Saudi Arabia: Local cleric issues fatwa watching football is 'haram' for women

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In a fatwa that has been the subject of much ridicule, the local mosque imam ruled that women “do not care who wins the match, all they care about is watching the player’s thighs.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By ET Web Desk | May 30, 2015

A Saudi cleric faced the wrath of social media on Sunday after he issued a fatwa stating watching football should be ‘haram’ for women since it is only watched so they can stare at men’s thighs.

In a fatwa that has been the subject of much ridicule, the local mosque imam ruled that women “do not care who wins the match, all they care about is watching the player’s thighs.”

Read: Saudi cleric claims Earth is stationary, does not revolve around Sun

He added that a “woman seeing a foreign man is sinful, so what about seeing his thighs and tight kit?”

Greece: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at holds 1st National Peace Symposium

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“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community upholds this fundamental point of love and peace and extends it to others, and believes Peace can be established in this world only when everyone recognises God."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: AMC - Greece
By Press Release (Edited) | May 30, 2015

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Greece held its 1st National Peace Symposium on 30th May 2015 in Titania Hotel, Athens. The events was attended by about 50 people of different faiths and walks of life.

The Key-note speaker was Dr. Iftikhar A. Ayaz OBE of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Mr. Atta-Ul Naseer, Imam & National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Greece delivered the welcome address and the key aspects of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community were highlighted through an introductory documentary about the community.

USA: Ahmadiyya Muslim group in Tempe pushes back against ISIS extremism

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"The Islamic State has nothing to do with Islam. Everything Mohammed stood for is the opposite of what they do -- he condemned violence."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Republic
By Garrett Mitchell | May 30, 2015

The Valley chapter of a Muslim youth advocacy group hosted a seminar in Tempe on Saturday examining the religion of Islam and how it differs from the radical and violent activities of terrorist groups.

Saturday's seminar, "Stop the CrISIS," aimed to address religious extremism as well as combat intolerance and ignorance. Nearly 60 people participated.

The seminar's purpose was to show the difference between mainstream Islam and radicals who "represent a small minority" of a religion that promotes peace and tolerance, said Shahzad Amjad, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association's Phoenix chapter.

The AMYA is a national group that works with young Muslim men and boys to teach community involvement, spiritual training and provide service opportunities.

Perspective: It's time to welcome the hujab as a sheild on the police force | Nusrat Qadir

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Prior struggles regarding religious attire on the police force have come from male Jewish police officers wearing their yarmulkes and male Sikh police officers wearing their turbans.

UK Police officer Jayne Kemp patrols her beat wearing a
traditional hijab

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: World Religion News
By Nusrat Qadir | May 29, 2015

Police departments in America have been under a great deal of scrutiny for the increased tension regarding race relations, yet recently a Columbus police station made the news due to religion rather than race by not hiring Officer Issmahan Isse. One would think her Somali-American, Muslim, and female identity would be an asset for the local police department, yet instead was met with resistance due to her desire to wear the hijab, a scarf that covers the head and neck area. The Columbus police station stated their policy that “prohibits women from wearing headscarves as a safety issue” in order to have every officer look the same. While Mayor Coleman of Columbus is commendably asking the police department to review its policy, the issue allowing a Muslim woman wearing a hijab should not require such a detailed examination.

Officer Isse complied with the requirement to not wear the hijab during her training at the police academy, yet after her training and during her interviews wore her hijab and after completing her training was informed of the policy that she could not work with her hijab. While some may view the hijab as a symbol of Islamic extremism, it in essence is a tool that allows a Muslim woman to be liberated and able to avoid harassment. History of modest attire and covering is noted prior to the advent of Islam most notably recognized on Mary, mother of Jesus. The hijab is meant to cover and protect a woman and is described in the Quran as part of modest attire that covers the head, neck and bosom. Women of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, as well as women of other sects of Islam, are noted to cover their head, neck and lower portion of their chins while wearing a loose outer garment and choose to cover because it is liberating and allows them to retain their modesty and morals per the Quran’s guidance.

USA: United Airlines faces boycott calls after passenger alleges Islamophobia

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United Airlines is facing growing criticism for alleged Islamophobia after a female Muslim passenger claimed to be openly discriminated against on a recent flight.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Haaretz
By Harretz | May 31, 2015

Female Muslim passenger's Facebook post says a flight attendant refused to give her an unopened can of soda for fear she might 'use it as a weapon,' and that other passengers didn't stand up for her.

United Airlines is facing growing criticism for alleged Islamophobia after a female Muslim passenger claimed to be openly discriminated against on a recent flight.

Tahera Ahmad, who is director of interfaith engagement at Northwestern University, posted the details of the incident on Facebook on Saturday. She claimed that a flight attendant refused to give her an unopened can of Diet Coke since "people may use it as a weapon on the plane."

When Ahmad replied that the flight attendant gave the man next to her an unopened can of beer, the flight attendant allegedly responded that "it's so you don't use it as a weapon," she said in the post.

Ahmad said that when she asked other passengers if they witnessed the incident, a nearby passenger said "you know you would use it as a weapon," addressed her as "you Muslim," and told her to "shut the f*** up." She wrote that she broke down in "tears of humiliation from discrimination."

The Facebook post went viral, and a #unitedfortahera hashtag immediately began trending worldwide. Many tweeps have threatened to boycott the airline until it issued Ahmad a formal apology. [more ... ]

US police have shot dead 385 people in five months of 2015

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Post’s analysis indicates the daily death toll for 2015 is close to 2.6 as of Friday. At that pace, police will have shot and killed nearly 1,000 people by the end of the year, the paper said.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Reuters | May 31, 2015

[Excerpts]

WASHINGTON: US police have shot and killed 385 people during the first five months of this year, a rate of more than two a day, the Washington Post reported on Saturday.

The death rate is more than twice that tallied by the federal government over the past decade, a count that officials concede is incomplete, the newspaper said.

The analysis is based on data the Post is compiling on every fatal shooting by police in 2015, as well as of every officer killed by gunfire in the line of duty.
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The Post analysis comes as a national debate is raging over the police use of deadly force, especially against minorities.

USA: Muslims move forward after anti-Islam rally in Phoenix

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"The biggest victims of ISIS are actually Muslims themselves. Any solution to extremism in the name of faith communities must be resolved by people of faith as well."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: ABC 15 News
By Pete Suratos | May 30, 2015

TEMPE, AZ - The anti-Islam protests are still fresh in the minds of American Muslims in the Valley.

"It would be quite jarring if American Muslims brandished weapons outside of a church. This is not the way to go about having a civil dialogue," says Amjad Khan, director of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Phoenix.

And that's why members of the local chapter, which is dedicated to battling extremist groups within the religion, held a symposium at the Tempe History Museum today to discuss the negative ramifications of groups like ISIS.

"The biggest victims of ISIS are actually Muslims themselves. Any solution to extremism in the name of faith communities must be resolved by people of faith as well," said Khan.

Jamaica: Islamic leader says a small minority of extrimists trying to tarnish its reputation

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"The Ahmadiyya Muslim community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and re-institute morality, justice, and peace."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Jamaica-Gleaner
By Ruddy Mathison | May 30, 2015

OLD HARBOUR, St Catherine: Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at has said the rise of so called Islamic fundamentalism has given credence to a misconception about what Islam truly represents.

According this Islamic religious group, Islam is portrayed today as a religion of violence; a contradiction in terms because Islam means peace.

The group considered a fast-growing international revival movement within Islam founded in 1889 by Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian India, held its third annual national conference recently at their Mahdi Mosque, Old Harbour, St Catherine, under the theme "Hatred for none, love for all".

"We are the only Islamic organisation to believe that the long-awaited Messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad," Lal Khan Malik national president of the movement told Family & Religion.

UK: Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Sect In London Bans Women From Driving

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The letter, signed by rabbis from the Belz Hasidic sect in Stamford Hill and sent last week to parents in the community, says that female drivers are a violation of “the traditional rules of modesty in our camp.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Antonia Blumberg  | May 29, 2015

Leaders of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect in north London recently issued a statement to their community that bans women from driving.

The letter, signed by rabbis from the Belz Hasidic sect in Stamford Hill and sent last week to parents in the community, says that female drivers are a violation of “the traditional rules of modesty in our camp.” It also states that, beginning in August, children driven by their mothers will be barred from attending school, according to The Jewish Chronicle.

The Belz sect operates two schools in Stamford Hill, Machzikei Hadass and Beis Malka, where the ban will be enforced, reports The Independent.

In certain circumstances, if a woman is compelled for medical or other reasons to drive her child to school, she may “submit a request to the special committee to this effect and the committee shall consider her request," the letter states.

It also notes that the ban is based on the recommendations of Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, the sect's spiritual leader in Israel. [ more ... ]

Perspective: Enemy Number One For Minorities in Pakistan Is Public Opinion | Usman Ahmad

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In a hostile world, ever ready to devour them whole, Pakistani minorities face myriad threats; each new atrocity brings with it reams of analysis and no shortage of finger pointing towards the perceived culprits.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Foreign Policy
By Usman Ahmad | May 27, 2015

In a hostile world, Pakistani minorities face many threats; each new atrocity brings with it reams of analysis and no shortage of finger pointing towards the perceived culprits. But general public opinion might be just as much to blame as terrorism.

Earlier this year, on the same day that small pockets of Pakistani society came together to commemorate the birthday of Professor Abdus Salam, Human Rights Watch released their annual World Report, which found that attacks against minority communities had risen significantly in the country through 2014. The timing was laced with irony; Salam, Pakistan’s first Nobel Laureate, has long been shunned by the people of his nation because he was an Ahmadi — a sect long ostracized and persecuted for their perceived heretical beliefs — standing thereby as perhaps the most symbolic icon of the struggles faced by minorities in Pakistan.

Perspective: Five Years After Lahore Attacks, Pakistan’s Ahmadis Live In The Shadows | Aysha Khan

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These attacks speak to the dark reality that is faced even by those who dare defend Pakistan’s religious minorities, and the degree to which sectarian strife seeps into the lives of all Pakistanis. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Muftah
By Aysha Khan | May 28th, 2015

On May 28, 2010, two gunmen stormed into a Lahore mosque during Friday prayers, spraying bullets as they went. About fifteen kilometers away, two more attackers lobbed grenades and exploded suicide vests in another mosque.

The brazen, four-hour massacre of minority Ahmadi Muslims left up to ninety-five people dead and 120 wounded. Days later, gunmen targeted a nearby hospital where many of the victims were being treated. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) local affiliate claimed responsibility for the attacks. “This is a final warning to the [Ahmadi community] to leave Pakistan or prepare for death at the hands of the Prophet Muhammad’s devotees,” the group told journalists in a text message reported by TIME.

Just days after the 2010 attacks, an Ahmadi man in the Narowal district, in northeastern Punjab, was stabbed to death in the night while he slept beside his wife. His murderer had been inspired to violence after local clerics had described the entire Ahmadi community as wajib-e-qatl, or “deserving of death.” Town residents said the man claimed he would leave no Ahmadis alive.

Ghana: Ahmadis mark 5th Khilafat with symposium

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The Khilafat day was the first commemoration to be institutionalised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission and held on May 27 every year.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Graphic Online
By Adwoa Amofa Osei | May 30, 2015

The Ameer and Missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Maulana Alhaj Noor Mohammed Bin Salih, has stated that this year’s Khilafat, which is the fifth, will be celebrated outdoors to do away with the negative perceptions people have about it.

According to him, because the celebration is usually done in the confinement of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, people have misconstrued the whole meaning of the celebration.

He was speaking at a press conference organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission to inform the press and the general public of the celebration in Accra.

Pakistan: Parliament to consider amending blasphemy laws

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"We know that several parties are favorable of stopping the abuse of the blasphemy law. But extremist parties are still very strong."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Aleteia News
By John Burger | May 29, 2015

[Excerpt]

In wake of more frequent attacks against Christians, officials move to prevent abuses

The government of Pakistan is moving to stop abuse of the nation's anti-blasphemy laws, which have led to death and injury for many people, mainly because of outrage on the part of devout Muslims.

Speaking just a couple of days after the latest incident, in which Christian homes were attacked near the city of Lahore, a diocesan official in Karachi said the government's plan to introduce a reform bill in Parliament is a "major step forward."

"We hope and we will see how the debate goes in Parliament," ​Father Saleh Diego, president of the "Justice and Peace" Commission and chancellor of the Archdiocese of Karachi, told Fides news agency. "We know that several parties are favorable of stopping the abuse of the blasphemy law. But extremist parties are still very strong."

Among the changes being introduced, the new law would make it necessary to show bad faith and intent behind an act of blasphemy.

USA: Counterprotesters at armed biker rally at Phoenix mosque shout 'ISIS is not Islam'

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About 250 people toting pistols, American flags and cartoon drawings of the Prophet Mohammad were met by an equally-sized group chanting peaceful songs and preaching love.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Mashable
By Brittany Livine | May 29, 2015

[Excerpts]

What began as an anti-Islam rally for gun-wielding bikers Friday evening quickly transformed into a shouting match as couterprotesters flocked to the targeted Phoenix mosque.

About 250 people toting pistols, American flags and cartoon drawings of the Prophet Mohammad, which are considered blasphemous by many Muslims, were met by an equally-sized group chanting peaceful songs and preaching love at the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix.

Between them stood a police line.

The anti-Islam biker rally was called by Iraq War veteran Jon Ritzheimer in response to a Texas shootout last month at a Prophet Mohammad cartoon-drawing contest. Two men who worshipped at the mosque came to the event in a Dallas suburb armed with assault rifles. They were eventually killed during a shootout with police.

USA: Imam Shamshad of Glen Ellyn, Chicago hosts area religious leaders on May 27

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On 27th of May each year, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community observes Khilafat Day to commemorate this institution which began on the same date in 1908 after the demise of the community's founder. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Bait-ul Jamm'e Mosque
By Staff Report | May 29, 2015

On Wednesday, May 27, Imam Shamshad A. Nasir of Bait ul Jamm'e Mosque in Glen Ellyn invited other religious leaders of the area for a good-will get-together and together they pledged to cooperate with each other in matters of community and interfaith services, the foremost being the homelessness in the area.

Imam Shamshad was joined by eleven religious leaders of Glen Ellyn area and they were all concerned about the people down on their luck and living on the streets. The leaders committed they will continue to seek out ways to mitigate the community's hardships.

Imam Shamshad took the opportunity to enlighten the attendees about the importance of May 27 in Islam-Ahmadiyya and the blessing the Ahmadiyya institution of Khilafat has brought to the world.

Australia: National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association meets Mayor of Warringah Council in NSW

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"The Association regularly holds interfaith forums in its mosques all over Australia where politicians, community, religious leaders and other interested persons from different faiths are invited."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: AMA Australia
By Press Release | May 28, 2015

A delegation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim (Association/Community in) Australia led by the National President, Imam Inam-ul-Haq Kauser met with Cr Mr Michael Regan, Mayor of Warringah at his office on 27 May 2015. Imam Kauser appreciated the Mayor for his contribution to the community work and promoting multiculturalism in his area of responsibility, and briefly introduced the Ahmadiyya Association to the councillor. Imam Kauser informed the mayor about a number of initiatives that the Association has taken in the last few years to promote peace and harmony in the society, and its community and humanitarian work in different parts of Australia.

“The Association regularly holds interfaith forums in its mosques all over Australia where politicians, community, religious leaders and other interested persons from different faiths are invited” said Imam Kauser.

Imam Kauser extended the invitation of ‘Fasting in my Faith’ to the Mayor. ‘Fasting in my Faith’ is an interfaith gathering which will be held next month at Baitul Huda Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in Sydney where the Association has also invited Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Muslim faith leaders and community members.

Imam Kauser also presented a copy of the English translation of the Holy Quran to the Mayor along with the book "World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace," a collection of speeches and letters by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Khalifa of Islam, the worldwide Spiritual Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam.

Germany: Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Opens New Ahmadiyya Mosque in Hanau

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The opening of the new Mosque took place on Khilafat Day – marking 107 years since the institution of Khilafat (Caliphate) was established in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: AMJ International
By Press Desk | Masy 29, 2015

Baitul Wahid Mosque is inaugurated on Khilafat Day by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. 

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is pleased to announce that on 27 May 2015, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad inaugurated the Baitul Wahid Mosque (House of the One God) in the German city of Hanau.

The opening of the new Mosque took place on Khilafat Day – marking 107 years since the institution of Khilafat (Caliphate) was established in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Upon arrival, His Holiness officially inaugurated the Mosque by unveiling a commemorative plaque and offering a silent prayer in thanks to God Almighty. His Holiness then led the Zuhr and Asr prayers at the new Mosque before planting a tree at the Mosque premises to further mark the occasion.

Canada: AMJ Run for Bradford - Celebrating Bradford West Gwillimbury!

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The AMJ Run for Bradford is also about building community – bringing together residents of all backgrounds, to run in support of the Library, Recreation Complex, Family Health Centre and local Heritage.

They're off! All ages participated in the 3K Run/Walk, in the Ahmadiyya Muslim
community's Run for Bradford (BWG) held in Bradford, Ont. on Saturday May 23, 2015.
Miriam King/Bradford Times/Postmedia Network

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Bradford Times
By  By Miriam King | May 28, 2015

May 23 was a day of celebration in Bradford – celebrating everything that gives the community its unique character, from its agricultural roots to its multi-cultural population.

Saturday saw the Opening of the Bradford Farmers' Market; the annual Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at “Run for Bradford (BWG)” – a fundraiser for leisure, culture and heritage; and the BWG Diversity Action Group's launch of a Peace Tree, and announcement of the winners of the “What Diversity Means to Me” essay contest.

It all took place in and around the Bradford Public Library & Cultural Centre, which has become the heart and hub of the community since it opened its doors in 2011.

At the Bradford Farmers' Market, shoppers bought fresh produce, the cured meats of European Meat, Sheldon dairy products and Empire cheeses, hand-made soaps, baked goods, jams and preserves, cut flowers, crafts and doggie treats from new and returning vendors.

Nigeria: Stand Firm Against Corruption Ahmadiyya Urges Buhari

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The organisation called on Nigerian not relent in our prayers for God's forgiveness, perfect protection, excellent guidance, sound health, and long blessed life of service to humanity for the President-elect and other leaders.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Independent (Lagos)
By Aramide Oikelome | May 28 2015

Lagos — The leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria has urged the President - elect, General Muhammadu Buhari to stand firm against corruption and other vices plaguing the country, as he hit the ground running for positive change towards socio-political and economic emancipation of Nigeria as from May 29th..

This admonition was contained a statement at the end of the National executive committee meeting of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat which held recently at its headquarters in Lagos.

According to the (Amir) Head of the Islamic organisation, Dr Mashuud Adenrele Fasola , "We admonish that the incoming regime should stand firm in the pursuit of truth, social justice and fairplay, probity, transparency, accountability, security of life and property, in the combat of insurgency, barbarism, and violation of human rights, and in the eradication of poverty and promotion of welfare for the generality of all without any discrimination whatsoever in all sincerity and in principle and practice."

Germany: Khalifa of Islam says Germany should protect integrity and unity of Europe‏

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Regarding, the institution of Khilafat that leads the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness said it was a true Khilafat established to follow the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: AMJ International
By Press Desk | May 29, 2015

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad gives interview to Die Zeit

On 25 May 2015, Die Zeit, the German national weekly, interviewed the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. His Holiness was interviewed by reporter Tahir Chaudhry about the role of Islam in the modern world, the threat of extremism and various other global issues.

During the interview, His Holiness explained in detail the prophecy of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding the latter days and the advent of the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi. His Holiness said that Ahmadi Muslims believe the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi has come in the person of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him).

Perspective: The Plight Of The Rohingya Muslims In Myanmar (Burma) | Azhar Ahmedi

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Criticism has also been leveled at Aung San Suu Kyi, the world-famous opposition leader who has struggled indefatigably for the Burmese people against the military junta but who has not spoken on behalf of the Rohingya people.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The Viewpoint
By Azhar Ahmedi | May 27, 2015

The spotlight of the international press and human rights observers has once again fallen on the plight of thousands of Rohingya  Muslims who are fleeing persecution in their native Myanmar , but whom no country wishes to accept . They seem abandoned on the high seas. The neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and also Australia have refused to give refuge to these victims who have suffered extreme persecution at the hands of local Bhuddist mobs and odious discriminatory policies perpetrated by the Burmese authorities.

Human rights groups have for long tried to draw the world’s attention to the plight of the Rohingya, who are Muslim and of Bengali origin, but have for decades, and in some cases centuries, settled in neighbouring Myanmar. They face constant hate speech from Bhuddist monks and, worryingly, the wider Buddhist population, and overt discrimination in the fields of education, housing and employment. In 1982 General Ne Win’s military regime enacted the Citizenship Law which denied the Rohingyas citizenship of a country they have inhabited for generations. They are considered as Bengalis and not Burmese, so their basic citizenship rights are denied.

Canada: Dozens run for Bradford charities

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"This event has a big effect on our town. It really brings people together to support local initiatives and that’s wonderful."

Photo: Paul Novosad | Runners take part in the five-kilometre event at the fourth
annual Run for BWG Saturday.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Simcoe
By Brea Bartholet | May 28, 2015

It was a beautiful sunny day Saturday for the fourth annual Run For BWG, held in partnership with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Canada.

Dozens of runners and walkers from throughout Bradford took part in the event, which had three and five-kilometre routes around the BWG library.

"The money raised every year goes toward different community initiatives. I am very proud of our partnership with AMJ,” Councillor Raj Sandhu said.

“This event has a big effect on our town. It really brings people together to support local initiatives and that’s wonderful,” Mayor Rob Keffer added.

Overall, the top three fastest runners during the event were Fernando Carvahlo, Ibrahim Atif and Zain Siddiqui.

This year, funds raised will go toward supporting the family health centre, BWG library, cultural and leisure centre.

UK: Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Assoc. makes Services to Community award shortlist

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AMYA’s aim is also to give young people important life skills by engaging them in community and charitable initiatives.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Examiner / Andrew Hirst
By Staff report | May 27, 2015

The Examiner Community Awards night is less than a week away and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association is among the three nominations making the shortlist in the Services to the Community category.

According to The Huddersfield Daily Examiner, the winner will be announced at the John Smith’s Stadium on the awards night on Wednesday, June 3.

In its report published on May 27, The Examiner reported some of the highlights of the services performed by the association for community's benefit. The news report said:

Young people from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association are showing exceptional services to the community in Huddersfield.

Nigeria: Ahmadiyya holds 4th northern Jalsa, National Peace Symposium

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The Theme of the Con­ference is: “Religion, Peace & National Unity” while the Amir of the Jama’at, Dr. Mashood A. Fashola will chair the symposium.

File photo: Nigeria Jalsa

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: National Mirror
By Sekinah Lawal | May 29, 2015

The Ahmadiyya Mus­lim Jama’at, Nige­ria, will hold its 4th northern region jalsa tar­biya (conference on Islamic education and moral training), between Friday, 5th June and Sunday, 7th June, 2015.

According to a release signed by the Naib Amir (North), Ahmadiyya Mus­lim Jama’at, Nigeria, Dr. Yaqeen A Habeeb, the Conference will hold at the Abuja Central Mosque of the Jama’at, at Plot 579, Independence Avenue (behind Honda Place), Central Business District, Abuja while the first National Peace Symposium, NPS, will hold on Saturday 6th June, 2015 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, beginning from 10am prompt.

The Theme of the Conference is: “Religion, Peace & National Unity” while the Amir of the Jama’at, Dr. Mashood A. Fashola will chair the symposium. An array of distinguished scholars cutting across different religions and faiths has been assembled to constitute a panel of discussants.

Perspective: Remembring the 2010 Lahore Massacre | Dr Irfan Malik

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More than 60,000 people have been killed. All religious groups have suffered including Ahmadis, Sunnis, Shias, Ismailis, Christians and Hindus.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: The View Point
By Dr Irfan Malik | May 27, 2015

Five years ago on Friday May 28th 2010, marked the horrific day of the Lahore massacre in Punjab, Pakistan. At the time of Friday prayers extremist gunmen simultaneously stormed two Ahmadiyya Muslim mosques in Lahore, causing devastating carnage.

A total of 86 worshippers were killed, 125 wounded making it the single most deadly attack on the Ahmadi Muslims.

The two Lahore mosques attacked were Baitun Noor in the district of Model Town and Darul Zikr in Garhi Shahu. Religious extremists with shotguns, AK-47s and grenades launched a sustained attack on the unarmed worshippers and indiscriminately killed young and old.

Germany: Khalifa of Islam Inaugurates National Admin Offices of Two Ahmadiyya Auxiliary Organizations in Frankfurt

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During his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that in keeping with its name, the building should be known as a symbol of peace and security for all people.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: AMJ International
By Press Statement | May 28, 2015

‘Baitul Aafiyyat’ will serve as the national headquarters of Majlis Ansarullah and Lajna Imaillah in Germany

On 26 May 2015, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad inaugurated the newly acquired administrative headquarters of Majlis Ansarullah Germany and Lajna Imaillah Germany.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has named the 5-storey building ‘Baitul Aafiyyat’ (The House of Peace and Security).  It has a covered area that measures 11,250 square metres and was recently jointly purchased by the two auxiliary organisations.

The building, which includes various offices, halls and guest accommodation facilities, sits directly opposite the Baitus Subuh mosque complex in Frankfurt. Thus, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad chose to walk to the new building, where hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims had lined the road to welcome him.

Pakistan: Tolerating The Intolerant | Editorial - The Nation

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This monitoring of religious sermons will have the purpose of avoiding religious and sectarian conflicts. It can also be looked at criticallay as a way of ‘systematizing’ religion.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Nation Pakistan
By Editorial | May 28, 2015

The Milli Yakjehti Council (MYC) has decided to monitor Friday sermons in mosques, in order to limit clerics or prayer leaders to deliver speeches on the subject of morality and humanity alone, as explained in the religion of Islam. An alliance of various religious-political parties, including Jamaat-i-Islami, this decision was taken by the council in order to promote sectarian and religious harmony, through giving ‘purposeful’ messages to Friday prayers gatherings on ‘morality, humanity, civilization, family system, culture and public rights.’

This monitoring of religious sermons will have the purpose of avoiding religious and sectarian conflicts. It can also be looked at criticallay as a way of ‘systematizing’ religion. This has been one of the approaches that has led to a religious divide in the country, based on sects or any other religious affiliation.

UK: Thousands of Muslim Elders to March in London - for Charity

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Over 40 mayoral and MP charities will be supported as well as the Royal British Legion, Alzheimer's Society, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, British Heart Foundation, We Are Macmillan Cancer Support, Age UK, Action for Children, RLSB, Samaritans and Humanity First.

File photo: Walk for Peace - Charity Walk 2014

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK
By Press Release | May 28, 2015

Half a million pounds pledged to UK charities in the Walk For Peace

Muslims from across Britain are to converge on the capital to put their best foot forward for charity. Organised by the elder members of the community (aged 40+) the walk is a flagship event designed to promote health, charity and understanding between all communities.

Last year the 'Charity Walk for Peace' raised £360,000 and this year its target is to raise £500,000.

The walk talks place in south London, starting at the landmark Baitul Futuh Mosque on Sunday 31st May 2015. Over 40 mayoral and MP charities will be supported as well as the Royal British Legion, Alzheimer's Society, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, British Heart Foundation, We Are Macmillan Cancer Support, Age UK, Action for Children, RLSB, Samaritans and Humanity First.

USA: Bikers Plan Armed Protest Outside of Mosque in Arizona

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Prior to gathering outside of the mosque, the motorcyclists say they’ll meet in a nearby Denny’s parking lot, where they’ll have a “Muhammad cartoon contest.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Bridge Initiative
By The Bridge Initiative | May 27, 2015

On Friday, May 29, 2015, a group of bikers in Arizona plan to host an anti-Muslim demonstration outside of the Islamic Community Center in Phoenix. Dubbed as “Freedom of Speech Rally Round 2,” a reference to American blogger Pamela Geller’s deadly “Draw Muhammad” cartoon contest in Garland, Texas earlier this month, the event, organized on Facebook, is described as a “response to the recent attack in Texas where 2 armed terrorist, [sic] with ties to ISIS, attempted Jihad.”

Prior to gathering outside of the mosque, the motorcyclists say they’ll meet in a nearby Denny’s parking lot, where they’ll have a “Muhammad cartoon contest.” They plan to take the images of Islam’s prophet to the Islamic Community Center at 6:15 that evening — a time when the Muslim community is expected to gather inside.

The rally’s organizer, Jon Ritzheimer, has called on the group to “to utilize there [sic] second amendment right at this event just incase our first amendment comes under the much anticipated attack.” He warns on the event’s Facebook page that the mosque is “a known place that the 2 terrorist [sic] frequented.” The would-be ambushers of Pamela Geller’s event in Garland are said to have worshiped there.

Pakistan: 5 years since Lahore Ahmediyya Mosques attack

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After the May attacks, in 2010, 60 Ahmadis were implicated in cases involving religious matters. That year, government authorities ignored Ahmadis during its flood relief activities in south Punjab.

A scene from the massacre of Ahmadi Muslim in Lahore. 86 Ahmadi were
 shot in the worst terrorist attacks on two Ahmadiyya mosques during
Friday prayer on May 28, 2010

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Tanveer Rana | May 28, 2015

LAHORE: Five years ago, 86 people died and over 150 were injured in attacks on two Ahmadia worship places in the city.

On January 17, 2014, an anti-terrorism court sentenced to death two people who attacked the worship places. The attackers had been captured from their Model Town worship place during the attack.

Saleemuddin, a spokesperson for the Jamaat-i-Ahmadia, recalls that Lahore used to be a city of peaceful coexistence. That has, however, changed with the emergence of several organisations seeking to target Ahmadis in various ways.

“After the May 28 attacks, several of our worship places have been damaged. Cases have registered against several Ahmadis for offering prayers and sacrificing animals on Eidul Azha.”

Qadian: 'Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat teachings impress me' | Colonel Raghwainder Kumar

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Colonel Raghwainder Kumar met Akil Ahmad Saharanpuri, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, along with Mr. Rakesh Kaushal, Senior Superintendent of Police.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Author / AMJ Qadian
By Ch. Maqbool Ahmad | May 27, 2015

Pathankot/Qadian: Colonel Raghwainder Kumar of the Indian Army based in Pathankot appreciated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and it's teachings of unity through peace and love, when he met an Ahmadiyya representative recently.

Colonel Kumar met Akil Ahmad Saharanpuri, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, along with Mr. Rakesh Kaushal, Senior Superintendent of Police.

"I am impressed with the Teachings of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat which it is spreading all over the world," Colonel Kumar said

Colonel Kumar, who further showed interest in visiting historical places of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Qadian, was presented the book "World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace," a collection of speeches and letter by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Khalifa of Islam and the worldwide Ahmadiyya leader.

An invitation to visit Qadian was extended to Colonel Kumar.

India: Qadian Ahmadi Muslims celebrate 107th Khilafat Day at Masjid Aqsa

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The speakers stressed the logical need of the Muslim world, to unite on the hand of one Imam, which they identified as the system of Khilafat.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Ch. Maqbool Ahmad
By Staff Report | May 27, 2015

Qadian: Khilafat Day celebrations were held today at Masjid Aqsa by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Qadian where hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims had gathered to listen to the speakers.

Muneer Ahmad Hafizabadi, Secretary Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Qadian presided over the event and various able speakers highlighted the importance of this day commonly referred to as Youm-e Khilafat and celebrated by Ahamdi Muslims at local, regional and national levels.

The speakers reiterated that the Muslims who should have been united and be in harmony, are divided in countless sects and divisions and with such schism, they are unable to achieve anything in the world.

USA: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Commemorates Caliphate Day with Prayers and Education

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A continuation of the rightly guided Caliphate that succeeded Prophet Muhammad, the objective of Khalifat in Islam Ahmadiyyat is to raise awareness of the real peace-loving teachings of Islam.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Hartford Courant
By Zahir Mannan | May 27, 2015

Celebrating 107 years of Peace-Loving Khilafat.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is celebrating the re-establishment of Khilafat or Successorship in Islam on May 27th affectionately called Khilafat Day.

Not the recent fabricated and frankly barbaric Caliphate of ISIS' leader, but the reemergence of true Islamic Khilafat which occurred over a century ago in Ahmadiyyat after the demise of its messianic founder which is still championing a unifying leadership today. A continuation of the rightly guided Caliphate that succeeded Prophet Muhammad, the objective of Khalifat in Islam Ahmadiyyat is to raise awareness of the real peace-loving teachings of Islam in bold contrast to the impostor Caliph, Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, the truly anti-Islamic leader.

"Our mission is to change the world. If not this generation, then the coming generations will see it. We will not give up our task of ending all forms of cruelty and extremism, and ultimately saving the world from destruction," proclaims the worldwide Khalifa of Islam Ahmadiyya, Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

Pakistan blamed for sending heat wave resulting in 500+ deaths in India

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The newspaper report blamed Pakistan for sending the extreme weather, which the paper says, will continue for several more days before Mariamman - the goddess of rain - will send some relief.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Times of India
By Staff Report | May 27, 2015

Monday was the hottest day of the season in New Delhi when high temps in parts of the city touched 114 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to The Times of India (TOI), this was the second highest May temperature in the capital in more than a decade.

The report blamed Pakistan for sending the extreme weather, which the paper says, will continue for several more days - before Mari Amman ("Mother Mari") - the goddess of rain - will send some relief.

TOI said, quoting Met officials, the heat transfer from south Pakistan through westerly winds is responsible for New Delhi's heatwave.

"Super-hot winds from Pakistan are giving a killer edge to the heat wave which has claimed more than 500 lives across India," the newspaper claimed. "The loo blowing across most of north India is transporting this heat from Sindh into this region."

"In Sindh, temperatures have shot up to 49, even 50 degrees," said one Met official according to the newspaper. "Westerly winds are bringing with them this extreme, dry heat through a process called advection (transport)."

Vatican City: Pope Francis has ‘not watched TV since July 1990’

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Pope Francis also said that he does not surf the internet and limits himself to only reading a newspaper called ‘La Repubblica’ for ten minutes every morning, which is his main news source.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Al Arabia News
By AA News Staff | May 25, 2015

Pope Francis disclosed that on the night of 15th of July 1990 he vowed to the Virgin Mary to not watch television and has not since, he told La Voz del Pueblo in an interview.

The interviewer asked the Pope if he watched the matches of his Argentinian football team, San Lorenzo de Almagro, to which the Pope answered that a Swiss Guard kept him updated on match results and league table positions, but he did not actually see the matches. He said that there was no specific reason, he merely decided: “It’s not for me.”

Pope Francis also said that he does not surf the internet and limits himself to only reading a newspaper called ‘La Repubblica’ for ten minutes every morning, which is his main news source.

Australia: Commuter punched in face after defending three Muslim women

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Mr Cias said he managed to grab the guy’s collar and told him he was going to lay charges before another guy stepped in to separate them. The men eventually moved to another carriage.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: News Australia
By News.com.au | May 27, 2015

Jason Cias was assaulted on the train in Melbourne after standing up for three Muslim women

A COMMUTER was allegedly punched in the face after defending three Muslim women who were being racially abused on a Melbourne train.

Jason Cias, 36, said he got on the Craigieburn-bound train at Melbourne Central station with the three women who were all wearing headscarves.

One of the women sat down next to two tradesmen on the train, and one of them started abusing her.

“He said, ‘You shouldn’t be wearing that shit in Australia’,”, referring to her headscarf, Mr Cias told news.com.au.

Pakistan: At least 40 arrested, 500 booked for attacking Christians in Lahore

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An angry mob looted several houses belonging to Christians and attempted to torch a church in Sanda area on Sunday after a Christian youth allegedly committed blasphemy. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: DNA India
By PTI | May 26, 2015

At least 40 people, including a cleric and religious party leader, have been arrested and another 500 booked in Pakistan on terrorism charges for looting over a dozen houses of Christians and vandalising a church, forcing authorities to deploy paramilitary forces.

An angry mob looted several houses belonging to Christians and attempted to torch a church in Sanda area on Sunday after a Christian youth allegedly committed blasphemy. "We have arrested 40 people and booked another 500 under terrorism charges for vandalising a church, damaging public and private property and injuring policemen," senior police officer Ijaz Shafi told reporters.

He said Tariq, a local leader of Shabab-i-Milli, a sister organisation of fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami group, had gathered the mob on the call of a cleric to torch the church in Sanda. The cleric allegedly made an announcement from a mosque that a Christian youth had committed blasphemy and Muslims should come out of their homes to protect the honour of the religion.

Bangladesh Bans Islamist Group Ansarullah Bangla Team

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The Ansarullah Bangla Team had been banned in response to a request by the police because it has threatened and killed bloggers, writers and activists. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The New York Times
By Associated Press | May 25, 2015

Bangladesh has banned a radical Islamist group accused of attacking and killing atheist bloggers and other writers.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said Monday that the Ansarullah Bangla Team had been banned in response to a request by the police because it has threatened and killed bloggers, writers and activists.

Junior Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the decision was warranted under Bangladesh’s antiterrorism law.

Since February, three bloggers who criticized radical Islam have been killed, including Avijit Roy, 42, an American citizen of Bangladeshi origin.

India places US-based Ford Foundation on security watch list, cracks down on foreign NGOs

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The right-wing government headed by Modi has also placed the US-based Ford Foundation on a security watch list, ordering government approval of any of its activities in the country.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Al Jazeera
By Al Jazeera | May 26, 2015

[Excerpts]

Government of PM Modi blocks the bank accounts of 8,975 NGOs, in a move critics say is aimed at stifling dissent.

India's government has cracked down on hundreds of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the environmental watchdog and lobby group, Greenpeace.
...
The right-wing government headed by Modi has also placed the US-based Ford Foundation on a security watch list, ordering government approval of any of its activities in the country.
...
In a massive clampdown against NGOs, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently cancelled the licenses of 8,975 organisations for allegedly failing to file annual returns.

Pakistan: Lahore Christians face further attack after man accused of blasphemy

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Enraged Muslims of Samnabad beat Humayan who was badly injured before he was arrested and taken to Gulshan Ravi thana (Gulshan Ravi police station) where he was charged under Pakistan's notorious Blasphemy law - section 295c of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Pakistan Christian Post
By PCP | May 25, 2015

London: Violent clashes erupted in Dhoop Sari last night (24th May 2015), in a densely populated Christian Colony within Gulshan Ravi an area of Lahore, after a middle aged Christian man was accused of desecrating a Quran.

The accused man was named as Humayun Masih who worked as a local street sweeper, who was accused of the blasphemy after Muslim youths allegedly found shreds of the Quran in a pile of garbage, he had placed his swept rubbish into. The Muslim youth then proceeded to film the garbage that contained the shreds of the Quran and highlighted this desecration via internet based, social media sites. The youth also started to promulgate the blasphemy through the local community and told a local Imam who gathered his followers to 'attack Christian blasphemers,' via his mosque PA system.

Ghana: T.I Ahmadiyya's Richard Seklorwu leaped 7.62 metres to record longest jump this year

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Richard Seklorwu opened a new chapter in his athletics career on Saturday as he leaped 7.62 metres to record Ghana’s longest jump this year.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Spy Ghana
By GNA | May 25, 2015

This was at the on-going Open Track and Field Championship being organized by the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA), at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.

About 200 athletes, drawn from the security services, student athletes and individual professional athletes are competing for honours and also make the best possible time to be selected for Ghana’s team to represent the nation at the All Africa Games, latter this year.

Seklorwu, a student of the T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (SHS), is one of the promising up and coming Ghanaian athletes and cast in the mould of one time Ghanaian legendary long jumper, Ignatius Gaisah.

In the Heats of the other events, Kate Agyemang and Happy Abruyah, both student athletes sailed through to the next stage in the Women’s 200 metre race, while Christian Afful of the Ghana Prisons and Douglas Donkor, an individual athlete, also made it to the next stage of the competition in the Men’s 200 metres.

USA: Most Ridiculous Stunts Pastors Have Pulled To Get People To Church

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Pastor Ed Young, of North Texas' Fellowship Church used a real lion and lamb as props to demonstrate the message that Jesus is both the lamb of God and the lion of the tribe of Judah.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Huffington Post
By Carol Kuruvilla | May 24, 2015

Gone are the days when a banner advertising a revival service was enough to get Americans excited about going to church.

Pastor Lawrence Bishop II, of Solid Rock Church in Monroe, Ohio, was willing to be bruised and trampled by a bull named Bonecrusher in order to spread the gospel.

The "cowboy pastor" transformed his church into a bull ring on a recent Wednesday night, ABC reports. Bishop managed to hold on to the raging bull for about three seconds before being bucked to the ground. Then he climbed onto the stage and gave a sermon.

After this wild ride, at least 300 new believers responded to Bishop's altar call and were baptized that night.

Some pastors regularly go to extreme lengths to fill the pews -- opening up their church and their homes to reality TV camera crews and conducting services in a bar are just the beginning. Last year, Religion News Service came up with 12 crazy ways pastors have tried to boost attendance at their churches.

America Snores When Christian Terrorist Threatens to Massacre Muslims

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Doggart didn’t mince words about his plans for the Muslims of Islamberg: “We will be cruel to them. And we will burn down their buildings.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US desk
Source/Credit: The Daily Beast
By Dean Obeidallah | May 18, 2015

An ordained minister pleaded guilty to threatening to burn down a New York town full of Muslims.

Where's the FBI press conference and Fox News panic?

Have you heard about the Christian terrorist Robert Doggart, who was plotting a violent attack against a Muslim-American community in New York state? Probably not, because as opposed to when U.S. law enforcement officials arrest a Muslim for planning a violent assault, they didn’t send out a press release or hold a press conference publicizing Doggart’s arrest.

So let me tell you about Doggart and his deadly plan to use guns and even a machete to attack American Muslims in upstate New York. Doggart, a 63-year-old Tennessee resident, is an ordained Christian minister in the Christian National Church. In 2014, he unsuccessfully ran for Congress as an independent, espousing far right-wing views.

Pakistan: Half-baked democracy denies women voting rights

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The history of the collusion amongst political parties dates back to 10 May 2013, whereby an agreement was signed that the women of Dir District would be barred from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Asian Human Rights Commission
By AHRC Statement | May 21, 2015

Pakistan, in a short time, has witnessed several positive laws being promulgated in favour of equality for women. The women selected to special seats at the federal and provincial levels, including the few elected directly have been asserting their position to increase women’s participation in every walk of life and to eradicate violence against women, perpetuated due to the mindset that women are not equal to men. In this situation, when women parliamentarians are struggling for the uplift of women and their status, political parties have banded together to stop 53,000 women from exercising their adult franchise.

Stopping women from casting votes was not done by religious fundamentalist political parties but from the secular parties that vehemently claim that they are for the equal rights of women. And this was done through a written agreement on 10 May 2013 during the general elections, and in this 7 May by-elections this contract has been renewed.

Germany: #KhalifaOfIslam His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad inaugurates Mansoor Mosque in Aachen

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"There are so many people who are suffering in the world through poverty, who are ill or who cannot afford education and so helping them is a means of fulfilling the rights of a Mosque."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
By Staff Report | May 24, 2015

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad says new Mosque will be a symbol of peace

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Khalifa of Islam, Hazrat (His Holiness) Mirza Masroor Ahmad inaugurated the Mansoor Mosque (The Mosque of the Divinely Supported) in the German city of Aachen.

His Holiness officially inaugurated the Mosque by unveiling a commemorative plaque and offering a silent prayer and afterward His Holiness led the Zuhr and Asr prayers at the new Mosque before planting a tree at the Mosque premises to further mark the occasion.

A special reception, held in the evening and attended by more than 210 dignitaries and guests, marked the opening of the Mosque.

The National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Germany, Abdullah Wagishauser welcomed the guest and various guest speakers offered their comments.

NATO: Islamic State (Dae'sh) recruiting fighters in Pakistan, Afghanistan

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General John F Campbell the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan stated that Islamic State is recruiting fighters in the two countries and the money is being moved to different places.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: ARY News
By Web Desk | May 25, 2015

KABUL: A commander of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has said that Islamic State is recruiting fighters in Afghanistan but they are not yet operational. He also claimed that the IS also recruiting fighters in Pakistan.

According to AFP, General John F Campbell the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan stated that Islamic State is recruiting fighters in the two countries and the money is being moved to different places.

He also said that Taliban are changing their overall nature in order to regain the world’s attention and its resources.

Mullah Abdul Rauf Khadim, a former Taliban commander and Guantanamo detainee with suspected links to IS, was killed in a drone strike in February in the Afghanistan’s province of Helmand.

Pakistan: Fear grips Christian locality in Lahore over alleged blasphemy case

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On Sunday night, police stopped the mob from torch the church and house of the accused which led to violent clashes between them and the protesters.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Rana Tanveer | May 25, 2015

LAHORE: Fear gripped a Christian locality in Lahore for a second day on Monday, a day after a charged mob of hundreds attempted to attack a church and looted houses over the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran by a member of the locality.

Humayon, the accused, was allegedly seen burning pages of the Holy Quran after which he was handed over to the police.

Following a complaint by Sayed Zeeshanul Haq, police registered an FIR against accused Humayon under section 295-B of Pakistan Penal Code and arrested him.

The complainant, Haq, told The Express Tribune that they spotted Humayon burning pages of Quran. Haq said an owner of a tea stall told him about it and they spotted him and handed him to the police.

“Many people gathered on the spot and some of them even tried to burn him alive, however, we saved him and handed him to the police,” he added.

Japan: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds seminar The Reality of Islam for Japanese People

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"As Japanese citizens,we are loyal to our country, we are loyal to our fellow citizens. We have that love and that peaceful expectation within ourselves that the Holy Founder of Islam actually expected of us.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: AMC - Japan
By Staff Report | May 24, 2015

Ama City International Association invited Imam Anees Ahmad Nadeem and other members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community of Japan to give a lecture about "The Reality of Islam."

The seminar, which attracted about 75 people, was held in the Ama City Aichi Prefecture.

At the event, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community strived to debunk stereotypes associated with Muslims in the media by exploring the true history of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

Imam Nadeem, who leads the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Japan, said their objective is to show people what the true message of Islam really is and what the true message of the Prophet Muhammad was.

Perspective: These guys are painfully wrong about Islam | 3 things that every anti-Muslim zealot needs to admit

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Bill Maher & Richard Dawkins continue to disparage a religion that, in all honesty, they know little about.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Salon
By Qasim Rashid | May 23, 2015

As a practicing Muslim, I don’t believe Islam is above criticism. I do believe that Islam backs free speech. I also believe that Islam champions secular governance. But what’s significant about my beliefs is why I believe them — which is because they are precisely what the Qur’an teaches, and what Prophet Muhammad exemplified.

Perhaps this is why I find arguments like the one put forth by Jeffrey Tayler in Salon earlier this month — written in the aftermath of the “Draw the Prophet” shooting in Texas and Charlie Hebdo’s controversial PEN award — to be yet another straw man, one that avoids three realities critics of Islam continue to ignore. For example, Tayler’s claim that “Prophet Muhammad was a triumphant warlord leading military campaigns that spread Islam throughout Arabia” is but one example of the numerous historical fantasies he writes; a fantasy that is wholly contradictory to Prophet Muhammad’s well established rules of war. (SPOILER: Islam forbids spreading faith by the sword and permits fighting only in self-defense).

USA: New Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque Opens In Coon Rapids, Minnesota

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"It’s a great thing. It just goes to show that Minnesota is a wonderfully diverse community — a lot to offer. People from all over the world live here and make it a better place." ~ Rep. Keith Ellison

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US desk
Source/Credit: CBS Minnesota
By  WCCO | May 23, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community now has its first mosque in Minnesota. Community members gathered to inaugurate the new mosque Saturday in Coon Rapids.

Congressman Keith Ellison delivered the keynote address. He says he’s happy members of this group have a place to worship.

“It’s a great thing,” Rep. Ellison said. “It just goes to show that Minnesota is a wonderfully diverse community — a lot to offer. People from all over the world live here and make it a better place.”

Sadia Gikineh, a local member of the Ahmadi community in Minnetonka, says she’s happy her faith final has their own house of prayer, close to home.