Tuesday, September 4, 2012
AUG REPORTS- EVENTS IN GTA
Eid Dinners for Inmates
Every one is having wonderful Eid days after EidulFitr. But
the poor old man in the jail drinking sour milk must have his share too!
Ontarians have a heart.
Muslims in the prison were treated to several Eid dinners
and had invite guests over from far and near.
I was fortunate to hear good stories of not only Muslims
fasting but Canadians who chose to fast with their Muslim students. In Pittsburgh ON
at their ever variety filled and culturally refined dinner for Eid I met a gentleman
who teaches life skills. He has chosen to fast every year for a while now so he
may feel the pang of hunger and welt of thirst his students feel. He even
ensures that he fasts the correct timing as per the prayer chart of his local
area in Kingston.
Inmates invited several others including the Reverend Harry
Nigh to join them in their sumptuous Eid dinner at the Keel Street half way house. Harry was
delighted to share the meal and encouraged all to talk about the good stories
of Ramadan.
Brampton
halfway house saw the same with lots to eat.
Some of the Federal institutions had their Eid celebrated
with sweets after prayers on Sunday itself while others had it after. The Women
institution in Kitchener
even saw one person accepting Islam because she admired the way the Muslims
conducted themselves in Ramadan.
Eid is a time of joy and happiness. The sweets remind one
that after sacrifice is harvest and after receiving the gifts of Allah one has
to be thankful.
In prison one values this more than ever and every tiny but
of sweet is a lifetime of happiness!
INTERFAITH VISIT FROM USA
“Canada
is the second Holy Land”, says an American visitor among the group from Atlanta calling themselves
World Pilgrims.
Muslims are familiar with Hajj- making them pilgrims once
per year but how many people know that Muslims always travelled with other
faiths in the past learning and worshipping.
Tayyibah Taylor, editor of Azizah Magazine and famous
speaker at RIS was among the dignitaries of Jews, Muslims and Christians who
visited ISNA mosque in Oakville.
They also visited Holy Blossom temple as well as other places in Toronto, Niagara and New York in their round trip. The year
before the group had visited Jerusalem
and other countries.
The group was presented about Interfaith activities
happening in Toronto
by Habeeb Alli as well as Dr Abdalla Idris and Dr Kathy Bullock. Habeeb also
delivered the Khutba talking about Interfaith importance in Islam, reminding
all that the Quran respects all peoples and their traditions and wants us to
dialogue rather than force Islam down people’s throats. During lunch many
questions were asked and answered about Islam.
It was indeed a happy moment to have these persons of a
different persuasion sitting in the mosque as the Holy Prophet on whom be peace
himself entertained the Christians of Najran in his mosque.
Islamic Research and Jurisprudence office opened in
Thorncliffe.
“The Quran orders the Muslims to ask their Scholars,” said
the number of top Ulama visiting Toronto
for the launch of the first Office for Islamic Research and Fatwa for Muslims
from the Hanafi school of thought. These scholars are primarily from the world
oldest institution Deoband India
and have a great following in Canada.
It’s also important that people recognise the differences of opinion are not
only human but Islamic and it’s a mercy for humanity in the words of the Holy
Prophet on whom be peace. This is the message Mufti Ahmad Kanpuri and Moulana
Hanif from India and Mufti
Saeed Motara from South
Africa delivered to a packed audience of
local Ulama and supporters in Thorncliff, home to thousands of South Asian
Muslims, recently.
Mufti Ibrahim Kureshi will be managing his research and
fatwas from this office at 2
Thorncliff Ave Unit 28th. He is a
member of the JamiatulUlama Canada.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Death words!
Allah has decreed death and while it's hard no doubt to accept that reality and especially when it happens to someone close yet we have to accept that otherwise Faith is in crisis as fate and Faith are related. They are so related that one is like the breath and the other the lung.
The Quran says every soul will taste death. However the wisdom behind this is to test us who is better is good works.
3:185 Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.
The Prophet on whom be peace says that Death is a gift for the Believer. This is what gives us solace in the time of grief. That while we are attached so much to something so lovely and beautiful yet when it leaves it was meant to leave. Rather when it leaves us it goes to to place waiting for us for a better life eventually and that is heaven. So death is a gift for those who believe.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
What I feel- POEM
- What I feel-A tribute to SyriaWhat a wonderful morningBirds chirpingSuch a snow-less winter it isSoothing my lingering butterfliesWhy this ambivalenceWhere is my heart going is of essencePounding like an engine when I see your nameDreaming of innocent images, all the sameIt’s not the kind that makes a smileUnder the covers of unlighted rooms, desires stockpileWhere sisters whisper naughtinessAnd false hopes are hatched in freshnessBut gone is the liking for anything pinkWhere from the anger of unfulfilled love I drinkThat kindles an inner world as large as Rome or SyriaAnd words become helpless like un-controlled hysteriaInklings of poetry, lyrics, movies and e-books besides social mediaKnocking helplessly at the waves of control-maniaThey seem to become hapless victims of indescribabilityEven the encrypted gets cracked; not infallibilityIt’s like knowing you will not make it, even being a true foolLike a swan that swims gracefully while frenzies beneath ruleI wandered the land, ghastly blueUntil I laid my eyes on youSo this isn’t a V-day tributeRather to all those who are broken by unrequited truthWho fail to claim their birth-right without aggression.God made you perfect to receive affectionTo love and be loved is not a privilege or lucky strikeIt’s critical to civilization and any MikeNations are at war, filling Hell’s fury with Super anarchyAngels are in prayers supplicating against such tyrannyTell me Just why- honestly whySweet-harm enamored your thoughts dailyWhy the people’s constant mindfulness, fearfulnessThat you will not live up to this make-feel goodnessOh Land of DamascusOh Nation of ProphetsWhere our sisters breathe divine breathsHave your brave hearts been buried in the princess of white minarets?I want to break loose like a snowflake in the windAnd ever rescindFree from this occupy-lunacyMaybe like Rumi or even Gazzali- a heartland far from piracy!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Dec 2011-12-29 Reports
Dec 2011-12-29 Reports
NAMF Gala – helping those in need 10th anniversary
The 10th Anniversary for NAMF Gala dinner came off with a great vibe.
Many were honored for being volunteers by the MP Jim Karygiannis and the NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan. They have demonstrated consistent support and sacrifice to help NAMF promote its relief services and operate the Masjid Qurtaba project.
The main guest of honor was the Honourable Sitsabaiesan who spoke boldly, with facts and feelings on issues of humanitarian relief as well as the need to recognise minority communities as they strive to make Canada home. She is among the youngest women and first Tamil woman elected to office. The other meaningful presentation was by Canada’s first female Chinese MPP, the Honourable Soo-Wong who recently won the elections for Agincourt Scarborough Provincial elections.
There was also Dr Shahida Khan, a known children doctor who first contacted NAMF about securing assistance in getting little Ehsan Mohamed have an open heart surgery at Sick Kids hospital. She was very grateful that her appeal was quickly accepted and the fundraiser so far ahs been a success. Dr. Khan was honoured by NAMF Directors with a special plaque of recognition.
Mr Farouk Khan, Executive Director of North American Muslim Foundation, reminded to full house audience in the Jamil Dar Convention Center at 4140 Finch Ave E that the organisation is progressing not only with relief and the local Masjid but with other efforts like the recent seniors programs and the forum on homelessness.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner including roasted lamb and kurma with Azfar Ali entertaining them during dinner time with is unique witticism!
Miscommunication of attendance of MP Olivia Chow was received from her office. NAMF regrets her absence and acknowledged her with a plaque and paid tribute to the late Jack Layton.
Lunch with a Rabbi
Having a kosher meat fish ball made with carrots in a busy Jewish neighbourhood recently with a progressive Rabbi is something of a treat.
I met Rabbi Yossi Sapirman during an interfaith panel on sexuality. He has studied Islam and always happy to join Interfaith initiatives that presents people of faith as normal citizens. The Rabbi is indeed a caring, deeply connected man with lots of community activism and layered with knowledge while gifted with humour. I was happy to have a moving lunch that made me understand that religious leaders are more than the prayer service leader. As I sat there so many people from his congregation came up to say Shalom or simply talk or thank him. I was there to present him my new book on Intimacy and he was so pleased to have supported the book with hope to talk about sexuality in a pluralistic way. This can be seen as another out of the box way of Twinning! Twinning of Mosques and Synagogues can be simply an Imam and Rabbi having lunch! And only in Toronto!
Human rights conference held at Ontario Science Centre
Panellists included the Ombudsman of Toronto Fiona Crean and Imam AbdulHai Patel elaborating that the almost half century of celebrating the universal declaration on human rights needs teeth still. With a video showing the history of human rights struggle and the on going of struggles the audience were treated to songs of human rights and various presentations. The Church of Scientology were in the lead of establishing this event, reminding us that we are all consumed in the race for our natural human rights to whatever we are entitled to have.
The Prophet Muhammad on whom be peace for example came 1400 years ago and established the right for girls to live, women to inherit and people to believe and pray freely! How about these for a start? We are indeed grateful for the Charter of Freedom and Rights in Canada.
There was a girl there only 12 years and raised 1000.00 so far within a year for charity that helps doctors in Guyana deliver babies without infant mortality. She makes beads of hopes in shapes of necklaces, bands, etc. It was indeed a warm evening given the winter blues!
Interfaith trip to Jerusalem.
Muslims, Jews and Christians flying to Jerusalem, sitting in buses, worshipping at holy places, crossing borders, staying in same hotels and eating in same restaurants for a week! Unheard of? Well only in Toronto that is possible. That is indeed a factual newsflash!
Yes members of the Interfaith community, thanks to the hard work of Father Damien, Dr Karen of Canadian Council of churches and Judy Csilag this was made possible. Every one paid for their own travel and willingly joined the trip for their personal enhancement.
The stories of admiration for Islam abounds in this trip.
Imam AbdulHai Patel could not participate in the well attended forum organised by Scarborough Mission where two other panellists- a Rabbi and Dr Karen did a wonderful job in travelogue the event that had almost fifty members travel, including some young Muslim students. It was indeed heart warming to hear the stories of all three faiths and of how they marvelled at witnessing each others places of worship and history in Jerusalem, witness each others worship and travelled to the occupied territories and met with people from both sides of the country.
It is a sensitive issue and for people to respectfully report and talk of experience while avoiding the pitfalls of judgement and blaming is indeed a remarkable feat. This is the maturity the Interfaith community has arrived at in Canada and the world should take note. A viable project for a documentary and worthwhile imitative to take elsewhere!
Allah says and travel in the land and see how we treated people in the past!
RIS message- love your humanity
The most poignant message I got from listening to Saturday afternoon presentations, listened to some by 15000 attendees at the 10th annual Reviving Islamic Spirit convention this Christmas Weekend at the Metro convention Centre was love!
Listening to Habib Ali Al Jiffri say that when Islam allows you to marry a Christian or Jewsish woman then automatically it is saying you have to love that person despite difference of faith and he comes over very polite and loving towards humanity despite coming form a conservative background. This message really resonated. Similar things were said by Dr Abdullah Idress who spoke on the importance of Muslim minorities ensuring they work for the collective security of where they live as per the hadith that one should hold the hands of the oppressor as a form of helping one’s brother.
The many speakers and presentations left this point as a theme. Islam is love! With money raised from the event in the past helping some 12000 hungry persons in Toronto – this is testimony that this belief is intrinsic of our Faith.
Tribute to My Aunt Leila- in Guyana who passed awayand was buried on Dec 18 2011
What a season!
You were chosen to end the pain
Among flowers and joy
You surrendered your last smile
A mother of ultimate sacrifice
A wife of unconditional love
A sister of sincere advice
My auntie Leila is endless affection, she 's nice!
At lost in the sea of life
Against life's maze of battling waves
You stood stronger than Jonah
Keeping the sail of values straight to shore!
Now that you've gone beyond
Lighting heaven, behind the proverbial blackout
The angels will salam you
Here comes the moonlight, laughing all the way
Who will listen to my rantings?
Who will laugh to my calls?
Who will act as my mother?
And keep my word when I fall?
I salute you oh woman of worth!
Nevermind your weakness
You one night never slept
Guarding your three angels against vicious eyes
A mother, a father, a soldier in one
This unsung hero, this best grandmother ever
A mother Mary of another
More gracious than Kaieteur your love for all
And when it's over
They will say where went Sandy?
The one whose coupe and curry
Made you feel royal, felt deeply loved, eh?
I love you and will always miss you!
You were chosen to end the pain
Among flowers and joy
You surrendered your last smile
A mother of ultimate sacrifice
A wife of unconditional love
A sister of sincere advice
My auntie Leila is endless affection, she 's nice!
At lost in the sea of life
Against life's maze of battling waves
You stood stronger than Jonah
Keeping the sail of values straight to shore!
Now that you've gone beyond
Lighting heaven, behind the proverbial blackout
The angels will salam you
Here comes the moonlight, laughing all the way
Who will listen to my rantings?
Who will laugh to my calls?
Who will act as my mother?
And keep my word when I fall?
I salute you oh woman of worth!
Nevermind your weakness
You one night never slept
Guarding your three angels against vicious eyes
A mother, a father, a soldier in one
This unsung hero, this best grandmother ever
A mother Mary of another
More gracious than Kaieteur your love for all
And when it's over
They will say where went Sandy?
The one whose coupe and curry
Made you feel royal, felt deeply loved, eh?
I love you and will always miss you!
Red Hassar- Guyana teaches love one another!
There is something about Guyana that makes you want to go and stay. Yes, it’s the warm weather and superb hospitality. However, my encounter this time was the generosity of hassar- a super delicious fish that is also known as cascdura or cascadoo.
I met a gentleman in the Mahaica Creek area whose immediate warmth and readiness to share was like a spell cast upon my spirit. He felt inclined without formality, to ensure his guests were treated with maximum respect and much fanfare; with tasty, tongue-licking hassar curry! In my talks across the country at various places, I recognised the humble yet learnt and deeply loving nature of the folks in the country as to what the Prophet Muhammad, owbp, entreated towards when he said the best of you in Jahilliya are the best of you in Islam, if you have the understanding. Isn’t feeding the guests the very first principle the Prophet, owbp, introduced in Medina upon arrival? Feeding the guests even at the expense of one’s hunger and the hunger of one’s children was the proven way of the Companions that Allah had caused to reveal- that they prefer others above themselves even if they suffered pangs of hunger! This is the common religion this beautiful land envelopes.
This gentleman goes on to tell his story, that being a Hindu and having married a Muslim woman did not prevent him from learning to recite the Quran and sing Qaseedas- in praise of the Holy Prophet! Well that is something not merely great but deeply spiritual. He now writes poems to his deceased wife- his therapy and unending love for a woman he never wanted to touch until marriage! When the Prophet was proposed to by Khatija he was singled out for his trustworthiness and wisdom. To trust someone with your life and religion- knowing you will be dignified and your freedom of religion will be respected is indeed a quality that is rare. Notwithstanding the Quranic injunction, this is an experience to consider.
My other encounter was with a sister of “red” background, whose Christian persausion did not prevent her from attending the mosque for the first time inorder to learn about Mother Mary- Jesus’ mother during Christmas time. Her dedication, care and respect, was observed when she watched carefully the practise of the Juma prayers! She later on remarked that when the men stood up in line for prayers, without any urging nor discipline, it was the most poignant moment of all her Islamic experiences. She now wants a Quran and was happy that the Imam actually spoke out against domestic violence- something Muslims and all are guilty of. That the Holy Prophet on whom be peace never hit a woman; should be enough to counter any misinterpreted verses from the Quran that seeks to justify killing women. It’s indeed tragic that love kills and one out of every three woman is a woeful victim!
Speaking to non Muslims in Guyana reminds you that respect is critical for all and for a nation that honours religions and races historically, it is important that we don’t fall into ghettoes of fundamentalists’ attitudes towards one another but see the social ills of society is everyone’s cares, as Shamal aptly writes in his mind-boggling brochures, distributed across Guyana and read for all types of persons.
When one sees the funeral attended by folks from all walks of life and prayers joined by every one, in order to pay the last respects of a sister, a mother, an aunt it reminds you of the Holy Prophet standing at the passing of the Jewish deceased and exclaiming it’s a soul too! So for a non Muslim to contribute to a mosque, without any agenda, is no different from our history, where our ancestors built together, ate together and chanted together. It’s so synonymous to our tradition where the Kaba was built by Non Muslims before Islam with halal sources- from a ship wreck off Yemen and until today the Hatem is testimony to that; as there weren’t enough halal funds to complete it.
I envisage a continuum of dialogues, events and studies to ensure that the poor are protected and loved, religions avoid backbiting and leaders take heed to this global phenomenon- we are a family working from afar, for the good of humanity.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tribute to My Aunt Leila- in Guyana who passed awayand was buried on Dec 18 2011
What a season!
You were chosen to end the pain
Among flowers and joy
You surrendered your last smile
A mother of ultimate sacrifice
A wife of unconditional love
A sister of sincere advice
My auntie Leila is endless affection, she 's nice!
At lost in the sea of life
Against life's maze of battling waves
You stood stronger than Jonah
Keeping the sail of values straight to shore!
Now that you've gone beyond
Lighting heaven, behind the proverbial blackout
The angels will salam you
Here comes the moonlight, laughing all the way
Who will listen to my rantings?
Who will laugh to my calls?
Who will act as my mother?
And keep my word when I fall?
I salute you oh woman of worth!
Nevermind your weakness
You one night never slept
Guarding your three angels against vicious eyes
A mother, a father, a soldier in one
This unsung hero, this best grandmother ever
A mother Mary of another
More gracious than Kaieteur your love for all
And when it's over
They will say where went Sandy?
The one whose coupe and curry
Made you feel royal, felt deeply loved, eh?
I love you and will always miss you!
You were chosen to end the pain
Among flowers and joy
You surrendered your last smile
A mother of ultimate sacrifice
A wife of unconditional love
A sister of sincere advice
My auntie Leila is endless affection, she 's nice!
At lost in the sea of life
Against life's maze of battling waves
You stood stronger than Jonah
Keeping the sail of values straight to shore!
Now that you've gone beyond
Lighting heaven, behind the proverbial blackout
The angels will salam you
Here comes the moonlight, laughing all the way
Who will listen to my rantings?
Who will laugh to my calls?
Who will act as my mother?
And keep my word when I fall?
I salute you oh woman of worth!
Nevermind your weakness
You one night never slept
Guarding your three angels against vicious eyes
A mother, a father, a soldier in one
This unsung hero, this best grandmother ever
A mother Mary of another
More gracious than Kaieteur your love for all
And when it's over
They will say where went Sandy?
The one whose coupe and curry
Made you feel royal, felt deeply loved, eh?
I love you and will always miss you!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Nov- report- HALIFAX
Halifax is growing Muslim hub.
When you think of Halifax, Nova Scotia, you imagine the famous Dr Jamal Badawi- the prolific scholar whose cassettes I would listen to in the 80’s and lobster. Yes, and it’s lobster season and the cost of a permit is almost half a mil!
Now after visiting Halifax recently I would add to my memory ‘a familial community of successful Muslim professionals who are humble and progressive.’
I often see Halifax as the point of departure of African slaves on their way back to North Africa- the free town of Liberia. After talking to the famous Black history historian and Muslim activist Dr Afua Coopers, now the Chair of Black History at Dalhousie University, I came to realise that many of the Afro Canadians that I know and you may know like the Downeys are originally from the Muslim slaves brought under colonialism to these parts of the Free World. She said there almost 50 such settlements and the marked observation of Muslim presence can be seen.
I saw three main centres of Muslim worship and the main Masjid at the central Halifax is purpose built and beautiful, costing millions with one of the oldest Islamic schools in the province of East maritime. Meeting with Ziaullah Kahn who runs a dynamic and loving center for Islamic Dawah and development gives us the easy reminder that Toronto needs to do more in this department. He runs endless progressive educational program for New Muslims and inmates. I even met Mr Muhammad Yaffa, his next in comrade who is busy with Interfaith dialogue in the Muslim minority province.
At the Dartmouth mosque, which is the oldest, the Muslims who came in the early 60’s felt they could no longer pray Juma in the church when Allah had blessed them with wealth and abilities. Many were professors and doctors with lots for foreign students attracted to the province. They bought land and a house and today that new building has an annex for the Muslim women in the city. The Imam there is doing a fantastic job among the youths, Non Muslims, the professionals and interacting with the wider community is crucial. He is Moulana Hamza and is Canadian born and has studied in England.
I spoke at the big Ummamasjid for Juma and was amazed of the steady outpour of appreciation for the khutba as I recalled some of the activities we do in Toronto within the communities. I also spoke about my book on Intimacy at the Dartmouth mosque and again was met by both brothers and sisters with great compliment for a topic that is still taboo. The questions were deeply reflective as students from Saudi Arabia, India and elsewhere gather there to further their studies and are faced with many issues in a new land far from a Muslim majority. One doctor happened to have served the late Shaikh Uthaimeen and he remarked that he has never heard any one speak on such intimate topics and offered insights on organ donation from an Islamic perspective. He concurred that such an act is done professionally in some Muslim countries whereas others lack legislation hence the abuse.
The Nova Scotians are neighbourly, kind and willing to learn. My experience at the beautiful tip of North Eastern Canada called the Peggy's Cove was indeed indelible as fresh lobster is cooked and served with on the spot training and timely advise of the trade.
We are indeed lucky for this beautiful called Canada and I was even more lucky that my plane could have safely landed in at St John’s New Foundland the night Halifax was hit with an unexpected snow storm.
On leaving my heart melted as many came for my farewell and the warmth of brotherhood stayed with me, reminding me of my days in Georgetown among a less busy urban crowd, rather among family and friends that are so easy to live with and learn from. As Br Kursheed would say there that he hand slaughters all the animals at the farm that the Muslims consume and he doesn’t differentiate among the Muslims. As Br Mahmood, originally from Jordan and living there for almost two decades would say that Islam is easy and keep that in mind and you will love your Deen easily!
Islamic New Year 1433
I pray that this new year heralds great thing in your lives and the new moon of love, faith and prosperity will follow your every waking moment as you strive to make the best of yourselves and the communities. I pray Allah has accepted the Hajj of many who have be blessed to respond to that call recently.
I'm quite cognizant that some communities are in mourning during this time of the year as we all continue to remember the unparalleled self sacrifice of Imam Hussain, ra, on behalf of the wider Islamic civilization at that time of his young calling. I'm also aware that the history of Islam has been misrepresented and the texts redesigned at times to support one side or the other at the intolerable expense of lives, mutual harmony and overarching principles of justice, humanity and democracy.
I pray that goodness and common sense prevails as we plan and hope for a better year of 1433 AH: - again a reminder that migration from Mecca to Madina was chosen as the milestone to mark the origin our calendar, so apt for immigrants everywhere trying their best to establish their faith as a minority within the context of the many unfamiliar grounds and issues.
Jewish School opens in U f T and Muslims invited.
It’s a dream come true for Rabbi Roy Tannenbaum. After forty years in Canada and three years working with the School of Theology at the U f T the traditional Rabbinical school that would produce Rabbis with a modern understanding of issues that are Canadian has finally opened its doors.
At a rather lavish, academic and entertaining inauguration Imam AbdulHai Patel offered his congratulations and again Muslims in Canada are reminded how important it is to have traditional school of Islam that trains Imams within the Canadian context with all the modern tools and having the credentials of an accepted University degree. This was the idea behind the Muslim certificate Program offered at Emmanuel College. Habeeb Alli was present at the event and met so many people from all walks of life and religious backgrounds who found the eminent organisation of boards, faculty and curriculum something to emulate and celebrate.
Police celebrates the holidays and Eidul Azha
Where can you find Muslims celebrating Eid at a police headquarters and are treated to celebrations of Diwali, Gurparab and Christmas with folks eating halal food and lots of good curry?
Of course Toronto!
The Master of Ceremonies, Jake Dheer, ably entertained the audience of varied backgrounds and leadership with a variety of speakers representing the various consultative bodies to the Police, including Mr. Zul Kassimalli from the South Asian Committee and Usman Khan from the Muslim committee. A choir of Ismaili students rendered a Muslim song, a Hindu song and a carol to the amazement of the audience and the cheer of their peers. Many youths from the Tamil community were honoured for their continued volunteerism and the Chief Bill Blair was there in person to say thank you; for without the liaison committees safety in Toronto would remain a challenge.
Thank you for serving and protecting!
Scriptural Reasoning sessions
Not often you get to study texts from the Quran, the Bible and the Torah in home setting over tea and great friends from all three respective faiths.
Susan Harrison is a PHD student of religion and has been organising these very insightful sessions over the years. The last time we had these session the topic was on forgiveness and the issue of whether forgiveness necessitates an actual physical act or practical effort or just an act of grace and that of the heart. The sessions saw scriptures quotes, references from authors and scholars and lots of experiences and thoughts on present issues.
It’s something to witness!
Among the Muslims who attend and more are required is Imam Irshad, lawyer Omer and Shaikh Habeeb and Br Hamza.
Eid with inmates
Thank you for not judging me! That was the words of many of the inmates after partaking in the Eid celebrations for EidulAzah at two half way houses in Toronto.
Eating hot curry and roti prepared by volunteers at Brampton Islamic Centre and talking about the story of Abraham and the hajj made these diners such a wonderful experience.
The few Muslim inmates that participated and even helped organise along with the community chaplain rev Harry Nigh and the management shows that just as Abraham had hope on Allah that he would not make Him sacrifice his son nor take his life away even when left in dessert so too we have to have hope in the human dignity of life- that inmates too have life and a faith and they too deserve a second chance at life.
Qurbani meat served to Yong Street Mission
Many would like to see the poverty in Toronto go away. How many is doing something about it?
Every year we ask Muslims to consider doing their duty of Qurbani in Toronto so places like Yong Street Mission daily food bank may have some halal meat for their many Muslim users.
It was amazing to note that this year Mr Mutaqeen of Brampton was able to donate more of the beef and lamb thanks to more donors a volunteers. Other sin GTA added their lot including Mr Sadro Usman and his networks. The cause is amazing and while Pakistan flood and Somali attracted a wider support the issue at home will always come first. Charity begins at home and Qurbani done at home or elsewhere is valid.
Holocaust education week held at Solel.
On a cold Friday night when the game is on and the fireplace is warm you don’t think to driving to Mississauga and attend a synagogue. But such is the call of building bridges and not underestimating that discrimination against one is racism against all. Yesterday was the Jews and tomorrow maybe the Muslims.
So Solel synagogue invited neighbours to listen to a very moving lecture on the Holocaust. Among the attendees were the leadership of IMO, Br Ameer and Umar and many other Muslims.
Treated to a beautiful rendition from the Torah and lots of sweets after, the evening turned to issues about Islamophobia, women in the Quran and the need to have interfaith sessions organised by Muslims. Now that is something!
Emmanuel College hosts session on Muslim chaplaincy
Being a chaplain that serves the spiritual needs of all faiths is seen at time challenging one’s own faith.
That was the theme of a forum held at Emmanuel college by Natalie Wiqq, a professor for teaching pastors at Emmanuel College at U f T. The panellists were Rev Harry Nigh and Habeeb Alli.
The students asked some very pointed questions and the moderator, the professor herself was very deep in questioning the role of chaplaincy in prison setting, the after care, the education and the way one serves others without compromising ones faith.
Jesus served all was the answer from the Rev and the Imam reminded all that Muhammad was sent to all humankind and a chaplain is spiritual facilitator and he gets reward from God for making others find God!
When you think of Halifax, Nova Scotia, you imagine the famous Dr Jamal Badawi- the prolific scholar whose cassettes I would listen to in the 80’s and lobster. Yes, and it’s lobster season and the cost of a permit is almost half a mil!
Now after visiting Halifax recently I would add to my memory ‘a familial community of successful Muslim professionals who are humble and progressive.’
I often see Halifax as the point of departure of African slaves on their way back to North Africa- the free town of Liberia. After talking to the famous Black history historian and Muslim activist Dr Afua Coopers, now the Chair of Black History at Dalhousie University, I came to realise that many of the Afro Canadians that I know and you may know like the Downeys are originally from the Muslim slaves brought under colonialism to these parts of the Free World. She said there almost 50 such settlements and the marked observation of Muslim presence can be seen.
I saw three main centres of Muslim worship and the main Masjid at the central Halifax is purpose built and beautiful, costing millions with one of the oldest Islamic schools in the province of East maritime. Meeting with Ziaullah Kahn who runs a dynamic and loving center for Islamic Dawah and development gives us the easy reminder that Toronto needs to do more in this department. He runs endless progressive educational program for New Muslims and inmates. I even met Mr Muhammad Yaffa, his next in comrade who is busy with Interfaith dialogue in the Muslim minority province.
At the Dartmouth mosque, which is the oldest, the Muslims who came in the early 60’s felt they could no longer pray Juma in the church when Allah had blessed them with wealth and abilities. Many were professors and doctors with lots for foreign students attracted to the province. They bought land and a house and today that new building has an annex for the Muslim women in the city. The Imam there is doing a fantastic job among the youths, Non Muslims, the professionals and interacting with the wider community is crucial. He is Moulana Hamza and is Canadian born and has studied in England.
I spoke at the big Ummamasjid for Juma and was amazed of the steady outpour of appreciation for the khutba as I recalled some of the activities we do in Toronto within the communities. I also spoke about my book on Intimacy at the Dartmouth mosque and again was met by both brothers and sisters with great compliment for a topic that is still taboo. The questions were deeply reflective as students from Saudi Arabia, India and elsewhere gather there to further their studies and are faced with many issues in a new land far from a Muslim majority. One doctor happened to have served the late Shaikh Uthaimeen and he remarked that he has never heard any one speak on such intimate topics and offered insights on organ donation from an Islamic perspective. He concurred that such an act is done professionally in some Muslim countries whereas others lack legislation hence the abuse.
The Nova Scotians are neighbourly, kind and willing to learn. My experience at the beautiful tip of North Eastern Canada called the Peggy's Cove was indeed indelible as fresh lobster is cooked and served with on the spot training and timely advise of the trade.
We are indeed lucky for this beautiful called Canada and I was even more lucky that my plane could have safely landed in at St John’s New Foundland the night Halifax was hit with an unexpected snow storm.
On leaving my heart melted as many came for my farewell and the warmth of brotherhood stayed with me, reminding me of my days in Georgetown among a less busy urban crowd, rather among family and friends that are so easy to live with and learn from. As Br Kursheed would say there that he hand slaughters all the animals at the farm that the Muslims consume and he doesn’t differentiate among the Muslims. As Br Mahmood, originally from Jordan and living there for almost two decades would say that Islam is easy and keep that in mind and you will love your Deen easily!
Islamic New Year 1433
I pray that this new year heralds great thing in your lives and the new moon of love, faith and prosperity will follow your every waking moment as you strive to make the best of yourselves and the communities. I pray Allah has accepted the Hajj of many who have be blessed to respond to that call recently.
I'm quite cognizant that some communities are in mourning during this time of the year as we all continue to remember the unparalleled self sacrifice of Imam Hussain, ra, on behalf of the wider Islamic civilization at that time of his young calling. I'm also aware that the history of Islam has been misrepresented and the texts redesigned at times to support one side or the other at the intolerable expense of lives, mutual harmony and overarching principles of justice, humanity and democracy.
I pray that goodness and common sense prevails as we plan and hope for a better year of 1433 AH: - again a reminder that migration from Mecca to Madina was chosen as the milestone to mark the origin our calendar, so apt for immigrants everywhere trying their best to establish their faith as a minority within the context of the many unfamiliar grounds and issues.
Jewish School opens in U f T and Muslims invited.
It’s a dream come true for Rabbi Roy Tannenbaum. After forty years in Canada and three years working with the School of Theology at the U f T the traditional Rabbinical school that would produce Rabbis with a modern understanding of issues that are Canadian has finally opened its doors.
At a rather lavish, academic and entertaining inauguration Imam AbdulHai Patel offered his congratulations and again Muslims in Canada are reminded how important it is to have traditional school of Islam that trains Imams within the Canadian context with all the modern tools and having the credentials of an accepted University degree. This was the idea behind the Muslim certificate Program offered at Emmanuel College. Habeeb Alli was present at the event and met so many people from all walks of life and religious backgrounds who found the eminent organisation of boards, faculty and curriculum something to emulate and celebrate.
Police celebrates the holidays and Eidul Azha
Where can you find Muslims celebrating Eid at a police headquarters and are treated to celebrations of Diwali, Gurparab and Christmas with folks eating halal food and lots of good curry?
Of course Toronto!
The Master of Ceremonies, Jake Dheer, ably entertained the audience of varied backgrounds and leadership with a variety of speakers representing the various consultative bodies to the Police, including Mr. Zul Kassimalli from the South Asian Committee and Usman Khan from the Muslim committee. A choir of Ismaili students rendered a Muslim song, a Hindu song and a carol to the amazement of the audience and the cheer of their peers. Many youths from the Tamil community were honoured for their continued volunteerism and the Chief Bill Blair was there in person to say thank you; for without the liaison committees safety in Toronto would remain a challenge.
Thank you for serving and protecting!
Scriptural Reasoning sessions
Not often you get to study texts from the Quran, the Bible and the Torah in home setting over tea and great friends from all three respective faiths.
Susan Harrison is a PHD student of religion and has been organising these very insightful sessions over the years. The last time we had these session the topic was on forgiveness and the issue of whether forgiveness necessitates an actual physical act or practical effort or just an act of grace and that of the heart. The sessions saw scriptures quotes, references from authors and scholars and lots of experiences and thoughts on present issues.
It’s something to witness!
Among the Muslims who attend and more are required is Imam Irshad, lawyer Omer and Shaikh Habeeb and Br Hamza.
Eid with inmates
Thank you for not judging me! That was the words of many of the inmates after partaking in the Eid celebrations for EidulAzah at two half way houses in Toronto.
Eating hot curry and roti prepared by volunteers at Brampton Islamic Centre and talking about the story of Abraham and the hajj made these diners such a wonderful experience.
The few Muslim inmates that participated and even helped organise along with the community chaplain rev Harry Nigh and the management shows that just as Abraham had hope on Allah that he would not make Him sacrifice his son nor take his life away even when left in dessert so too we have to have hope in the human dignity of life- that inmates too have life and a faith and they too deserve a second chance at life.
Qurbani meat served to Yong Street Mission
Many would like to see the poverty in Toronto go away. How many is doing something about it?
Every year we ask Muslims to consider doing their duty of Qurbani in Toronto so places like Yong Street Mission daily food bank may have some halal meat for their many Muslim users.
It was amazing to note that this year Mr Mutaqeen of Brampton was able to donate more of the beef and lamb thanks to more donors a volunteers. Other sin GTA added their lot including Mr Sadro Usman and his networks. The cause is amazing and while Pakistan flood and Somali attracted a wider support the issue at home will always come first. Charity begins at home and Qurbani done at home or elsewhere is valid.
Holocaust education week held at Solel.
On a cold Friday night when the game is on and the fireplace is warm you don’t think to driving to Mississauga and attend a synagogue. But such is the call of building bridges and not underestimating that discrimination against one is racism against all. Yesterday was the Jews and tomorrow maybe the Muslims.
So Solel synagogue invited neighbours to listen to a very moving lecture on the Holocaust. Among the attendees were the leadership of IMO, Br Ameer and Umar and many other Muslims.
Treated to a beautiful rendition from the Torah and lots of sweets after, the evening turned to issues about Islamophobia, women in the Quran and the need to have interfaith sessions organised by Muslims. Now that is something!
Emmanuel College hosts session on Muslim chaplaincy
Being a chaplain that serves the spiritual needs of all faiths is seen at time challenging one’s own faith.
That was the theme of a forum held at Emmanuel college by Natalie Wiqq, a professor for teaching pastors at Emmanuel College at U f T. The panellists were Rev Harry Nigh and Habeeb Alli.
The students asked some very pointed questions and the moderator, the professor herself was very deep in questioning the role of chaplaincy in prison setting, the after care, the education and the way one serves others without compromising ones faith.
Jesus served all was the answer from the Rev and the Imam reminded all that Muhammad was sent to all humankind and a chaplain is spiritual facilitator and he gets reward from God for making others find God!
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