Wednesday, February 25, 2009

recent happenings in toronto

Organ donation still a challenge for Muslims


Imagine living without a kidney not because it failed you but you had it donated to suffering Ontarians. Well every three days someone in Ontario dies and could have been saved had they receive an organ donation. Muslims are among the many others who fail to sign their donor cards. Trillium gift of life organization is trying to make a difference in this regards.

Last Tuesday, Feb 17th, many faith leaders attended a special breakfast meeting at Queens Park elegant Victoria room in order to preside over this burning issue. Among the speakers was a Rabbi, an Aboriginal leader from Sudbury, a pastor and an Islamic scholar. The emphasis was resoundingly common: donating to save a person is like doing God’s work and it’s a charity with perpetual rewards.

Habeeb Alli, secretary of the Canadian Council of Imams, prayed for the well being of sufferers and implored upon all to join this sacred mission. More importantly the Council and the JamiatulUlama have been instrumental in preparing a brochure aimed at the Muslim community and their fears of organ donation. That impressive brochure is now in circulation.

See more at giftoflife.on.ca



Synagogue hosts panel on Sacredness of the human body.


You’ve seen students escape prayers although they attend Islamic schools. Well have you heard of Jewish private schools? Some students have issues with not being allowed body piercings or tattoos! Sounds familiar? The Mount Sinai Temple in Toronto thought of having not only a Jewish view point on the body and religion but a Christian and Islamic worldview too.

The event was hosted in the synagogue’s prestigious hall and was attended mainly by Grade 8 students and their parents. The female Rabbi Polonsky of the Temple spoke eloquently on how the body is a temple of the soul and must be respected. Sister Audrey of a Toronto church spoke about ensuring this body returns wholesome. Shaikh Habeeb spoke on how the hygiene of the body leads to safety from satanic whispers, which leads to a more holistic view of the body including avoiding cutting, tattooing and piercing. He also said that contemporary scholars have allowed temporary tattoos and earring piercings as beauty is part of Faith.

One of the parents raised the issue of how gender bias has been influenced by religion and there needs to be some correction to this. And most would concur that while modesty and respect is tantamount to girls this does not debar her from enjoying her life let alone seeking the highest ideals of achievement and worldly status.

Interfaith dialogue really is more than Abrahamic niceties- it helps us have a rounded view of everyday issues- if only we can be open.


Golden rule movie portrays Islam positively

How many times haven’t you heard your mother saying do good unto others as you will want them to do to you? Well that is the age old truth known as the golden rule. Nowadays it’s not only written in scrolls but produced in a movie format. The Scarborro Missions, a leading name in Interfaith in Toronto, is behind the scenes.

Originally, a poster was created with thirteen world religions and their sayings on the Golden rule. Islam was represented by the Hadith- none of you truly believes until he loves for himself what he loves for others. As a matter of fact, this Hadith has been quoted by President Obama, recently, in a national breakfast meeting!

The Mission hosts regular retreats for world religion classes. It had in the past students enacting this rule by skit, songs, art, and poetry. This time a movie was produced by the famous Tina Pretrova, who had earlier produced the film on Rumi- the Poet. Acting are students from a school and their teacher- all representing the different faith through varying fine arts. The quotes of some world religions on the golden rule of life- do unto others what you want them to do to you. Love others the way you want to be loved!

Paul McKenna, the original producer of the golden rule poster and who made a feature appearance in the movie, reminds us that there are over 100 statements from people around the world and from time immemorial that we should live life in a way that we would like others to live with us.

For a copy for your viewing contact Tina at http://www.rumi-turningecstatic.com/ or http://www.scarboromissions.ca/


Family fair second year at NAMF

In the mid winter Toronto is screaming for a getaway. And for one day we have it- the second Monday in February has been declared for Ontarians Family day. And what do you do with this holiday? Definitely a well organized family fair is a smart place to be on that day. NAMF has successfully done that at its large premises in Scarborough.

This year saw a huge crowd of happy participants despite the cold weather. There were lots of ethnic foods, bazaar buzzing with sellers and shoppers, kids jumping on the castle and buying cotton candy and lots of entertainment from comedians, nasheed artists and drummers.

One family commented that they had a wonderful time, especially the affordable food prices at the end! Proceeds of this event go towards paying for the Masjid at Finch and Midland. This 34 000 sq feet property also houses a fulltime Islamic school, a hall for multi functions and a gym. The Masjid is always open to the public, with five daily prayers and Jumauh. Isn’t a Masjid more than a place of worship? Shouldn’t it be the hub of the community?


Mufti Habeebullah Khairabdi visits GTA from India.

Toronto is a famous destination for many top people and Islamic scholars are no exception. Many scholars of varying backgrounds arrive here yearly. This time around Mufti Habeebullah of India visited several mosques in GTA, delivering lectures on Islam in Urdu, which was translated into English.

NAMF hosted the venerable Mufti last Thursday Feb 19th for a session specifically on Questions and Answers on any Fiqh topic. Among the many questions asked and answered were on abortion, organ transplantation, praying in a mosque with gaps in-between, Islamic banking models, domestic violence, etc.

As can be seen there is a thirst for knowledge in the community and many more such forums are needed. One attendee was keen in asking a question on hijab and wants to continue this discussion with others. It’s time our local Ulama jump on this call!

The JamiatulUlama of Canada and Canadian Council of Imams co-hosted this program with NAMF. The Council has started a program of a monthly forum in different masajid where different topics are discussed- the last one was held at Islamic Foundation with Lawyer Mendel Green on immigration and Muslims. The next on is at Dawah Centre, Toronto, on March 21ST.


Dinner held at NAMF on Palestine.


The recent crisis in Gaza is not hidden from anyone. Muslims in Toronto galvanized to different events in order to show their humanitarian solidarity towards the suffering Gazans. North American Muslim Foundation held a dinner in their cause, late January and had a full house.

Ayman Tahir, an original Palestinian, now a chaplain in Toronto, spoke about the issue, both from a historical and Islamic textual point of view. Imam Hamid Slimi fundraised that evening towards helping the cause. A Toronto Rabbi and Pastor also attended, expressing their solidarity.

The question has been how the money will reach the victims, knowing there has been a tight siege and security issue around Gaza.

NAMF has been doing relief work for the last 30 odd years and has a reputation of integrity and effectiveness wherever it went. It has now partnered with a UK based organization- Human Appeal Int, which has legal access into the besieged neighborhood. Again all legalities are been explored and complied with, accordingly, to ensure that money donated doesn’t only reach the needy but arrives there legitimately.

The evening ended with a sumptuous West Indian cuisine and entertainment by Kamal, the Muslim rapper from Mississauga.

Additionally, a group of masajid in Toronto came together to fundraise for the same cause at the Woodbine Banquet Hall in Mid February. Dr Munir elKasem raised the funds that evening, while a few politicians attended, among a myriad of 600 attendees. This group has named its conglomerate ACMO- Association of Muslim Originations.

See www.namf.ca for more details.

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