Latest news with #AhmadiyyaMuslim
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Eid Ban, Rs 5 Lakh Fine: Why Are Ahmadiyya Muslims Barred From Worship In Pakistan?
Last Updated: As Pakistan prepares for Eid-ul-Adha, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community faces a crackdown in Punjab and Sindh, with threats of fines and imprisonment for celebrating the festival As Pakistan prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha on Saturday, June 7, with public gatherings, prayers, and festivities, a troubling crackdown is unfolding quietly across parts of Punjab and Sindh provinces. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, numbering nearly 20 lakh in the country, is being systematically barred from observing the religious holiday under threats of fines, police harassment, and imprisonment. Despite being followers of Islam, Ahmadiyyas are prohibited by law from identifying as Muslims or practicing Islamic rituals in Pakistan. In the lead-up to this year's Eid, authorities have reportedly intensified pressure on the community, forcing members to sign affidavits swearing they will not celebrate the festival. In a disturbing development, local officials have warned that any Ahmadiyya individual found offering Eid prayers or performing traditional sacrifices could face a hefty penalty – a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh (approx. USD 1,800). In some areas, even private observance of religious rituals inside one's home has been outlawed. According to local media, several Ahmadis in Punjab and Sindh have already been detained for allegedly attempting to mark Eid in defiance of this de facto ban. Human rights watchdog Amnesty International, in its June 2024 report, stated that at least 36 members of the Ahmadiyya community were arbitrarily arrested in the province of Punjab to pre-empt any form of Eid celebration. Under current Pakistani law, any Ahmadi who 'poses" as a Muslim, by calling their place of worship a mosque, reciting Islamic prayers, or using traditional Islamic greetings, risks up to three years in prison. Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned these laws as deeply discriminatory and in violation of international norms on freedom of religion. Who Are The Ahmadiyyas? The Ahmadiyya Muslim community was founded in 1889 in Qadian, a town in British India's Punjab province, by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who declared himself the promised messiah and a reformer of Islam. Advocating peace, tolerance, and non-violence, the Ahmadiyya movement positioned itself as a counter to religious extremism. But this very stance made it a target for hardline clerics and political forces in Pakistan. Today, despite their peaceful teachings and contributions to society, the Ahmadiyyas remain among the most persecuted religious minorities in Pakistan. Their mosques have been attacked, graves desecrated, and community members subjected to mob violence, hate speech, and institutional discrimination. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
The compassion and humility of Pope Francis won him admirers from all the world's faiths
SIR – As a British Muslim, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. Growing up, I attended a Catholic primary school. Given my faith, this may seem unusual, but I never felt out of place. Those formative years gave me an insight into the values common to all religions – compassion, charity, humility and service to others. Francis embodied these principles. Throughout his papacy, he demonstrated immense sympathy for people suffering under the heavy weight of warfare, persecution and injustice. He used his platform to advocate for the poor and marginalised, and to build bridges across religious divides. At a time when division often dominates headlines, he reminded the world that faith can be a force for unity and healing. I am a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, which continues to face persecution in many parts of the world, and was especially touched when Francis welcomed our representatives to the Vatican with warmth and grace – a gesture we will always hold dear. It reflected the best of interfaith dialogue, grounded in mutual respect, shared values and human dignity. Francis's passing is not only a loss for the Catholic Church, but for all of us who want a more compassionate world. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Catholics around the globe. May the Catholic Church soon find a leader who will continue his remarkable legacy. Malik Fraz Ahmad Bradford, West Yorkshire SIR – President Donald Trump described Pope Francis as a 'good man' who 'worked hard and loved the world' (report, April 21). This is a very limited view of a person who devoted his life to making the world a better place, in contrast with Mr Trump's efforts just to make his own world a better place. Francis was beloved by billions of people and respected by those of other faiths. He led the way to a more accepting Catholic Church. Those who didn't agree with him, or even openly opposed his changes, were still welcome in his house. We need great people to set examples for us to follow, and we have lost one such person. Dennis Fitzgerald Melbourne, Victoria, Australia SIR – I agree with Nicholas Crean (Letters, April 22) about how the deaths of Elizabeth II and Pope Francis have left huge gaps for so many people across the world. They both dedicated their lives to others. How fitting it was for His Holiness to say farewell to this world at Easter. Alexandra Elletson Marlborough, Wiltshire SIR – Christians, and indeed all women and men of goodwill, should not merely compete with anecdotes and quotes, but also respond to the challenges Francis has thrown out to the Church and the world. Richard Stranack Exmouth, Devon SIR – It should be noted that not all Catholics regarded Francis as a good Pope. His tenure, like Justin Welby's time as Archbishop of Canterbury, represents a wasted period for the Church in an increasingly hostile world. This will become clear when honest and objective critical biographies begin to appear, untainted by immediate post-death sentimentality. Adrian Barrett Haywards Heath, West Sussex SIR – Upon the passing of our Pope, I – and, I'm sure, many other Catholics – hope and pray that the time has arrived for us to ordain married and women priests. Nicky Samengo-Turner Lambourn, Berkshire
BBC News
31-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Worshippers gather at Morden mosque in London to celebrate Eid
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim gathered together at Baitul Futuh Mosque for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations as the month of Ramadan came to an mosque in south-west London is thought to be the largest in Britain with a capacity for 13,000 was completed in 2003 at a cost of £15m, entirely from donations of Ahmadi Muslims.
