Muslims convened in Winnipeg on social services

Muslims convened in Winnipeg on social services


Jumping out of your beach pants and sandals these days happens with a deep sigh but when it’s flying from Toronto to Winnipeg it feels as if you just left Barbados! Well not when it’s for the good of the thousands of Muslims fixed in endless social problems. The Islamic Social Services Association, Inc-Canada hosted a conference to deliberate, train and network with others in this field and it was indeed a resounding success.

Among the organizers and speakers was the famous Shahina Siddiqui, who founded this organization some ten years ago, with chapters in USA and UK. She believes this is the greatest need of the hour and Muslims can only solve their social woes if they combine the insight available in mainstream social agencies with the Islamic perspective. Well this type of fusion was surely in abundance this weekend- Nov 21st-24th 2008 at the Hilton Suites.

Dr. Aneesah Nadir from USA, inspired us with the story of a revert, after 30 years, struggling in the mill of acceptance. Moreso her position on premarital advisement is if you can’t figure it before marriage then you would hardly after- so Imams shouldn’t do the ceremony without couples first sitting for at least 6 sessions of advisement.

Salma Abugeideiri did a wonderful job of presenting issues on domestic violence within the Islamic framework of Quran and Sunna and coupled with her years of experience. This problem, no matter how much the community may be in denial, will not go away by wishful thoughts and few Khutba- it’s time to make it a national disaster as thousands of Muslims are victims, men and women, and the social workers are just a handful. She believes that help should not be at the battered stage but prevention education must start in school.

Attendees came from as far as Texas, Imam Yaseen Shaikh; Calgary in the West and of course Toronto from the East. The Canadian Council of Imams was represented by its secretary Habeeb Alli and the Canadian Council of Muslim Theologians by its executive member Hafiz Faizan. Another group represented there was 1866-NASEEHA - the toll free Muslim Youth Helpline that serves North American callers. Additionally, there was representation from the Jaffari Centre - who is doing an outstanding job with their fulltime staffed community support services. Others included Sister Noha, Sister Kameleh, Ommar, and Sayed Ali Adeli.

Among the other topics discussed were addictions, mental health, sexual problems, marriage and divorce, leadership, youths and gangterism, children welfare and new immigrant counseling, depression, gambling, etc.

This is an ongoing training organization and anywhere this is needed the personnel are willing to attend, organize, and consult.

One attendee stated: It prompted me to explore my options as to taking up marriage and family therapy, as it would help me as an Imam.

Some useful websites: issaservices.com, peacefulfamuilies.org, faithandmedia.org, newdirections.mb.ca, myselfhelp.com, www.getgamblingfacts.ca, canadiancouncilofiamms.com, www.naseeha.net, http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome