The Solution to World Peace is True Islam

 By: Sidra Saeed

Islamophobia has drastically taken over the Western world and among the non-Muslim. There is no doubt about the fact that this state of fear has been fueled by the acts of atrocity caused by so-called Muslim groups. At the same time, there is no doubt that these very acts of terrorism and extremism have nothing to do with the true teachings of Islam- for the word ‘Islam’ means peace.  

             The Holy Quran speaks for all the Prophets of God and declares that this very teaching of peace was taught by all of the Prophets. Not only that, it also requires for all Muslims to abide by the teachings with the fundamental amongst them being that they must not only fulfil rights owed to God but just as importantly they must also fulfil the rights of God’s Creation. How then is it possible that on one hand God praised the qualities of all religions for urging mankind to fulfil rights of man but at the same time could enjoin Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to not establish peace in the world? 

Instead of making false assumptions and judging Islam based on hearsay, true justice and fairness requires for an individual to study the religion and try to develop and understanding of the teachings. To try to study the teachings in depth and strive to learn the truth to make an informed decision. The truth in case of Islam can only be learnt from those practicing the true and authentic teachings themselves.  

            Today, it is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that alone claims to follow the original and true teachings of Islam. The Ahmadis believe that the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian was the very person who was sent as the Promised Messiah according to the prophecies foretold by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He came to revive the luminous teachings of Islam and unite mankind as one. 

            Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had so much respect for all mankind regardless of race or religion. One incident that highlights such compassion is when once a funeral possession passed by and out of respect he immediately stood up. When a companion of his saw this he said to him, 

“This procession is of a Jewish person.” To which Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “Was he not a soul? Respect for all humans is obligatory.” (Sahih Bukhari, 1250) 

           When permission for defensive war was given in Islam, it was given at a time where whilst Muslims desired peace, disbelievers wished to destroy it. Had the permission not be granted to the Muslims, all religions would have been in danger. God Almighty says in the Holy Quran,  

“Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged — and Allah indeed has power to help them — Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ — And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated. And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty” (Holy Quran Chapter 22, Verse 40-41)

This proves that Islam has made the utmost effort to establish peace and safeguard all other religions at the same time. Even with the permission of defensive war, strict guidelines and rules of engagement were given to Muslims which they were compelled to abide by. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught that no innocent person, nor woman, child or elderly was to ever be attacked. He taught that no religious leader or priest could be attacked and that those people who were directly engaged in war could be fought. He further taught that no person could be forced or compelled to convert to Islam and Muslims were forced to fight only for the cause of peace and that they must not create fear or terror amongst public. He taught that buildings should not be targeted and that trees should not be felled. 

             Bearing these teachings in mind, evil acts conducted by extremists claiming to be Muslims have nothing to do with teachings of Islam. Fearing Islam or any attempts will not achieve anything or lead to reconciliation or peace. Instead, the solution to global peace is to stop cruelty and oppression wherever it occurs with nothing but justice and equality for all. This can only happen when the world will recognize its Creator and treat His Creation with the rights it deserves. 

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Event: Demystifying Islam - Holy Quran Exhibition and #JeSuisHijabi

Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association Mississauga is hosting the annual Holy Qur’an exhibition, at the South Common Community Center and Library. This exhibition is unique and authentic as the Holy Qur'an is printed in various languages, which makes it is easy for the reader to understand and learn the Qur'an. The public is invited to come and get hands on experience for themselves. 

The purpose of the exhibition is two-fold. First, to dispel myths and misconceptions about Islam and the Qur’an, and secondly, to allow the public to “see for themselves” what is written in the Qur’an. Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn more about Hijab and the spiritual purpose it serves as well as a chance to "try it on for themselves".

 With terrorist groups such as ISIS and Boko Haram citing Islamic tradition as the basis for their vicious crimes against humanity; peaceful and moderate Muslims are trying to counter their narrative by presenting the true Islamic perspective, through such exhibitions, inter-faith dialogues, peace conferences and outreach activities.

The exhibition will run on the 14th of May, 2016 from 2:30-5:30PM. It is an open house and all are welcome. Come and join us for a breathtaking experience of the Holy Quran.

Love for All Hatred for None

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The Islam of Peace, Love and Brotherhood

By: Saadia Malik

First Paris, then Brussels and now Pakistan; it seems that the ceaseless threat of terrorism no longer has any borders. This is a fear that resonates with everybody, all at once; nobody is safe anymore. The latest attack in Lahore shows us just that; innocent women, children and men, who were celebrating Easter at a theme park in Pakistan, were within seconds subject to one of the most horrific terror attacks the world has ever seen.  Our hearts grieve for the loss of these innocent souls. Sadly, for many people, this grief turns into anger, which is directed towards Muslims; towards Islam. This anger is soon after followed fear, which is evident in the growing trend of Islamophobia. We may not be able to do as much as we would like in the face of such attacks, but what we can do; we should. We must not give these terrorists the satisfaction of representing Islam; they represent only hate, intolerance and violence. Bernie Sanders, Democratic presidential candidate of the United States has said it best,  “It’s important we not succumb to bigotry. We are fighting a terrorist organization killing innocent people. We are not fighting a religion.” So let us do just that, as we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who have been victims of such terrorism, let us unite against the evil and not let it divide us. Let us attribute these atrocities to the evil people who orchestrated them, and not to the millions of innocent Muslims who are repulsed by Daesh and their relentless efforts to represent Islam; a religion which embodies only peace, love and brotherhood.

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The World Needs to Inculcate Truth and Justice

By: Sidra Saeed

Once again terrorism has stunned a major city of Brussels. An attack that was claimed by ISIS that has claimed lives of at least 30 and injured several others. Every time these so-called jihadist attacks make news headlines, Muslims find a moral obligation to prove that there is nothing Islamic about ISIS, or as I prefer to call them Daesh. I too, find it personally grotesque to hear of these where terrorists murder innocent civilians in the name of God, who in the Quran is mentioned countless times as, “The Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful”. The matter of the fact is that these attacks are solely geopolitical than religious. All these terrorist organisations have thrived in countries that are politically instable. Dictators in these Muslim-majority countries have suppressed its people of basic human rights, free speech, illiberal attitudes and the root cause of all of this being injustice. This has been repeatedly talked about by the virtuous and true Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad the head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who along with millions of followers in more than 200 countries is ardently paving the path for reconciliation. He has been a tireless advocate of global peace and principle of true justice and the peaceful teachings of true Islam. The content of his numerous speeches and vital addresses to world leaders have been penned down in his book ‘World Crisis: Pathway to Peace’. However, in these trying times of the world it has become imperative now more than ever, for political leaders to inculcate truth and justice- for it is the foundation of a more harmonious and peaceful world.

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Biased Media reporting promotes Islamophobia

By: Saadia Malikk

Letter written in Response to: +National Post @VictorFerreira  "San Bernardino suspects’ home opened for reporters who dig through personal items"

Allowing reporters and civilians to scamper through the apartment of the San Bernardo suspects and publicly expose the photographs has numerous unavoidable and inadvertent implications. Firstly, what should have remained a functional crime scene under surveillance of the FBI and other investigative authorities has now become an idealized public “expedition” of the weapons and other possessions of the malicious San Bernardo murderers. Likewise, the images of the Quran, the poster on the wall with “Allah” written on it and various other Islamic books found in the apartment, will further increase the sentiment of Islamophobia among the general public.  For people who are already falling victim to Islamophobia and the unwarranted fear of Islam, they now have another excuse to associate these images with terrorism. Instead, we should focus our attention on the innocent victims, voicing our disapproval of American gun laws and the NRA, as well as remaining unified and informed during this truly difficult time. It is crucial for us to remain informed, impartial and cognizant as we are inundated daily with images, stories, and reports of this ongoing investigation. 

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Unity and Dialogue - Vital to Fight Terrorism

By: Saadia Malikk

Letter written in response to: +The Associated Press and +Toronto Star's report FBI investigating California mass shooting as act of terrorism

The mere thought of a well off, newly married couple with a young child, attacking a group of innocent people with rounds upon rounds of bullets, is truly unfathomable. While the true motives behind this immoral attack remain unknown, it is important for us to keep a few things a mind. Firstly, we must be cognizant of the information that is being reported by abstaining from grouping these malicious attackers into the same category as millions of Muslims who like everyone else, are extremely upset by this senseless act of violence. Instead, these attackers should be grouped with all of the other violent attackers, regardless of their faith or cultural background, who have committed similar senseless acts of violence. Secondly, we must all play an active role in voicing our opinions and denouncing the NRA and American gun laws. Lastly, we must remember that at times like these when it can be so easy to become divided, it is tremendously vital for us all to remain unified and engage in an exchange of dialogue. Without this discourse, ill-advised assumptions will be formulated, and we will end up falling victim to the irrational fears and discord that extremists ultimately thrive on.

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My Religion is Islam; Their's is Mockery

By: Maria Ahmed

Have you heard of a religion that promotes violence, death, and bloodshed? ...Unfortunately, I have. The name of this so-called "religion" is mockery and it thrives on defaming Islam by using it as a tool to promote ruthless acts that any true Muslim would condemn. These impostors are better known as ISIS.

Islam means peace, yet the impostors continue to kill.

Islam promotes selflessness for humanity, yet they continue to torture.

Islam stands for harmony, yet they continue to discriminate.

Islam leaves death to the will of God, yet they continue to commit suicide bombings.

Islam is not synonymous with terrorism, yet the terrorists continue to call themselves Muslims.

These impostors have been attempting to forge Islam as a religion of mass violence for far too long. And in light of the recent terror attacks in Paris, let it be clear that this was not an 'Islamic attack'. 

The statements released by ISIS claiming responsibility for the Paris attacks are not only sickening; however, they boast a so-called “Islamic” ideology. Interestingly enough, the word ‘Islam’ means ‘peace’; thus, contradicting the actions of ISIS and the movement itself. The ideology they so proudly flaunt is purely radical; far from Islam or any other religion. It is the ill fortune of these armed men to have painted Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (saw) with their own false perceptions. The God they claim to follow is not our beloved Allah. Our Lord has provided us with the following teaching in the Quran: "...And kill not the life which Allah has made sacred. (Chapter 6: Verse 152)." Furthermore, the Prophet they claim to follow is not the Prophet of Islam. Our Prophet was a man who never raised his voice, prayed for all of humankind, forgave even his worst enemies, and treated each and every human being with utmost love and respect. How can he be the same man to promote violence and bloodshed, let alone support it in any way? 

Quite unfairly, ISIS is described as a “terrorist group led by Muslims". Based on the details of Islam discussed above, it is obvious that a movement of this sort is strictly forbidden in Islam. Therefore, the impostors who took the lives of an astounding number of individuals in Paris are not Muslims. This attack was not religious, nor was it ‘Islamic’. It never is. Sadly, these attacks are committed by the impostors against humanity, peace, and harmony - characteristics that are not only rooted in Islam, but are common on a global scale. Their ruthless attacks continue to cost the lives of hundreds of innocent individuals. And now, we mourn their loss. 

My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones, have been injured, and have had the misfortune of witnessing this grotesque attack. I pray for those who must bear the burden of laying their child's grave, have become physically disabled, and are now mentally unstable. As a human being, a sister, a daughter, and a friend, I, too, grieve your loss. As a Muslim, I, too, stand with you against these impostors. 

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Terrorism has No Religion

By: Saadia Malik

Letter written in response to:  National Post - ‘It is our responsibility to be open to the world’: Ontario Premier stands by refugee commitment 

"The world has once again been shaken to its core as we witness the calculated and frightening terrorist attacks in many areas of Paris and Beirut.  ISIL wants to strike fear in our hearts, to render us hopeless and to create disorder and disunion among us. People all over the world are calling on politicians and leaders to reconsider allowing refugees to come overseas. If screening refugees will lessen our fear and will indeed ensure our safety, then screening should ensue, but why only for the Muslim Refugees? Why not the Christian Refugees or Refugees of other faiths? Syrian Muslims are no more responsible for ISIL than are Syrian Christians or any religious group. Let's be fair and ensure that our desire for safety and protection is not driven by intolerance and hate, but instead by informed decisions and the unprejudiced treatment of all refugees who quite frankly are trying to escape their daily version of the Paris attacks. Terrorism has no religion."

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Islam is the Greatest Enemy of Terrorism

By: @demhardis 

Islam is the greatest enemy of terrorism For anyone to suggest that Islamic State or more commonly referred to as “ISIS”, embodies the views of all the Muslims is like insinuating that the Nazis represent the Jewish or that the KKK speaks for the Caucasian people. Every time Islam is said to have a link with extremists, it inevitably hurts the sentiments of a Muslim to see his or her faith be tarnished because of ruthless beings and meaningless allegations. These extremists use media as a platform to publicly promote itself. This as a result, only allows the extremists to gain popularity- an example of ISIS that has hijacked the name of religion to convince the rest of the world that they are the real Islam. Thanks but no thanks to them, they are succeeding. It’s no doubt that ISIS’s online propaganda is running in circles around governments. Their target being, the Western world. If only lessons were learnt from the mistakes of the past, we would not have to see this day.

And so the argument is about Islam’s true representation. The word Islam is derived from the word Salam which in return means peace. However, many people confuse this and imply it to some sort of enslavement to Allah (God). It is not a one sided relationship but rather a covenant between Allah and his followers. So the word Islam in an essence, is obeying Allah’s commands and wisdom to bring only peace for a Muslim. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that is known for its charitable, secular education and humanitarian efforts, I believe that the foundation of Islam lies solely in the Holy Book Quran. Which undoubtedly, rejects extremism and or terrorism of any kind. With this belief in mind, it should be remembered that the Caliphate of the ‘Islamic’ State is completely un-Islamic from all aspects. However, the idea of Caliphate is central to Islam and there is absolutely nothing wrong as long as it’s a peaceful one. I along with millions of Ahmadis around the world have been under a spiritual Caliphate for more than a hundred years and it has only guided us to the peaceful teachings of Islam and unconditional loyalty to one’s nation. 

I say this with sheer confidence because I am guided by the true Caliphate of Islam, Mirza Masroor Ahmad; the 5th successor of and Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community -that has spread peacefully to over 200 countries around the world with the motto "Love for all Hatred for none". Unlike the so-called Caliphate who leads the ISIS, Mirza Masroor Ahmad epitomizes leadership through the compassionate exemplification of Prophet Muhammad. It is because of this very Islamic leadership not even one man or woman has ever joined a terrorist organization in Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s 127 year old history. You maybe questioning why you haven’t heard of this Muslim Community, my answer to you is because of the misunderstanding of what Islam and Muslims really are.

We believe in the Jihad of Pen, using the power of word to spread peace around the world. As Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the 4th successor of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community once said, “Swords can win territories but not hearts forces can bend heads but not minds,” and that is exactly what is rooted in every mind and heart of an Ahmadi Muslim. Failing Muslim leadership and misunderstandings of the real image of Islam has led to radicalism and ignorance.

The solution? Education and compassion through the real Caliphate, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad and the clearing out of doubts by the non-Muslim communities- that is what the world, in particular the Muslim world needs today. ISIS is nothing but merely an antithesis of Islam and one need not fall into a never ending spiral of such organisations, but educate themselves with what’s true. Take a moment to see the reality of true Islam and forsake the mirage that has been embedded by societal assumptions.

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