Islamic community shuns fundamentalism image

An Islamic community in Malta is determined to dispel any misconceptions that their religion was somewhat linked to terrorism or fundamentalism.

With several publications and leaflets sprawled on a bookstand in City Gate, Valletta, three members of the Ahmediyya Muslim Community were yesterday trying to promote what they insist is a peace-loving and tolerant faith.

Even if the organisers claim the response by the Maltese has been positive, the feedback at the stall was clearly lukewarm at best. One could see several individuals inching closer to the stand only to turn away when they realised that Islamic material was being promoted.

Rafat Yousef, a member of the community, is however resolute in his cause. "Islam means peace and harmony. We can't keep linking terrorism to our religion and let fanatics distort its true meaning. It's because of the stigma against Islam that we need to promote our message more than ever," he told The Times.

The Ahmediyya Muslim Community was founded by Hadrat Mirza Glulam Ahmed who, in 1891, claimed, on the basis of divine revelation, that he was the Promised Messiah. He showed that by adhering to the true teachings of Islam, people could bring about peace not only among themselves but also among other communities and nations.

The Ahmediyya Community has established itself on an international basis and has undertaken numerous projects to help people from all walks of life.

Ahmedis also strive to be exemplary citizens and make it a point to abide by the laws of the country they are in. Mr Yousef was quick to point out that he was not trying to convert anyone to Islam. "We are just trying to explain our religion and we believe the Maltese community is tolerant to other religions," he said.

However, a book or two being promoted about the plight of Jesus Christ, could potentially offend staunch Catholics.

There have been a few derogatory remarks levelled at the Muslim religion by some Maltese, but these, Mr Yousef said, have been few and far between.

On the contrary, some Maltese have taken an interest in Islam and, to back his claims, he demonstrated a list of individuals that borrowed the publications.

"Like us, the Maltese strongly believe that you can't fight fire with fire."

Mr Yousef explained that there was no such thing as a holy war and that for political reasons people have been seriously misled about the origins of Islam. "Terrorists may use religion or political labels but no one should be deceived by their wily ways and treacherous guiles. They must be combated at every level as advocated by Islam, the religion of peace."

Mr Yousef admitted that individuals like Islamic preacher Yusuf Al-Qaradawi did nothing more than fuel bad publicity for his religion. The Islamic preacher sparked controversy in the UK last week because of his views on suicide bombings and after saying it was right to target Israeli women because they are army reservists who can be summoned to active duty at any time.

"Islam is a religion of peace. It's a simple religion, yet a highly organised one that meets the demand and challenges of the changing world. It permits no exploitation, be it social, political, economic or religious," Mr Yousef explained.

The only Jihad permitted in Islam is the war of oppressed against the oppressor, the war waged to protect the peace of all people irrespective of their religion or creed. Tactics used today such as suicide bombing are "absolutely out of the question" for the true followers of Islam.

"It is our belief that not only Islam but also no true religion, whatever its name, can sanction violence and bloodshed of innocent people in the name of God," Mr Yousef said.

The community intends to hold a conference in Malta in the coming months.