By Laiq Ahmed Atif
Source/Credit: The Times Monday, November 11, 2013, 00:01 by Laiq Ahmed Atif
Prophet Muhammad said: “One who is not grateful to fellow human beings is not grateful to God.” As a firm believer of this principle, I would like to start with paying tribute and extending my gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the Armed Forces of Malta and the Maltese authorities for the great work they did and the courage they demonstrated in the rescue operation off Lampedusa early last month.
Allow me to support what Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said at the time, that “the AFM soldiers out there are Malta’s heroes. They are Europe’s heroes”. I will go a step further and say that they are not only heroes of Malta or Europe; in fact, they are the heroes of humanity.
The Holy Quran states that “whoso saved a life it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind” (5:33). The AFM saved 146 human lives, so they are the heroes of humanity and all of us should be grateful to them and be proud of their great work.
I would also like to acknowledge the Prime Minister’s leadership and direction in saving the lives of people who were in danger of drowning. He remained in his office till late, keeping a close eye on the situation and maintaining contact with the AFM.
Prophet Muhammad said that “people are the family of God Almighty and God loves him the most who treats his family with love and compassion and takes care of their needs and provides them the necessities of life. Those who show mercy to others, God will have mercy on them in heavens”.
In Proverbs 14:31-32, we read: “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.”