Ahmadi Muslims in the news

Ahmadis Making News
Mosques offer chance to learnKevin Oklobzija and Fernando DiazStaff writers(September 13, 2007) — Muslims will begin celebrating Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, today as tradition has maintained for centuries: through fasting and prayer.Several local mosques will also embark on educational programs intended to clarify the true aims of Islam, a religion claimed by more than 1 billion people worldwide and about 20,000 people in greater Rochester, and dispel what they consider misinformation about its militancy and association with terrorism.The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will present a series of open houses and informal lectures.Ramadan is a sacred time of peace and holiness, and Muslims at the Baitun Naseer Mosque at 1609 E. Main St. want to share that message."You always get the impression that Islam is very militant, which is very wrong," said Daud Munawar, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.The purpose of the lecture series is to provide an interfaith dialogue and an understanding of the basic tenets of Islam, said Yahya Luqman, the imam at Baitun Naseer Mosque."We want people to know we are their neighbors, we live in this community," Luqman said, "and our religion teaches us to live in harmony and in peace, not only within our religion but within our community."There are 12 lectures scheduled, three each weekend, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Each begins an hour before sunset, which means the three this weekend start around 6:20 p.m.Friday's topic, "What is Islam and Who are Muslims," could be of the greatest interest, since it will provide an overview of the religion.Two other lectures will address misconceptions: the status and role of women in Islam, on Sept. 29, and jihad and world peace, Oct. 6.'War never holy'"People hear jihad and they think holy war," Munawar said. "There is no such terminology as holy war. War can never be holy. In Islam, the most precious thing is human life."Ramadan is the most precious time of Islam. It commemorates the revelations of the Quran, the religion's holy book, to the Islamic prophet Mohammad.Because the Islamic calendar follows the cycles of the moon and not the Earth's orbit around the sun (as does the Gregorian calendar), Ramadan takes place about 10 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. This year, it ends on Oct. 12.Fasting is a way to relate to the tribulations of the poor. Muslims also are encouraged to be charitable and perform good deeds during Ramadan.At the Islamic Center of Rochester, Ramadan will also be celebrated through meals shared after sundown and a large interfaith gathering scheduled for Sept. 25."Sharing a meal is a blessing, sharing a meal is a mutual understanding and (showing) care for one another," said Muhammad Shafiq, imam of the Islamic Center of Rochester, "that's what Ramadan stands for."While the ongoing war on terror produces images of individuals who fight in the name of Islam, some local leaders say nothing could be further from the truth."People need to be re-educated on the life of the prophet Mohammad," said Yusuf Sharif, imam of Masjid Sabiqun, where teachings and lectures in the coming weeks are intended to restore the meanings of Islam that are lost in translation or obscured by the messages of individuals such as Osama bin Laden."Nothing is forced or by the sword," said Sharif. "His statements go too far."KEVINO@DemocratandChronicle.com
Gazette.net online
Moxley sells farmland to Ahmadiyya Muslims

David Moxley, owner of the 274-acre former Nicodemus Farm in Walkersville, has entered into a contract to sell the land to the Potomac Chapter of the Silver Spring-based Ahmadiyya Muslim Community U.S.A
Town Planner Susan Hauver announced the news at an Aug. 8 Walkersville town meeting. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will hold summer retreats for as many as 5,000 people at a time on the farm.
Commissioners booked the upstairs meeting room at the town offices — 21 West Frederick Street — for a town hall meeting at 7 p.m., Aug. 20. On that date, representatives from the Muslim community will present their plans for using the farm. They will also entertain questions from residents.
Moxley, reached by phone at his home last week, said, ‘‘I don’t have any comment.”
Syed M. Ahmad, vice president of the Potomac Chapter, confirmed the deal. ‘‘We know we have an understanding with [Moxley],” Ahmad said.
Ahmad and Moxley have been negotiating the sale for months. Ahmad said the community plans to use the farm for an annual retreat in June, and smaller gatherings during the year. The retreat would not fall on a Muslim holiday, he said, and visitors would stay at area hotels.
Moxley has been trying to develop the farm, located in town limits on the southeast side of Md. Rte. 194, for more than a decade. In fact, he proposed a new office research/senior housing/village center concept to town officials on July 10.
According to Hauver, Moxley came to town hall to inform her that he was ‘‘throwing in the towel” on his plans to develop the farm just days after the presentation to the town’s planning and zoning commission.
‘‘We’ve never had anything like this,” Hauver said, after the Aug. 8 meeting ended.
Hauver said a representative from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community contacted the town soon after, and said they had entered into a contract to purchase the Nicodemus Farm. Hauver and other town officials have since met with community representatives.
‘‘They seemed pretty serious about it,” Hauver said. Hauver added that the community has already engaged traffic studies and is drawing up designs for the retreat center.
‘‘They’re working hard on it,” she said, adding that the community will need to apply for a religious use permit for the land, which will remain agriculture.
Walkersville Commissioner James E. Reid immediately opposed the retreat center, becoming the only commissioner to take a public stance on the issue so far.
‘‘I’m negative on it,” Reid said. ‘‘It’s not an open ball field for the rest of Walkersville or anything.”
Gambia: Jamaat Ahmadiyya help flood victims
Buya JammehBanjul
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Gambia Chapter on Wednesday donated 50 bags of rice and 17 bails of second hand clothes valued at D25,500 to the flood victims in Ebo-Town through the Disaster Relief Committee of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Yankuba Colley, acting Deputy Mayor of KMC expressed gratitude for the gesture, adding that, as Muslims and Christians, it is very significant to give a helping hand to our fellow brothers and sisters.
Mr Colley further noted that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has been instrumental in assisting communities, especially the needy. He further called on civil society groups to emulate the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
Honourable Haddy Nyang-Jagne, NAM for Jeshwang Constituency said the donation manifests the good spirit of humanity the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has for the needy noting that the donation is timely. She expressed appreciation to the donors and urged the beneficiaries to make best use of the donated items.
Baba F Tarawally, Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jammat in The Gambia, said the Jamaat deemed it fitting to share their heartfelt feelings with the flood victims of Ebo-Town.
"This is why we decided to help the flood victims. This is the only way to assist a brother or sister, as it will help to reduce the pain of the victims", he concluded.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Liberia: Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Dedicates Project
An 11-bed room clinic constructed by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Liberia has been dedicated in Tubmanburg, Bomi County. Vice President Joseph Boakai recently dedicated the clinic that is valued at US$70,000.In an address to the audience at the dedicatory ceremony, Vice President Boakai commended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for buttressing government's effort in the promotion of its healthcare delivery system.He added that the Ahmadiyya Muslims in Liberia are indeed friends in need of the Liberian people and Government. The Vice President noted that one of the Government's callenges is the health care delivery system.He said it is the desire of the Government to provide healthcare for the entire Liberian society. He urged the citizens to take advantage of the newly constructed clinic that the Ahmadiyya family has made available to them.He cautioned the superintendent to work collectively with the staff of the Ahmadidyya Muslims in maintaining the clinic seeking the welfare of the citizens.For his part, the Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, Drimoses Pewee said the Ministry of Health is gratified by the construction of the clinic. He further said that the Government will work with her partners in the provision of a better health care sector. Dr. Pewee underscored the need for the training of more health workers across the country.He also said that the ministry will not hesitate to weed out unqualified medical doctors and nurses from the clinic if there are any.Giving the welcome statement, the Ameer (head) and missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Liberia, Mahammad Akram Bajwah assured the people and Government of Liberia that the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is a peaceful community with the aim to spread the teachings of Islam through good practices of its' Holy Founder Hazrat Muhammad.Mr. Bajwah noted that the Ahmadiyya Muslim community enjoys the relationship with the Government and as a result of the presence of the government at the occasion, it gave them more encouragement to serve the people of Liberia in the fields of education and health.Relevant LinksWest AfricaHealth and MedicineLiberiaThe Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Liberia came to Liberia in 1960 and since then, it has constructed an elementary and junior high school in Sanoyea, Bong County; Tweh Farm, Bushrod Island and Largo Teow District in Grand Cape Mount County, among others.The mission was established to rejuvenate Islamic moral and spiritual values.The ceremony was also graced by the superintendent of Bomi County; Senator Laha Lasana also of Bomi County; and Lofa County Senator, Amara Konneh.
Cartoon Irks Jamaat Ahmadiyya
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)Mangalore Sep 11: A cartoon published by a Swedish Newspaper Nerikes Allehanda has raised the hackles of the Jamaat Ahmadiyya, a Muslim sect in Karnataka. The community has expressed its resentment over the said cartoon, which it alleges is published in poor taste.A press release issued here from Dr Syed A A Javaz, the press secretary of the Jamaat Ahmadiyya informs that the cartoon published in the said newspaper by the Swedish artist Lars Vilks depicts the Prophet Mohammed as a roundabout dog. It has been published with the alleged intention of hurting the sentiments of the Muslims and causing anxiety, disturbance and restlessness within the Muslim community.The publishers of the paper were attacking the holy prophet in the name of the freedom of press and freedom of expression, declared Dr Javaz in the press release, expressing his deep anguish.Further the press release informs that the Jamaat Ahmadiyya of Karnataka strongly condemns the publication of the cartoon. Dr. Javaz remarked that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony but the repeated incident recurrence of such events, especially in Europe has made the Muslim community to feel apprehensive.The Jamaat Ahmadiyya Muslim Community sees it as an effort to create communal disharmony among the different faiths.

World Religions Conference-Ahmadiyya Jamaat Canada
Conference focusses on family values and world religions
Brooke Ward photo
Representatives from various religions gather at the Lester Centre for the World Religions Conference.
By Brooke Ward The Northern View
Sep 12 2007
A modest crowd turned out to bear witness to the World Religions Conference held last Saturday in Prince Rupert, where dignitaries from six distinct religions sat together on a panel to address the issue of Family Values.
Chaired by Mayor Dave MacDonald of Port Edward and co-chaired by North Coast MLA Gary Coons, the event was put together by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Canada, the newest sect of Islam which is focused on peace and tolerance amongst all cultures and religions.
The event began with a welcome from various members of the Ahmadiyya Community including its national president Mr. Malik Lal Khan, in addition to the welcome to Tsimshian territory, which was provided by Aboriginal perspective delegate Leonard Alexcee of the Kaien Island Elders.
Each of the dignitaries were then given twenty minutes to outline a brief explanation of the core values of their religion or set of beliefs as they relate to the issue of family values. Six distinct approaches rang clear, but the value of family in and of itself was the common denominator that brought about the recognition of more connecting factors.
This is, in essence, the purpose of the conference explained Malik, specifically saying that they
intended to “promote religious tolerance by increasing understanding between faith communities.”
Common links like the importance of community, interdependence and the challenge of loss of traditional ways and the struggle to recover and retain culture were prevalent. Each dignitary also made reference to morality as a baseline and saw materialism as a societal downfall.
Attendees were also given the opportunity to ask questions of the panel, and tested them with questions about improving relationships between generations, gender roles and interesting children in religion.
The Ahmadiyya presented glass plaques for participation momentos to each of the dignitaries before closing remarks. The conclusion of the event was fascinating and eye-opening as the group closed in prayer, each individual finding his own position of worship.
“Through events like today we succeed in reaching our goals,” said the regional Ahmadiyya president before bidding everyone farewell.
“To promote understanding and create an environment of peace and harmony; to present the beauty of all religions and establish mutual respect, tolerance and brotherhood.”
Alexcee saw great value in the conference itself and lamented the lack of young people in attendance.
“What we’re doing here concerns them very much. This place should have been packed and yet we’re not even half full,” he said, going on to say that it included youth of all faiths.
“No matter what tongue you use or how you say your prayers, God is listening.”
Shukoor Ahmed Launches Tool to Map Crime in Prince Georges County
(Brother Shukoor Ahmed hails from Hayderabad, India and is a DC-based Ahmadi Muslim) Check is website The Ahned Family & V-Empower Inc.
(PRLEAP.COM) Shukoor Ahmed is a Democratic candidate for State Delegate in District 23A. He is a businessman and CEO of an Information Technology company that he founded in early 2000. The business is 28% employee-owned and provides 100% health coverage for its workers.
“ My business and technology background allows me to look at alternative solutions from a fresh perspective. ”
An integral element of Ahmed’s campaign is to make government more responsive to the needs of its citizens. He believes technology can play an important role in meeting that end. “We need outside-the-box solutions to meet the basic needs of our citizens. The most basic of those needs is often information,” Ahmed said.Previously, Ahmed developed a non-profit called statedemocracy.com which allows voters to identify their elected representatives at the federal, state and local levels. Today, Ahmed launched crimeblotter.org, an online tool he had developed exclusively for the residents of Prince Georges County. It allows site visitors to enter an address and then view a map outlining crimes (along with details) committed within the vicinity.These two sites are specific examples of Ahmed’s vision of using technology to empower citizens. “Among Maryland’s Delegates and State Senators not a single one has a background in Information Technology. My business and technology background allows me to look at alternative solutions from a fresh perspective. I am committed to making Maryland the first among states in technology adoption.”
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Swamp Sunrise

Good morning.
Here are a few Washington events for Friday, August 31, 2007 as collected by the Associated Press.
Aug. 31 - Sept. 2. AHMADIYYA MUSLIM CONVENTION — The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds a three-day convention, Jalsa Salana, to discuss peace as taught by Islam and its founder the Prophet Muhammad. Topics to include the proper interpretation of Jihad and whether Islam sanctions punishment for apostasy.Location: Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center Chantilly, VA11:45 a.m. BLUE PLANET — Runners in the Blue Planet Run to raise awareness for safe drinking water worldwide stop in Washington.Location: 3rd St. and Maryland Ave. SW.1 p.m. APEC-TRADE — U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue holds a news briefing on the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings and broader trade issues.Location: 1615 H St. NW.All times local in Washington.
Posted by Ken Bredemeier on August 31, 2007 6:00 AM Permalink
Comments
I've been to Ahmadiyya Muslims Conventions they are great way to listen to the current and reformed Islamic thought. Also to meet up with relatives, and friends and make new ones.
Posted by: Maham Saleem August 31, 2007 9:04 PM
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Conventions offer listeners the most mordent and moderate version of Islam as it is supposed to be. I have attended many of their conventions and have always felt a deep feeling of brotherhood and love of humanity. I would recommend it to anyone, and they know how to take care of their guests for accommodations and meals as well.
Posted by: Dr H. Koya September 2, 2007 1:45 AM


News Sept. 20, 2007
US fetes Ghanaian MuslimsVice President Aliu Mahama in attendance Posted: Thursday, September 20, 2007
Alhaji Aliu Mahama" hspace=5 src="images/aliu_mahama.jpg" align=center border=1
Alhaji Aliu Mahama
The US Embassy in Accra has organized a reception for a cross-section of the Muslim community, including Ghana’s Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, to break their fast (Istaar).
The Vice President appealed to Muslims to use the period of Ramadan to rededicate themselves to the values that unite them.
"I wish that we rededicate ourselves to the values that hold us together and there will be no limit to what we can achieve as a nation." Muslim leaders, including the Chief Imam Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu, Maulvi Wahab Adam, Ameer and Leader of the Ahmadiyya Mission in Ghana, the Greater Accra Regional Minister Sheik IC Quaye and members of the diplomatic corps attended the reception instituted by the US Embassy in 2001 to commemorate the September 11 terrorist attack on the world super power, which was orchestrated by Al Qaeda. "Islam in Ghana is peaceful. We believe sincerely in the goodness of the teachings of the Holy Prophet. The challenge is to reflect it in our daily lives," he noted. Vice President Mahama asked Muslims to uphold the value of social harmony, stressing, "the leadership of the country must go the extra mile and put all hands on deck in unity" He outlined the spiritual significance of fasting, and said a number of religions including Hindu and Christianity were part of the universal practice.
"We are also informed that Jesus developed spiritual strength to resist temptation after 40 days of fasting in the desert. To a Muslim, however, it is not just avoiding eating and drinking."
Vice President Mahama said Ramadan was a time of sincere love for mankind and a period for one to renew a sense of hope as he or she sought the face of Allah.
Ms Pamela Bridgewater, US Ambassador said Ramadan was a sacred time of refreshing and consideration of the many ties binding the Muslim community and the US.
"Ramadan gives occasion to Muslims to focus on doing good, donating time and items to those in need in local communities.” Ms Bridgewater observed that Muslims and non-Muslims in the US shared the values of tolerance and choice.
Sheik Armiyao, a Muslims leader, said Ramadan represented global efforts against violence, respect for common humanity and religious freedom.
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