Soufian Hagul, 10, of Lija
Dear Junior News, on March 6, I had the privilege of meeting the Archbishop of Malta, Paul Cremona, at the Scouts' Own, to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the scouts' movement. Fr Anton Briffa, the Commissioner for Religious Dimensions, asked scouts of different religious denominations to prepare a short prayer. This special event was presided over by the Archbishop.
My leader (Akela - Caroline Portelli) asked me to prepare a Muslim prayer to be read during the service. I gladly accepted, and with the help of my grandfather and mum, we prepared a speech followed by a prayer.
Sadly, Islam is portrayed very negatively in the media these days and I wanted to quote a verse from the Quran which illustrates the true meaning of Islam.
The verse I quoted, addresses all mankind. Allah in this verse says that all humanity was derived from the same male and female, Adam and Eve.
Thus we should not feel we are better than any other group, just because of our lineage and race. In fact, the real reason that there are different nations and races is that we may get to know each other and learn from one another. There is no lawful basis of one man's superiority over the other except on the basis of moral excellence. Allah then lays down the criteria for who is best - it is the most pious among us.
After the service we had a reception at the Scouts HQ and I personally met the Archbishop and enjoyed chatting to him very much. The small gift which I presented to the Archbishop was very graciously received. I will always remember this special meeting. Kind regards, Soufian Hagul, 10, of Lija a member of St Michael School Scout Group
There will always be people who manipulate religions, organisations, communities, governments and who ever they can to their own ends. The important thing is what we do to counteract this and, as your letter shows well, Soufian, all of us can do something. This special event, in which you played such a part, is something for all involved to be proud of. Thank you for writing to tell us about it. And you've won a Lm5 voucher and VIP Toyland's discount card for sending this week's star letter. Well done!
Deborah Micallef, seven
Dear Junior News, this is my picture. My name is Deborah Micallef. I love this picture.
My hobby is drawing a lot of pictures. I love Junior News. I am seven years old.
We're very glad you love Junior News, Deborah, because we love printing people's letters and pictures. And we're printing your very nice picture of a ballet dancer here for everyone to enjoy.
• The sender of the star letter wins a Lm5 voucher to exchange for toys plus a VIP 10 per cent discount card for all toys from Toyland in Mosta.
• Send your letters, together with your full name, age and address to Junior News.
Dear Junior News, on March 6, I had the privilege of meeting the Archbishop of Malta, Paul Cremona, at the Scouts' Own, to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the scouts' movement. Fr Anton Briffa, the Commissioner for Religious Dimensions, asked scouts of different religious denominations to prepare a short prayer. This special event was presided over by the Archbishop.My leader (Akela - Caroline Portelli) asked me to prepare a Muslim prayer to be read during the service. I gladly accepted, and with the help of my grandfather and mum, we prepared a speech followed by a prayer.
Sadly, Islam is portrayed very negatively in the media these days and I wanted to quote a verse from the Quran which illustrates the true meaning of Islam.
The verse I quoted, addresses all mankind. Allah in this verse says that all humanity was derived from the same male and female, Adam and Eve.
Thus we should not feel we are better than any other group, just because of our lineage and race. In fact, the real reason that there are different nations and races is that we may get to know each other and learn from one another. There is no lawful basis of one man's superiority over the other except on the basis of moral excellence. Allah then lays down the criteria for who is best - it is the most pious among us.
After the service we had a reception at the Scouts HQ and I personally met the Archbishop and enjoyed chatting to him very much. The small gift which I presented to the Archbishop was very graciously received. I will always remember this special meeting. Kind regards, Soufian Hagul, 10, of Lija a member of St Michael School Scout Group
There will always be people who manipulate religions, organisations, communities, governments and who ever they can to their own ends. The important thing is what we do to counteract this and, as your letter shows well, Soufian, all of us can do something. This special event, in which you played such a part, is something for all involved to be proud of. Thank you for writing to tell us about it. And you've won a Lm5 voucher and VIP Toyland's discount card for sending this week's star letter. Well done!
Deborah Micallef, seven
Dear Junior News, this is my picture. My name is Deborah Micallef. I love this picture.My hobby is drawing a lot of pictures. I love Junior News. I am seven years old.
We're very glad you love Junior News, Deborah, because we love printing people's letters and pictures. And we're printing your very nice picture of a ballet dancer here for everyone to enjoy.
• The sender of the star letter wins a Lm5 voucher to exchange for toys plus a VIP 10 per cent discount card for all toys from Toyland in Mosta.
• Send your letters, together with your full name, age and address to Junior News.