بسم الله الحمد لله و صلاة و سلام على رسول الله
Christianity is largely an ‘anything-goes’ kind of religion, where as long as you believe ‘Esa bin Maryam, peace be upon him, died for your sins, you are a Christian. In terms of beliefs, there is no consistency between the denominations or even between individuals. Some outsiders tend to see Islam through the Christian ‘anything-goes’ lense. Specifically, Ahmadis are taught that Muslims as utterly disorganized, led by ignorant and violent-prone ‘ulema (scholars) and immersed in an array of sects and differences in belief. The objective reality is that traditional Islam bears a normative scholastic tradition of its beliefs, practices and spirituality that has stood the test of time for 1431 years.
We here in America are not void of this normative scholastic tradition. In fact, there are many organizations that teach the Deen to the masses. Allow me to introduce you to some of the bearers of this traditional Islamic dispensation in America and Canada:
Al-Maghrib Institute
The Al-Maghrib Institute is an Islamic educational institution dedicated to teaching Islam in an academic, professional and scholarly environment. Beyond the basics, they teach a variety of “higher level” Islamic topics, such as detailed Theological courses, History, Islamic Law, Principles of Qur’anic exegesis, Hadith studies and much more…
The objective is not to create scholars, but to increase the raise the standard of Islamic knowledge amongst American (including Canadian) Muslims. After completing a certain number of courses and passing the associated exams, students can earn certificates of completion.
Key teachers include Muhammad al-Shareef, Yaser Birjas, Yasir Qadhi, and Waleed Basyouni.
Here is a video-clip of a class teaching Salat al-Khawf (prayer of fear).
Zaytuna Institute / Zaytuna College
Founded by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Imam Zaid Shakir, the Zaytuna Institute puts the ‘tradition’ in ‘traditional’. Located in Berkeley California, this institution focuses primarily on Islamic Law, Theology and Arabic studies. Traveling classes at different Islamic centers work to improve family relations, morality, and increase societal welfare.
Zaytuna Institute recently formed Zaytuna College, a four-year accredited degree program. Zaytuna College boasts a unique bachelor’s program that combines critical analysis with memorization of the basic texts to form a vision for the next generation of Islamic leaders in the Americas.
Video clip of Zaytuna Institute (btw, I was present at this program!!)
Al-Madina Institute
The Al-Madina Institute is a traveling seminar-based program dedicated to increasing the love of the Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him, teaching reflections of the Qur’an and purifying hearts for an English-based audience. While paralleling Zaytuna’s style, this institute is less interested in training scholars and more interested in cleaning hearts and developing productive and positive individuals.
This institute hosts many prominent North American scholars, including Imam Mohamed Magid (who I personally know) and Shaykh Muhammad bin Yahya al-Ninowy.
Bayyinah Institute
Started by Brother Nouman Ali Khan in 2005, the Bayyinah Institute aims to be America’s premiere traditional Arabic studies program. The vision of this institute is to enrich American and Canadian Muslims with knowledge of Arabic, such that they can not only understand the Qur’an, they can gain a deep appreciation for the subtle beauties and intricacies in the divine text.
This institution recently formed the Bayyinah Dream program, a full-time Arabic and Islamic studies institution. They have also partnered with Al-Maghrib to serve as Al-Maghrib’s Arabic division.
Having taken dozens of Arabic courses, in my opinion, this is the absolute best one available!
Fawakih
The Fawakih Institute is an Institution dedicated to teach Arabic with a heavy emphasis on Islamic studies. They focus the primarily texts of Islam, the Qur’an and Hadith literature, to gain an appreciation for the divine and prophetic speech. This traveling institution offers many course, currently including The Divine Names, Exploring the Qur’an and Prophetic Eloquence.
I cannot comment on this institution yet, but I will be taking my first course in a few weeks!
Comments
These are many other programs and institutions, some as close as your local masjid. We want to encourage Ahmadis to attend these gatherings, if not for the knowledge and barakah (blessings), than just to see how we Muslims are rather than just being told we’re all “jahil mullahs”.
Some might say, “at least we Ahmadis do not have to pay for our classes”. That’s true, but we Muslims don’t pay Chanda, 6.25% of our pre-tax income to the Murabbis, something the Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him, never commanded us to do! And, the evening classes at most masjids are generally free of charge. All you need is a receptive heart!
In closing, I want to encourage my Ahmadi readers to come to our programs, our classes, our halaqas, and see for yourself what they are like! May Allah continue to guide Ahmadis away from Ahmadiyya and to Islam.
wa sallahu ‘ala saydina Muhammad wa ‘ala aalihi wa sallam
^ that was awesome. As an ahmadi I was taught to never ever go to any masjid that didnt belong to the ahmadis. They wanted to keep us inside the ring of chanda.
The ahmadi heirarchy fully understood that if they lose members then they will lose money.
If you noticed, as soon as Masroor became “in-charge” he wanted more ahmadis to join the wasiyyat program. This is how he planned to drain ahmadi bank accounts. Masroor appears to be much more aggressive in terms of stealing money than the last two khalifas.
And remember, Tahir Ahmad got 25 acres and a 3 -bedroom house to say the least. His 22 other siblings got similiar arrangements.
nice post i hope ahmadis will try to learn they will surly see tat Mulims scholors are not even close to what there jammat say about them
The problem is that the jamaat does not let go of these people. They keep at tight lid on their members. Therefore, it may be difficult for them to attend such sessions. But if they do I agree that it will open their eyes and make them realize that muslims are not at all as bad as the cult leaders & murabbis are telling them.
I know an ex-Ahmadi-turned-Christian who went to the ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) convention in 2009. He said if he went there as an Ahmadi, he would have converted to Islam.
I will consider those institutes mentioned above as doing something positive for muslims if…
a. They preach freedom of faith.. i.e., apostacy is not a punishable crime.
b. Non muslims are not at war with muslims.. (on the basis of faith).
c. Punishment of stoning to death (for any crime) is unislamic.
d. Quran is complete and with out ommissions. i.e., Nasikh-Mansookh do not exist.
Just had a quick look at some of the “teachers” in the list above.. Not many that I can recommend for anyone to follow.
Whereas you have no known scholars at all. Not a single decent thinker, philosopher, writer, artist, nothing.
That’s very true. They boast Zafrullah Khan and Abdus Salam. I respect both, honestly, but is that all??
There are a million great Muslim thinkers, scholars, philosophers, scientists, theologians, social scientists, politicians, academics, etc.
Look at the lits of 100 most influential Muslims in the world.
Indeed, a point made very well by brother Akber in several posts on this blog. The paucity of quality in the Ahmadiyya is shocking. In fact, they produce less quality than the norm!
Lutf…Go look in a mirror and slap yourself!! Idiot…
Mirza Tahir Ahmad was a drop our, the only reason that he even got into a college in England was because his daddy had a boyfriend who worked in the admissions office…
Get the picture…mirza tahir ahmads brain is empty space..
Lutf, as the author of the article, you should come and check them out yourself. Let me know what you think.
If you’re in the DC-Metropolitan area, we should meet-up and go together.
Ahmadi’s are repeately coming on FOX tv and stating that muslims should declare their loyalty to US.
Whereas I feel that there is no need to do that it will look foolish. When a person or a group commits any crime in US does that particular community come on TV and start declaring their loyalty. How foolish it will look if they do so.
Why are the Ahmadi’s targetting muslims only? Please think about this and you will find that the only logical answer is that Ahmadiyyat is not ISLAM and they are out to target muslims at every opportunity available to them. They want the entire community to take blame for actions of few and they continue to brainwash and mislead the non muslim faith communities across US.
How many times have Ahmadi’s declared loyalty to Muslim countries where they are living in. I keep watching them bashing muslims and their countries all the time. In fact the previous Khalifa Tahir prayed for the destruction of Pakistan.
What hypocyicy this is?
Thank GOD you have exposed us to this fitna and we pray to you to keep us protected from this evil cult!
“how many times have ahmadis declared loyalty to muslim countries where they are living in”?
Ans. Hundreds of time. Please find the khuddam pledge on the internet.. It clearly states the promised that a khadim will be loyal to “country and nation”…
In action, you may wish to see the humanitarian efforts by Bangla, Indonesian and Pakistani Ahmadis whenever a natural disaster struck their countries. Despite the oppression and state sponsored persecution, Ahmadis have been the first ones to respond to the needs of their country…
What about the ahmadis who live in Israel? Are you telling me that they are loyal to the Jewish govt there? What if there ahmadis in the time of hitler and living in germany? Do u expect your kid to be loyal to an evil regime?
Lutf, i have destroyed your arguments time and time again…
I am sorry “rationalist” , but that is rather irrational statement.
Why should Ahmadi’s living in ANY country even if it be Israel not be loyal to it if it affords them FREEDOM of conscience and of faith?
We do not agree with the disproportionate use of force by Israel on the innocent Palestinian population, but this conflict is entirely political in nature.
Israel does not break the Kalima on our Mosques and prevent us from proclaiming it openly and praying and re3citing the Quran! Why should we not be loyal to those who afford us protection and freedom to practice our faith?
If we were to face religious persecution then, migration, not violence, is an option. This is in line with the practice of the Prophet(saw) who along with His(saw) sahaba were mercilessly persecuted by Kuffar, he(saw) never responded with violence but patience, perseverance and migration.
You’re clearly delusional.
Israelis have of course been destroying many Muslim mosques, deliberately bombing almost 20 in the recent assault on Gaza and settlers have been burning down mosques in the West Bank. Of course you should be loyal to Israel, that’s what scum do, bow to tyranny, but Muslims do not bow to tyranny.
You are so off-base on Palestine, it’s shocking. You are so far off-base on your interpretations of Islam, but that’s not shocking, because you are an anti-Islamic cult whose purpose was to show obedience to colonial aggression.
Here is what your dad had to say on the matter of Israel:
‘The disbelievers are all one community’
http://www.alislam.org/books/truth/israel.html
In June 1948 Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II delivered an address in Lahore in which he strongly urged the Muslims to unite so as to rescue Palestine from the grip of the Zionists. With reference to this address the AI-Shura of Baghdad in its issue of i8 June 1948 observed:
As of recently, Israeli settlers torched a Masjid in the West Bank.
They routinely destroy buildings belonging to Palestinians, both Muslims and Christians. I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Akhi I told him that already, they don’t listen.
Did Prophet Muhammad (PUBH) left madinah at the time of Badar and migrated to some other place?
I hope that what you said was truth, but unfortunately it is not and the actions of your cult speak louder than your words.
Lutf,
There is no need to argue so much. We know the reality that Ahmadiyyat is not ISLAM, it is a CULT, and it has no loyalty whatsoever, to muslim countries. They have been caught red handed with double standards, asking others to be loyal to their countries while they do the opposite.
Infact their late Khalifa Tahir spoke, worked and prayed for the destruction of Pakistan. May GOD almighty protect us from this fitna.
Ameen.
Yes every one knows about their propaganda against Pakistan and muslims as whole
if muslims were such terrorist then ahmadis wouldnt have cities like Rabwah in pakistan
What are you talking about?
Are you insinuating that the members of the peace loving Ahmadiyya Muslim Community living in predominantly Muslim countries are not loyal because they don’t go on a shooting and bombing rampage in thee countries?
That is one twisted definition of loyalty. And don’t get me started with your mullacracys’ hate for Pakistan prior to and from its inception!
[Note from admin: This is your last attempt to tar all Muslims with the same brush, your hatred doesn't wash here.]
Mahmood,
Unfortunately it may sound like a repeatation. But clearly your words are nowhere near the truth. Ahmadiyya cult always works against muslims and their countries. Now some of you may either not know this or deliberately hide it since you feel guilty.
I also wanted to add that only the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has the moral authority, due to an impeccable record of peaceful coexistence with others, to advocate on behalf of the true and peaceful Islam.
Bootlicking subservience is neither peaceful, nor does it give you any kind of moral authority. Quite the opposite in fact.
Loyalty also means telling your rulers when they’re wrong.
And the Ahmadiyya cult has zero record of doing that. It is therefore just a craven cult that is embarrassing for others to watch.
HAHA! thats a funny one Shahid. I love your ABSOLUTE statements(zero record)!
Lets take the Interview of Maulana Naseem Mahdi Sahib as a recent instance.
He was asked by the Fox news guy whether he “views America as a problem in the world”. Listen to hi response. “We can agree to disagree, but that does not mean we can start killing people”
Read “The Gulf Crisis and the new world order” and please quit making generalizations!
If you are embarrassed by what we are doing, then the challenge is for you to counter what we are doing and not pay lip service
LOL – that’s a great record. Muslims (and Jews, Christians, atheists, everyone it seems except Mirzologists) don’t equivocate like your man Naseem. (Maulana lol!)
You’re ignoring the earlier posts and comments. Muslims have already done better than you, but we are not interested in puckering up our lips for murdering asses, you’re welcome to win that contest Mahmood.
Mahmood
Yes we know how much of this claim is true……..! In fact this is good example of what cult brainwashing does to its members.
I also wanted to reiterate that as much as I agree that other moderate Muslims have expressed similar concerns as our community always has and continues to to this day, I think your “boot-licking” comments totally shatters your intent.
Perhaps you should learn a thing or two form th Prophet(saw). Your boolicking comment reminds me of an opponent of Islam who made similar comments about our Holy Master(saw) acceptance of the Hudaibiya treaty as Nauzubillah boot-licking of the kuffar. If We are tehrefore quite happy with this boolicking!
LOL Mahmood, boy, your ignorance is breathtaking.
LOL, Shahid, wasn’t the treaty of Hudaibiya disadvantageous ot the Muslims? weren’t the sahaba disappointing at the Prophets(saw) acceptance of the treaty in such as state?
Prove me otherwise.
Totally irrelevant.
Mahmood,
Totally irrelevant!
But why do you stop at half the incident….. and only take a part of it to suit your own imagination?
Raising questions for clarification of a decision are very logical part of human intellect and the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Sahaba (r.t.a) followed it to the best of their discipline. Their example, has no parallels even till today.
Did the Sahaba (r.t.a) not rally behind the Prophet (Pbuh) at all times. Which nation or a group can come even close to them when it came to obedience to Allah (s.w.t) and his messengers (p.b.u.h)?
Mahmood,
Look where your cult stands today!
When members try to question the actions of the Ahmadi jamaat, they get expelled?
Funny you say that, I would think we the internet so open and anonymous, there would be a massive number of Jam’at members that would be anonymously questioning the Jama’at.
Kind-of a childish comment!
Mahmood,
You are such a difficult customer to have a sensible dialogue with and you keep jumping all over the place. It is hard to understand how you cannot understand even the basics.
Ahmadiyya love for Anti Islamic BNP
andrewbrons.eu/2009/07/14/ahmadis-congratulate-andrew-on-his-victory/
I think the love BNP coz they hate Muslims and Islam
Br. Zia,
Not only they love BNP, but any party that is anti-islamic or muslim they just love it and support it openly or secretly. This is the history of Ahmadiyyat. Now do all their members know this or agree with this that’s another subject. But this cult itslef…….crticially antimuslim. In my opinion they are even worse than the pagans or atheists.
But still they claim “Love for all hatred for none” which is nothing more than an empty Mirzai ranting.