."

Analysis: How Does the Earliest Manuscript of the Qur’an Compare to Today’s Qur’an?

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The graphic shows that they are identical. No words or letters are out of place. Muslims consider the Qur’an to be the word of God and hold it to be a living miracle.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: IlmFeed
By Abu Safiyyah | July 22, 2015

The discovery of a Qur’anic manuscript in the University of Birmingham has made headlines worldwide as it is thought to be one the oldest anywhere in the world.

Radiocarbon testing of the manuscript, which is written in the Hijazi script dates it between 568 and 645 AD (24AH) and there is a possibility it was written by a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Though the Qur’an was transmitted orally the Prophet instructed some companions to write it down on parchments leaves. Islam’s third Caliph, Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was the first to compile the whole Qur’an into one canonical corpus.

So how does it compare to the Qur’an of today? Below is a comparison of a part of the manuscript (the beginning few verses of Surah Taha):

The above graphic shows that they are identical. No words or letters are out of place. Muslims consider the Qur’an to be the word of God and hold it to be a living miracle. Its preservation is mentioned in the the fifteenth chapter:

“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.” Surah Al Hijr, Verse 9

[more ...]

Victoria, Australia: Ahmadiyya Muslim Imam Presents Teachings of Islam at Sathya Sai International Eid Event

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Imam Wadood Janud of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Victoria presents the teachings of Islam at Eid Fesival hosted by Sathya Sai International Organisation

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: AMA Victoria - Australia
By Community release | July 29, 2015

Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Victoria, Syed Wadood Janud, delivered a presentation about Islam at an Eid festival hosted by Sathya Sai International Organisation in Berwick, Southeast Melbourne.

More than 70 people attended the festival held on 26 July 2015, including Ahmadiyya Muslim men and women from the Bait-ul-Salam (The House of Peace) mosque, Langwarrin.

Sathya Sai International Organisation opened the festival by welcoming members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association and extending Eid greetings.

Sri Lanka: Ahmadiyya Jama'at launches Sinhala Translation of the Holy Qur’an at Colombo National Education & Book Fair

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Mr. A.H. Nasir Ahmad, National President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at – Sri Lanka presented the copies of the Sinhala Translation of the Holy Quir’an to various dignitaries including Buddhist clergies as well as Chief Librarian of Public Library, Colombo.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Drsk
Source/Credit: AMJ Sri Lanka
By AMJ Sri Lanka | July 29, 2015

Sinhala Translation with Arabic Text of the Holy Qur’an by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at is launched at Colombo National Education & Book Fair being held at Public Library Premises, Colombo from 28 July 2015 to 3 August 2015.

Sinhala Translation launch was displayed as a main feature of the event. Stall No. 8 and 9.

This week long book fair was inaugurated by Colombo Mayor Mr. Muzammil followed by a reception.

Mr. A.H. Nasir Ahmad, National President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at – Sri Lanka presented the copies of the Sinhala Translation of the Holy Quir’an to various dignitaries including Buddhist clergies as well as Chief Librarian of Public Library, Colombo.

Afghanistan Investigates Claims That Mullah Omar Is Dead

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In an effort to prove that Mullah Omar remains alive and engaged, the Taliban has periodically released messages allegedly from the leader.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Agencies
By FP / NYT | July 29, 2015

The Afghan government is investigating reports that Taliban leader Mullah Omar has died. Top sources within the Afghan administration and intelligence agency alleged that the militant leader had died two to three years ago in a hospital in Pakistan.

The Taliban has yet to comment on the claim.

Mullah Omar rose to power in the 1990s, leading the Taliban to victory over rival Afghan militias in the civil war that followed Soviet occupation. Yet in the wake of the American invasion of Afghanistan, the militant leader went into hiding, with a $10m bounty on his head.

In an effort to prove that Mullah Omar remains alive and engaged, the Taliban has periodically released messages allegedly from the leader.

The most recent statement, which came in mid-July, was a letter published on a Taliban website in support of peace talks. (FP)
...
The announcement follows months of increasing speculation that Mullah Omar had died.

The issue has become a major point of disgruntlement within the Taliban itself, with some commanders splitting off because they had not seen the leader for years. (NYT)

Nepal: Hindu Festival Organizers Call Off Mass Animal Sacrifice

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Over the years hundreds of thousands of buffalo, goats, birds and other species have been slaughtered in what is posited to be the world's largest animal sacrifice.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Arin Greenwood | July 28, 2015

"The time has come to replace killing and violence with peaceful worship and celebration."

It's estimated that as many as half a million animals were sacrificed at Nepal's Gadhimai festival in 2014. In four years, when the festival is to be held again, that number, organizers hope, will be zero.

The Gadhimai festival is held every five years in a town about 100 miles from Kathmandu. Dedicated to a Hindu goddess of power, the bloody origins are said to stem from a dream had by an imprisoned feudal landlord named Bhagwan Chaudhary, more than 250 years ago.

Chaudhary is said to have dreamed that the goddess Gadhimai "appeared to him and demanded a blood sacrifice in return for all his problems being solved," said N.G. Jayasimha, from Humane Society International -- a group that has long called for an end to the twice-a-decade killings.

Pakistan: Banned group cheif Malik Ishaq killed in police encounter in Muzaffargarh

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The bodies of the dead and the injured officials were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Muzaffargarh. All gates of the hospital were sealed soon after.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By ET Staff report | July 29, 2015

MUZAFFARGARH: Chief of the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) Maliq Ishaq along with 13 militants were killed in a shootout with police in Muzaffargarh on Wednesday as his followers sought to break him out of detention, authorities said.

According to initial information, LeJ chief Malik Ishaq along with his two sons was being taken by counter terrorism department (CTD) officials to a town of Muzaffargarh where they had seized an arms cache to identify men they had detained on suspicion of being members of Ishaq’s group. As the police convoy returned in the early hours of Wednesday, a group of men on motorcycles ambushed them near Shahwala Jungle in a bid to release Ishaq. Fourteen suspected militants, including the LeJ chief, were killed in the ensuing gun battle.

Ishaq’s two sons, Usman and Haq Nawaz, Ghulam Rasool of the LeJ and his two sons were also killed. Further, CTD Punjab said six members of the anti-terrorism force (ATF) were also injured in the encounter.

Turkish authorities block access to news websites; Twitter and Facebook slows down

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Turkey’s telecommunications regulator, the TİB, blocked domestic access on Saturday to pro-Kurdish and leftist websites based in Turkey and northern Iraq, according to news reports.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: CPJ / Hurriyet Daily News
By CPJ / HDN| July 28, 2015

... CPJ - July 28, 2015
Turkish authorities blocked access to at least eight news websites in Turkey on Saturday amid what the government called a counter-terrorism operation, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Turkish authorities to restore access to the websites so that Turkish citizens can access news of public interest.

The move comes amid increased violence in Turkey as the country late last week joined the fight against the militant group Islamic State in Syria and northern Iraq, although some critics say that the government is using the opportunity to fight the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the leftist Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), both of which have been classified as terrorist organizations, news reports said. The Turkish government and the PKK, which operates out of northern Iraq, have had a truce in place since 2013, the reports said.

Indonesia: Jakarta’s Protector of the Minorities Will Do the Right Thing — at Any Cost | TJG Editorial

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When he defends religious minorities, it’s not just because they — like himself — are a minority but because it’s just and right.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Editorial | July 28, 2015

While Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama is known for being outspoken, occasionally emotional and with a temper but the man is a reasonable and pragmatic governor with a lot of wisdom. He always looks beyond the mere formalities of law, focusing instead on justice and the values which matter the most to the public, a rare trait among Indonesia’s public servants.

When he defends religious minorities, it’s not just because they — like himself — are a minority but because it’s just and right.

The Chinese-Christian governor intervened on Sunday to stop demolition of a church which has for three decades served its parishioners. Basuki said that the demolition order was based on a frivolous technicality which was not enforced for countless of other houses of worship throughout the capital, most of them mosques.

India: 'Missile man' APJ Abdul Kalam passes away after cardiac arrest in Shillong

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Considered the most popular President, Kalam became the 11th head of the state and occupied the post between 2002 and 2007 but lack of consensus denied a second term in office for a man who came from outside political spectrum.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: First Post India
By FP Staff | July 28, 2015

[Excerpt]

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam, the 'missile man' who came to be known as 'People's President' died on Monday after he collapsed during a lecture at the IIM in Shillong on Monday evening.

Kalam, who would have turned 84 in October, was confirmed dead more than two hours after he was wheeled into the ICU of Bethany hospital in a critical condition following the collapse at around 6.30 pm.

According to reports, Kalam suffered a massive cardiac arrest during the lecture at IIM, Shillong.
Considered the most popular President, Kalam became the 11th head of the state and occupied the post between 2002 and 2007 but lack of consensus denied a second term in office for a man who came from outside political spectrum.

Perspective: A historic deal | Sarmad Ali

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The current nuclear deal between Iran and six leading nations will have very serious political implications

Image credit: PBS.ORG

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times
By Sarmad Ali |  July 28, 2015

It was a historic moment when the deal between Iran and the west was signed. A lot of men in white coats from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will now be able to visit Iran, without sufficient prior warning, to check Iran’s nuclear plants as per the terms of the deal. However, the Israeli hardliner, Prime Minister (PM) Netanyahu seems to be on the side that has shown concerns and reservations over the recent deal between Iran and the six leading nations of the world in Vienna. PM Netanyahu labelled it a “historic mistake” and said that the deal with Iran poses a security threat, not only to the US but also to the whole world, especially Israel.

On the one hand, the world has praised the deal, including Pakistan’s foreign office. We have welcomed the nuclear deal because of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project. The Saudis seems to have concerns over the deal as well because the US has joined hands with the Shia state of Iran in the Middle East leaving behind Saudi Arabia in the region. But, to date, no statement has been released from their side — either positive or negative — about the current deal.

Indonesia: Jakarta Governor Basuki Steps In to Thwart Church Demolition

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The mayor’s office had threatened to send in public order officers to demolish the church, and even stationed police personnel and soldiers outside the building.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Deti Mega Purnamasari | July 27, 2015

Jakarta. Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has once again come to the defense of a religious minority congregation targeted by Islamic hard-liners, this time siding with a church threatened with demolition after three decades of serving its parishioners.

Basuki on Sunday intervened to stop the demolition of the Indonesian Protestant Christian (GKPI) church in Jatinegara subdistrict, East Jakarta, which had been ordered by the East Jakarta mayor’s office at the behest of the local chapter of the Interfaith Communication Forum (FKUB) – comprising hard-line Islamic groups that tend to be against the presence of churches in their communities.

The mayor’s office had threatened to send in public order officers to demolish the church, and even stationed police personnel and soldiers outside the building.

India: Khurshid Ahmad Parbhakar Derwaish passed away after brief illness in Qadian

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In mid-1940s 313 devotees came to Qadian to protect the holy sites on the call of the Ahmadiyya spiritual leader and they came to be known as Darweshan-e Qadian. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Author
By Ch. Maqbool Ahmad | July 28, 2015

One month ago Khurshid Ahmad Parbhakar had predicted about his own death.

Khurshid Ahmad Parbhakar Derwaish passed away here in Qadian today after a brief illness. He last breathed at 4 A.M in Noor Hospital Qadian. He was 96 years old.

Born at village Dhani Dev in Tehsil Narowal of Sialkot District in current day Pakistan, Khurshid Parbhakar came to Qadian on the call of late Hazrat  Mirza Bashir-ud Din Mehmood Ahmad 2nd Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, to protect the holy places at the time of the Indo-Pak partition.

In mid-1940s 313 devotees came to Qadian to protect the holy sites on the call of the Ahmadiyya spiritual leader and they came to be known as Darweshan-e Qadian.

Perspective: No, Islam Is Not Inherently Misogynistic. Here's Why. | Bina Shah

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"The advent of Islam sought not only to introduce a new kind of social order but to limit the excesses of Meccan society, which directly harmed women and girls."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Bina Shah | July 23, 2015

Junaid Jamshed, Pakistani pop singer turned Islamic preacher, landed himself in hot water when he recently made misogynistic remarks on television. Erroneously trying to prove that women do not have an independent status of their own in Islam, he said, "Hazrat Maryam's (Mary's) name has been solely mentioned in the Holy Quran and that too because of Hazrat Isa (Jesus). Other than that, no other woman's name has been quoted in the Holy book. Also, Allah doesn't like it when a woman's name is mentioned in the Quran."

A "Ban Junaid Jamshed" movement sprang into life on social media within hours of the remarks being reported. Angered Pakistani women are urging people to boycott Jamshed's commercial ventures, which include a butcher shop and a clothing line.

Sadly, many people in the Muslim world share Jamshed's attitudes to greater or lesser degrees; literalists and the orthodox everywhere use the Quran and Hadiths, or sayings of the Prophet, to justify their misogyny, interpreting allegorical scripture with malicious literalism. They twist and distort the scripture's meanings, intent and context, until the true meaning of those verses has been obliterated. They disregard the fact that those verses pertaining to men and women were meant to introduce a balance between the sexes in a paganistic Arab society that had no concept of harmony and cooperation between men and women.

Pakistan: Salman Taseer vigil attackers sentenced to five years

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On Salman Taseer's death anniversary this year, an attack was carried out by these miscreants when members of civil society gathered at Liberty Chowk to light candles in the slain politician’s memory.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Pakistan
By Staff Report | July 27, 2015

LAHORE (Staff Report) – An anti-terrorism court on Monday sentenced five men of three-five years imprisonment for attacking a candlelight vigil organised to mark death anniversary of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer in the start of this year.

During Monday’s hearing, the ATC judge sentenced Adeel, Furqan and Kashif to five year imprisonment and fined Rs20,000 each. Two other men – Iftikhar and Wazir Ali – have been sent to jail for three years.

On his death anniversary this year, an attack was carried out bythese miscreants when members of civil society gathered at Liberty Chowk to light candles in the slain politician’s memory.

Perspective: Real Muslims remain proud Americans | Letter - Ahsan M. Khan

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Some of my close friends are Muslims and in the Marines, where they can practice Islam in uniform. This is what makes America great. What this cowardly shooter did in Chattanooga was an insult to the very religion he proclaimed to follow.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The OC Register
By Ahsan M. Khan | July 24, 2015

Every day U.S. Marines put their lives on the line to defend us from threats to our nation. As a Muslim living in America, I’m indebted to the Marines for granting us the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation, such as the ability to practice our faith freely.

Some of my close friends are Muslims and in the Marines, where they can practice Islam in uniform. This is what makes America great. What this cowardly shooter did in Chattanooga was an insult to the very religion he proclaimed to follow.

May God bring comfort to the families of the fallen, and continue to protect us from those who seek to attack both our country, and our faith.

USA: Obama Slams Huckabee Over #IranDeal-Holocaust Comparison

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“The particular comments of Mr. Huckabee are, I think, part of just a general pattern that we’ve seen would be considered ridiculous if it weren’t so sad.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Igor Bobic | July 27, 2015

"Ridiculous if it weren't sad."

WASHINGTON --  President Barack Obama fired back at former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) on Monday after the 2016 Republican presidential candidate invoked the specter of the Holocaust in comments regarding the Iran nuclear deal.

“The particular comments of Mr. Huckabee are, I think, part of just a general pattern that we’ve seen would be considered ridiculous if it weren’t so sad,” Obama said during a press conference in Ethiopia.

In an interview on Saturday, Huckabee, who is a 2016 Republican presidential candidate, said the president would "take the Israelis and march them to the door of the oven." The former governor has since been trumpeting his comments on social media, even making a graphic that highlighted the quote in bold. [ More ...]

Perspective: New Light on the History of the Quranic Text? | Joseph E. B. Lumbard

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[R]ecent studies have demonstrated that the earliest Islamic literature on variant readings of the Quran is for the most part reliable..

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Joseph E. B. Lumbard | July 24, 2015

The recent discovery of an early manuscript of the Quran has received extensive media attention, appearing on BBC, CNN and even above the fold on the front page of the New York Times. But in the broader context of recent scholarship on early manuscripts of the Quran, Birmingham M 1572 does not radically change the field. Combined with other manuscripts, however, it contributes to a growing body of evidence that the early Islamic sources, as Carl Ernst observes, "still provide a more compelling framework for understanding the Qurʾan than any alternative yet proposed."

In recent years, the field of Quranic Studies in the West has been undergoing a paradigm shift brought about by the discovery and scholarly analysis of the earliest Quranic manuscripts. The most recent scientific analysis of the earliest available Quranic manuscripts conducted by Behnam Sadeghi of Stanford University demonstrates that much of what we know to be the Quran today can be dated to the year 670 AD, or earlier. For the earliest extant manuscript to have undergone extensive analysis, radiocarbon dating gives "a 68% probability of belonging to the period between AD 614 to AD 656. It has a 95% probability of belonging to the period between AD 578 and AD 669."

Perspective: Chattanooga tragedy requires us to pledge loyalty to America | Sohail Z. Husain

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A bulk of the youth of my Ahmadiyya Muslim Community joined in parades across the U.S. on Independence Day weekend.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Record-Journal
By Sohail Z. Husain, M.D | July 26, 2015

Several states have appropriately beefed up security at military recruitment centers in the wake of the Chattanooga shooting tragedy.

This Muslim-American would add that the best way to counter the threat of radicalization (of any group) is to inculcate the golden values of loyalty and common respect.

That’s why a bulk of the youth of my Ahmadiyya Muslim Community joined in parades across the U.S. on Independence Day weekend. They proudly donned “Muslims for Loyalty” T-shirts and widely handed out American flags that bore our official motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None.”

While ISIS wages a noxious campaign to brainwash “lone wolfs” into committing senseless acts of violence in their homeland and, in so doing, defame the noble religion of Islam, the spiritual Caliph of my Community his Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad instead calls on all fair-minded Muslims to heed the instructions of the Prophet Mohammed, who said that love for your country is integral to your faith.

Muslim-Americans should recognize that they have not only a civic responsibility, but also a religious duty, to protect their nation against anyone who would do harm.

Germany: Ahmadiyya Charity Walk Brings In 1760 Euros

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Nearly 100 runners began at the start in the Rennwiese stadium in Reutlingen on Saturday. There will be more in the coming years in Achalmstadt, it is hoped. 

Photo: Patricia Kozjek

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: SWP / Reutlinger Nachrichten
By Reutlinger Nachrichten | JUly 26, 2015

The point is what gets it done. Physical activity combined with active community involvement creates benefits on both sides - for themselves and their fellow human beings.

"We want to do good together," Shakeel Ahmad Umar explained with near-modesty at the sports facility Rennwiese on Saturday afternoon.

Charity Walks have been organized nationwide by the Ahmadiyya community since 2007.

Over the weekend there were eight charity runs nationwide from Worms to Freising over the two days.

Nearly 100 runners were at the start in the Rennwiese stadium in Reutlingen on Saturday. There will be even more in the coming years in Achalmstadt, it is hoped.

USA: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Chicago's Outreach for Peace and Better Understanding

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The presentations by the law enforcement agencies focused on civil rights, hate crimes, safety and security of the infrastructure, security clearance procedures at the airports, and communication with law enforcement personnel at different levels. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |US Desk
Source/Credit: AMC Chicago
By Staff Report | July 26, 2015

We should be cooperative with TSA and law enforcement agencies, safety of all citizen is Paramount, said Imam Shamshad.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Chicago hosted an outreach event in which federal government’s various law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with local organizations, hold informational and educational sessions to elaborate different services these agencies provide to local communities.

The event was held in Masjid Baitul Jammay of Chicago on Thursday, July 23, 2015, from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.

Representatives of the following agencies participated in the program: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Department; United States Attorneys’ Office; and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).

Sri Lanka: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community launches Sinhala Translation of the Holy Qur’an

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This week-long book fair, commencing July 28, will also have on display the copies of Holy Qura’an Translations by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in 73 languages of world over. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: AMJ Sri Lanki
By Staff Report | July 26, 2015

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Sri Lanka will launch Sinhala Translation with Arabic Text of the Holy Qur’an at Colombo National Education & Book Fair to be held at Public Library Premises, Colombo.

The publication will be displayed as a main feature of the event at Stall No. 8 and 9.

This week-long book fair, commencing July 28, will also have on display the previous copies of the Holy Qura’an translations by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in 73 languages of the world.

Another presentation, the Sinhala Translation of the book Philosophy of Teachings of Islam, is also planned as one of the main displays in the event.

India: Ahamdiyya Muslim Community organizes Eid Milan Party at Sara-e Tahir in Qadian

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Maulana Mohammad Inam Ghori said in his speech that the aim of “Eid Milan” party is to promote love, brotherhood and peaceful environment among the different communities and people. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Author
By Ch. Maqbool Ahmad | July 26, 2015

An Eid Milan party was held here in Dar-ul-Aman Qadian by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at Sara-e-Tahir on July 25, 2015

Maulana Mohammad Inam Ghori, Chief Secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamat India, presided over the function.

Maulana Mohammad Inam Ghori said in his speech that the aim of “Eid Milan” party is to promote love, brotherhood and peaceful environment among the different communities and people.

Ex cabinet minister and BJP senior leader Master Mohan Lal, praised the community’s slogan “Love for All, Hatred For None” and said it is the need of this era. He acknowledged Jama’at-e-Ahmadiyya respects all the religions.

UK: Croydon Ahmadiyya Muslims Elders Ansarullah Organise Eid Street Party

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Eid Street Party in  Croydon - over 100 guests attended as well as a Journalist from Croydon Citizen, Croydon Guardian, a radio presenter from Croydon radio, a police officer, a housing officer and many from the community.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Author
By Adeel Shah | July 26, 2015

A street party was organised by the local Ahmadiyya Muslims in Croydon to celebrate Eidul Fitr and to introduce Ahmadiyya, the true Islam to the local community.

Over 100 people attended the gathering on Sunday, 26th July, and expressed their appreciation for the Ahmadi Muslims and said they were pleased that the Ahmadiyya community was taking practical initiatives to promote peace and cohesion within the community.

The neighbours and friends who attended the party were served luncheon and they enjoyed a day meeting other neighbours as well as learning new things about Islam.

Pakistan: Pakistani Court acquits Christian man of blasphemy charge

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The news about the incident spread like fire in Wazirabad and as usual the angry Muslim mob was about to put the whole Christian community on gunpoint by burning their homes.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Pakistan Christian Post
By PCP | July 25, 2015

Wazirabad, Punjab: July 25, 2015. (PCP) The Additional District and Session Judge Wazirabad ordered to release a Christian victim of blasphemy Arif Yousaf who was behind bars for over a year facing trial under Section 295 B and C PPC.

According to an NGO named Farrukh Saif Foundation FSF which was providing legal and other assistance to victims in this case said in press release “Since last 6 years Farrukh Saif Foundation´s family has proven to be one of the best fighting team for protecting the victims of blasphemy charges in Pakistan. Today Farrukh Saif Foundation has achieved another milestone by getting acquitted Mr. Arif Yousuf, a Pakistani Christian who was accused of making crackers with Koranic pages, was charged with blasphemy act 295C in October 2013 and was being processed for death sentence.

Eye on History: Muslim inventions that shaped the modern world

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The origins of these fundamental ideas and objects -- the basis of everything from the bicycle to musical scales -- are the focus of "1001 Inventions," a book celebrating "the forgotten" history of 1,000 years of Muslim heritage.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: CNN News
By Olivia Sterns, CNN | July 22, 2015

London (CNN) Think of the origins of that staple of modern life, the cup of coffee, and Italy often springs to mind.

But in fact, Yemen is where the ubiquitous brew has its true origins.

Along with the first university, and even the toothbrush, it is among surprising Muslim inventions that have shaped the world we live in today.

The origins of these fundamental ideas and objects -- the basis of everything from the bicycle to musical scales -- are the focus of "1001 Inventions," a book celebrating "the forgotten" history of 1,000 years of Muslim heritage.

Canada: Thousands gather in Bradford for a camp focused on the teachings of Islam | Video

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“Sports are always enjoyable. All of these things I have been playing since I was very young. Aside from that, we also have educational competition such as the recitation of the Holy Quran.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: CTV News Barrie
By  Roger Klein | July 25, 2015

Thousands of people are in Bradford for a summer camp with a focus on learning all about the teachings of Islam.

More than 3,000 Muslim men between the ages of 15 and 40 gathered on Saturday to play cricket, basketball, and sports like human foosball. The events are part of the gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association.

Farruk Tahir, 19, lives in Vaughn and enjoys the wide spectrum of competition offered at the weekend camp.

 “Sports are always enjoyable. All of these things I have been playing since I was very young. Aside from that, we also have educational competition such as the recitation of the Holy Quran,” he says.

Australia: Ahmadiyya Muslims plant trees and put down roots in Melbourne

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"We are happy to be Australians, this is our country. As Australians we want to take part in any event as Muslims for good of mankind."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: The Age Victoria
By Neelima Choahan | July 26, 2015

A Muslim group is on a mission to plant trees in Melbourne and put down some roots.

Up to 150 members of the Ahmadiyya​ Muslim Youth group joined hands with other volunteers to plant 2500 trees along the Eumemmerring Creek at Doveton, in Melbourne's south-east, on Sunday.

It was just one of events held  nationwide for National Tree Day.

President Kaleem Mohammed said the organisation wanted to promote harmony. "We have people aged 10 to 55 years participating in the event," Mr Mohammed said.

"As a community we actively take part in humanitarian activities, like donating blood and the Red Cross Door Knock appeal.

USA: Evangelicals Condemn Franklin Graham's Call to Ban Muslim Immigration

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The Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, wrote on his Facebook page on July 17, 2015, that the United States should block Muslims from immigrating to country.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Christian Post
By Nicola Menzie | July 21, 2015

Samaritan's Purse President & CEO Wants US to Repeat World War II Treatment of Japanese and Germans

Some evangelical Christians have condemned recent remarks made by Franklin Graham, president and CEO of relief organization Samaritan's Purse and of his father's Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, expressing concern that the minister is distorting the message of Christianity and promoting fear of those who follow Islam by saying the U.S. is "under attack by Muslims" and "all Muslims" should be banned from immigrating to the U.S.

"Yesterday Franklin Graham said really awful things about Muslims. If he knew the Muslim men and women I know, he would NEVER say such things," Lynne Hybels, of Willow Creek Community Church and a social justice activist, wrote July 18 on Twitter.

Eye on War: Bombs Made In U.S., Europe Fall On Yemeni Civilians

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[W]hile some observers scrutinize Iran's support of Yemen's Houthi rebels, they often overlook the use of U.S.- and European-made weapons by their Yemeni and Arab rivals. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Charlotte Alfred | July 24, 2015

All eyes are on Tehran's role in the conflict, but there are other players involved too -- the US.

The international deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief has once again directed attention to Tehran's involvement in Yemen's bloody war, as opponents of the historic agreement point to the deadly conflict as an example of the dangers of Iran’s regional ambitions.

Yet while some observers scrutinize Iran's support of Yemen's Houthi rebels, they often overlook the use of U.S.- and European-made weapons by their Yemeni and Arab rivals.

Over 3,600 Yemenis, about half of them civilians, have been killed in airstrikes and ground clashes that are part of a bloody and complex civil war. What began as a conflict between the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and Houthi fighters -- members of a Shiite group in Yemen's north -- now involves a plethora of fighting factions grouped in two loose alliances. Houthi rebels and loyalists of ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh are on one side, pitted against troops loyal to the exiled Hadi and a diverse group of local and tribal militias who are aided by airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition. Amid the chaos, al Qaeda has carved out a territorial stronghold, prompting continued U.S. drone strikes, while the Islamic State has upped its campaign of terror.

Perspective: A frightening proposal to intern Muslim U.S. citizens | Nathan J. Robinson

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The constitutionality of such measures is plainly dubious. As much as Clark may insist that support of Nazi Germany didn’t receive free speech protection, contemporary First Amendment jurisprudence strongly begs to differ.

Gen. Wesley Clark, a Democrat, spoke favorably of the internment camps,
saying  “it’s our right and obligation to segregate them [Muslims] from the
normal community for the duration of the conflict.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Al Jazeera America
By Nathan J. Robinson | July 21, 2015

In the wake of the Chattanooga shooting, a dangerous suggestion appears from right and left

Terrorist violence can make the previously unthinkable suddenly seem acceptable. The levels of surveillance introduced after 9/11 could have been considered reasonable only in the climate of collective panic that the attacks induced. But this week’s reaction to the fatal shooting of four Marines and a Navy petty officer in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by a 24-year-old Muslim has to win the prize for the worst proposed civil liberties infringement to come out of a violent disruption. No matter how high tensions may have run after the Boston Marathon bombing or 9/11, few dared to propose what figures of both left and right have now suggested: the segregation and internment of Muslim citizens.

The first mention of internment came from a somewhat unexpected source: Gen. Wesley Clark, a Democrat known for his progressive-oriented presidential campaign in 2004. Interviewed on MSNBC in the shooting’s aftermath, Clark said the U.S. needed to increasingly get tough on “radicalized” individuals. He spoke favorably of the internment camps set up during World War II, saying that “if someone supported Nazi Germany at the expense of the United States, we didn’t say that was freedom of speech. We put him in a camp.” Lest there be any doubt what Clark was advocating, he insisted that for radicalized Muslims, “it’s our right and obligation to segregate them from the normal community for the duration of the conflict.”

Richard Dawkins mansplains feminism to Muslim women, Fatima Bhutto hits back

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Fatima Bhutto, however, pointed out what really irked us about Dawkins' statement: the fact that he is yet another man trying to explain to women how best to live their lives.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Dawn Staff | July 24, 2015

Isn't all that mansplaining awfully anti-feminist of Dawkins?

Prominent thinker Richard Dawkins stepped into yet another messy debate online when he tweeted "Islam needs a feminist revolution. It will be hard. What can we do to help?"

Dawkins has long been critical of all organized religions, though many have pointed out that he's overly harsh in his criticism of Islam. The question he posed above drew a heated reaction on Twitter, with some saying that Islam is inherently feminist, and others simply angry that Dawkins was commenting on the religion once again.

USA: Conservatives Are Not Happy With Pope Francis, Gallup Poll Shows

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"I don't get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinal or my pope. I think religion ought to be about making us better as people and less about things that end up getting in the political realm." [Jeb Bush]

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Carol Kuruvilla | July 22, 2015

The “Francis effect," a phrase used to signify the new energy that Pope Francis' election injected into the global Catholic church, appears to be simmering down among American conservatives, according to a Gallup poll released on Wednesday.

The pontiff’s favorability rating among conservatives has plunged to about 45 percent, compared with a lofty 72 percent in 2014, the poll finds.

Art Swift, a writer at Gallup, chalks the change up to the pope’s stance on social and economic issues.

“This decline may be attributable to the pope's denouncing of 'the idolatry of money' and linking climate change partially to human activity, along with his passionate focus on income inequality -- all issues that are at odds with many conservatives' beliefs,” Swift writes.

Perspective: Drawing Prophet Muhammad is not an Issue of Freedom of Speech | Haris Raja

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Drawing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad serves no real purpose and is unnecessarily offensive. It will not change Muhammad's reality or the conduct of his true followers.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: OpEd News
By Haris Raja | July 24, 2015

When Charlie Hebdo's editor, Laurent Sourisseau, announced a few days ago that the he would no longer draw cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, I wondered how the self-proclaimed champions of "free speech" would react to this statement. In a couple of days time, Daniel Payne came out with a clamorous article, titled "If Charlie Hebdo Won't Draw Muhammed, Who Will?" As if the sky is falling and the only way to uphold freedom of speech in the world is through drawing cartoons of Muhammad. Payne called this a "win" for terrorist, who murdered eleven of Charlie Hebdo's staff members for drawing Muhammad's cartoons, and vowed not to "give in" and "give up" the "right to freedom of speech".

Before I proceed to a direct response to this article, let me state outright that what the terrorists did at Charlie Hebdo earlier this year has no moral or religious justification whatsoever. Neither the Quran nor the practice of Muhammad sanctions any such act. There is not a single example from the life of Muhammad where he even said harsh words or harmed anyone for mocking him, let along cold-blooded murder. In fact, on many occasions during his lifetime Muhammad was verbally and physically abused but purposefully refrained from responding violently. Those terrorists did not represent Islam or the Prophet Muhammad.

However, drawing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad is not an issue of freedom of speech it's an issue of basic human decency that any civil society should demand. Just like a racial slur is offensive to African Americans or a homophobic comment is hurtful to gays, depicting Muhammad in a derogatory way is painful for Muslims. To this, Payne and his like-minded colleagues would say don't play the "feelings" card. We will express ourselves because it's our "right" and sensitivities do not take any precedence.

Gambia: Ahmaddiyya's Eidul-Fitr Message - Importance and Blessings of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Eidul Fitr

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As we emerge from Ramadan, we must go through the next eleven months with certainty of faith and all our actions must have the fragrance of the love and pleasure of Allah Almighty.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Point (Banjul)
By Baba F. Trawally | July 22, 2015

The conclusion of the Holy month of Ramadan is a very joyous moment for believers not because the month of fasting has ended, but because they have faithfully and successfully obeyed the divine commandment of fasting. Underlying every teaching of the Holy Qur'an, there is a philosophy and the philosophy of fasting is the attainment of Taqwa, which is generally translated as the fear of Allah Almighty. Taqwa (Righteousness) also entails man's readiness to avoid all forms of sin, big or small, manifest or hidden with so much care like a man walking in a thorny bush without a thorn prick. This is the state of the heart and actions that the Ramadan teaches us.

The month of Ramadan is not a form of slavery from which man is freed with the sighting of the moon for the Eidul Fitr. The month should strengthen the soul and the body to perform more devotions and sacrifices in the way of Allah Almighty. Just like the way the physical well being of an individual is compromised without food and water, his spiritual aptitude and excellence are compromised without Taqwa. Taqwa is not a seasonal phenomenon that is acquired in Ramadan and is lost for the next eleven months; Taqwa is the condition of the heart that should be permanent and enduring. A heart filled with Taqwa is a citadel of protection against Satan.

India: Delhi's Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at organizes Eid Milan Party

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Shiraz Ahmad said the Ahmadiyya Muslim community stands at the forefront to promote interfaith dialogues and global peace in today’s troubled world. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Author
By Ch.Maqbool Ahmad | July 23, 2015

QADIAN: Ahmadiyya Musilm Jama’at Delhi organized an 'Eid Milan Party' on the evening of July 22nd to commemorate the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival at the completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

According to a press statement issued by Mr. K Tarique Ahmad, Press Secretary Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, the community organized the “Eid Milan Party” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. 

More than 200 guests participated in this program. 

Maulana Fatehud Din, Ahmadiyya Muslim Missionary in New Delhi recited the verses of the Holy Quran and Shiraz Ahmad, Deputy Chief Secretary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community delivered the welcome address wherein he presented a brief introduction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at.

UK: Ahmadi Muslims in Coventry donate to food bank during Ramadan

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Mr Holbrook received the food items on July 11 and he also gave the volunteers a short visit of the warehouse and explained how the food bank operates.

Mumtaz Malik, president of the AMA Coventry (left) handing the donations to
Mitchell Holbrook (middle) along with a AMA Coventry youth organisation
representative Mr Mubashar (right).

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Coventry Telegraph
By Rosie Day | July 24, 2015

“Helping the poor and those in need is our duty according to the true teachings of Islam"

Muslims in Coventry maintained a regular tradition during the month of fasting by donating a generous amount of food to the city’s food bank.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association handed over food weighing over 200kg to Mitchell Holbrook, manager at the Coventry Food Bank warehouse in Binley .

Members of the AMA have previously made similar donations to the food bank on several occasions.

The Food Bank relies on food donations to feed local people in crisis and is distributed through 16 partner churches throughout Coventry. The Food Bank provided food to more than 200 people a week.

Mr Holbrook received the food items on July 11 and he also gave the volunteers a short visit of the warehouse and explained how the food bank operates.

Mumtaz Malik, the local president of AMA Coventry, said: “Helping the poor and those in need is our duty according to the true teachings of Islam and as Ahmadiyya Muslims we would continue to support food bank.”

Pakistan blasphemy accused: Does Aasia Bibi see the light at the end of the tunnel?

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Farahnaz Ispahani, a former member of Pakistani parliament and author of forthcoming book "Purifying the Land of the Pure: Pakistan's Religious Minorities" told me that there is a direct link to the increased Islamisation and the mistreatment of minorities in Pakistan.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Author
By Shahid Khan | July 24, 2015

Pakistan blasphemy accused: Does Aasia Bibi see the light at the end of the tunnel?

Years ago, I visited a central jail in Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan during a local community project to spend some time with prisoners serving sentences, often deserted and sometimes forgotten by their own families and friends.

For the first time in my life, I came to know the ‘life’ behind the bars. While we were escorted through the small dingy cells reserved for solitary confinement with next to nothing sanitary system, damp and dark with only a window to give some glimpse of life outside, I began to think what it means to spend a single day in such conditions, let alone years.

The lifeless existence of inmates with small and big crimes continue to haunt them day in and day out. The challenges they face behind the bars, are utterly unimaginable to the people in the outside world. My one-time glimpse into the prison cells in Pakistan, to this day shudders me in the comfort of my home.

Aasia Bibi, a blasphemy accused on death row often makes headlines during the time of her court hearings. I wonder, what it means to be a woman, Christian, accused of blasphemy, on a death row and in a solitary confinement for more than five years. Her health has further deteriorated, she is reported to have internal bleeding and spewing blood. What is it like to 'live' in conditions in which you start to hate your own existence? An unfathomable trauma!