NAMF Gala Dinner and Awards 2007- an occasion to celebrate and remember!
Enjoying a sumptuous full-served dinner in an elegant banquet in between nasheeds, comedy and speeches was how almost two hundred Ontarians chose to spend this last Sunday evening, Dec 9th 2007, at NAMF 6th Annual dinner in Scarborough.
The highlight of the evening was listening rapturously to no other than the eloquent Hon Jim Karigiannis relating in picture and words his recent trip to cyclone-hit Bangladesh. Our passionate MP invoked the need to have NGO's like NAMF recognised through 'matching funds". Mr. Farouq Khan, Executive Director, expounded, from his power point presentation, some of the achievements during this past year, clearly the Bangladesh flood taking an upper hand.
So when the fundraising time came around attendees generously poured their hearts. People also donated for digging wells in Kenya, as well as sponsoring orphans around the world. Debra Worthman from the Presbyterian church emphasised she wanted to sponsor a girl from India! The true dynamics of giving is without borders, as you can see. One of our true supporters and excited attendee, Bibi Raqeeya Mohamed, retorted, "that she had an enjoyable time with her family, especially the comedy by famous American Aman Ali. She was happy that NAMF actually had a musical nasheed group entertaining the early birds."
In attendance were Alim Ali from DawaRadio and his boys, including Waleed, Inshan, and Faizal Baig. Two important leaders were recognised that winter night. Asma Warsi, Editor for this-twenty-long-years Ambition newspaper, was awarded NAMF Award for outstanding females in journalism. Dr David Liepert, Professor in Calgary, who flew in pro bono all the way from the West, was awarded for his Interfaith work. He had earlier presented on the diversity paradigm Islam offers especially vis a vis the Hajj experience. That speech had all stunned, impressed and awed. Annie Feunich said to me, "he sounds so calm and Canadian"!
Guests were treated to a mouth-watering desert while the President, Mr. Sheharyar Shaik, moved the vote of thanks, not before reminding us of the virtue of charity. Imam AbdulHai Patel, an earlier recipient of NAMF Award, reminded all about the work of the Toronto Police and the upcoming workshop against domestic violence at IMO, Dec 16th.
Your hosts that evening, which was filled with flurries and warm embraces, were Nikhat Rasheed of Faith of Life Network and Habeeb Alli of Canadian Council of Imams. Special thanks to all those families and organisations who made this a truly blessed event and to the staff at NAMF for putting hours on those flowers!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Aqsa's life is valuable and her death is domestic violence and highly condemnable.
The recent tragedy that has befallen the blossoming young life of an innocent Muslim girl in Mississauga, ON, where her father allegedly strangled her, is humanly and Islamically condemnable. This action doesn’t bespeak anything resembling the moral upbringing Islam purports. Aqsa Parvez’s suffering is simply atrocious and has no place in Canadian parenting. The alleged reason is she did not stick to wearing the hijab stringently and instead, left her parent’s home, so as not to be coerced into something she had not decided on wearing.
Islam came to save girls from being murdered; it gave life to humanity. The Quran has dedicated famous verses against this heinous sin- When the female (infant), buried alive, is questioned …81:8
Parents are encouraged to reason with their children when they reach the age of marriage and seek mutual understanding. However, as people of good Faith, this reconciliatory approach to discipline and training is no license for our sons and daughters to be permissive and disrespectful.
The Charter of Rights allows freedom of religion, and rightly so, since our Quranic Constitution proclaims this freedom of conscience as a God given right of every human being. Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error…2:256
While the freedoms the youths enjoy may not always be to the liking of parents and while the cultures children are engaged in may not necessarily be the traditions of the country of origin, the right thing to do is engage all in a dialogue. The correct approach is to get generational-appropriate counselors and respect the level of Faith practiced by all- for the Sharia allows hijab of variant styles as much as it allows flexibility in different circumstances.
Neither a parent nor the siblings can take the law in their hands, believing this is a Godly-duty. Once we have shown our dislike for an act that is considered reprehensible, given our circumstances, we have absolved ourselves of that responsibility and hence not sinful. No matter what they what they choose in life, to do the opposite makes us both criminally indictable and cursed with a major sin. Beating children leads to brutalization and is therefore illegal and sinful.
We call upon all agencies to support the transient Muslim community, through their various generational crises, by providing financial and logistical auxiliaries, so we may be the colorful petal in this multicultural flower and not a thorn on this flowery tree. We call on all parents to solicit the legal means readily available to ensure proper discipline.
Commenting on parent’s challenges’, Kahlil Gibran aptly said: Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
Islam came to save girls from being murdered; it gave life to humanity. The Quran has dedicated famous verses against this heinous sin- When the female (infant), buried alive, is questioned …81:8
Parents are encouraged to reason with their children when they reach the age of marriage and seek mutual understanding. However, as people of good Faith, this reconciliatory approach to discipline and training is no license for our sons and daughters to be permissive and disrespectful.
The Charter of Rights allows freedom of religion, and rightly so, since our Quranic Constitution proclaims this freedom of conscience as a God given right of every human being. Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error…2:256
While the freedoms the youths enjoy may not always be to the liking of parents and while the cultures children are engaged in may not necessarily be the traditions of the country of origin, the right thing to do is engage all in a dialogue. The correct approach is to get generational-appropriate counselors and respect the level of Faith practiced by all- for the Sharia allows hijab of variant styles as much as it allows flexibility in different circumstances.
Neither a parent nor the siblings can take the law in their hands, believing this is a Godly-duty. Once we have shown our dislike for an act that is considered reprehensible, given our circumstances, we have absolved ourselves of that responsibility and hence not sinful. No matter what they what they choose in life, to do the opposite makes us both criminally indictable and cursed with a major sin. Beating children leads to brutalization and is therefore illegal and sinful.
We call upon all agencies to support the transient Muslim community, through their various generational crises, by providing financial and logistical auxiliaries, so we may be the colorful petal in this multicultural flower and not a thorn on this flowery tree. We call on all parents to solicit the legal means readily available to ensure proper discipline.
Commenting on parent’s challenges’, Kahlil Gibran aptly said: Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Under law in Saudi Arabia, women are subject to numerous restrictions, including a strict dress code, a prohibition on driving and a requirement that they get a man's permission to travel or have surgery. Women are also not allowed to testify in court unless it is about a private matter that was not observed by a man, and they are not allowed to vote. This is a regular media blurp.
But, nothing here resembles the Islam practised by the majority of Muslims in the world, so obviously this is Saudi Law and not an Islamic Law. Muslim women may travel, not don black gowns and veils, vote, be witnesses in courts and appeal for a divorce and well, even drive, and that too alone. So when Islam has granted women so many rights and priviledges, these bias misognist men are only destroying human life and Islam with their personal judgements, as in the ecase of the lady who is sentenced to lashes after being raped, on the pretext that she is an accessory to sexual enticement by walking about alone.
It's nice to hear that the higher Judicial body is reconsidering these laws and it's time, especially how we have seen Saudi Prince Abdullah has been leading some smart political, social and even economic moves, recently, to correct some major evils and build bridges. The fact is the husband of this rape victim rightly said that his wife was abducted from a mall and raped and she was not in any illicit relationship. Not because a woman walks without a mahram/ appproved relative she is evil. As a matter of fact, this requirement is only for long distance travel and too if it's insecure, as can be seen how Hajj groups relax this law.
Why the Saudis don't charge the girls who walk the malls passing cell numbers out, internet chat and enjoy sattelite TV non chaperoned? That's having a relationship without a "relative". Moreso how about not being picky on criminal charges and improve relationship with minorities and Shiite brothers and sisters. Charging non nationals is no justice; moreso, gang-raping a woman is no "honor". So if someone slams this episode as barbaric, it's the barbarism of a human nature expressed by some wicked authority and not in anyway a libel against the pure feminist laws of Islam nor an attack on an entire women-protecting society.
In the same token, I would beg that we continue to support our domestically abused at home and help them to rise above these cultural and social yokes, that seems to travel relentlesly, despite the visas of enligtened ports.
Look how silly the issue in Sudan is, about a woman naming her pet Muhammad, despite being defended ny her students and herself claiming this is not her intention- i.e. to demean our Holy Prophet, on whom be peace.
So do we have any disenfranchisement warrant for those whose name is Muhammad but do not reperesent His life? How insulting to the Prophet, isn't it? Hence, a person can name someone or something off an everyday Moh; is that a problem? How about other Prophets, be peace on them all?
But, nothing here resembles the Islam practised by the majority of Muslims in the world, so obviously this is Saudi Law and not an Islamic Law. Muslim women may travel, not don black gowns and veils, vote, be witnesses in courts and appeal for a divorce and well, even drive, and that too alone. So when Islam has granted women so many rights and priviledges, these bias misognist men are only destroying human life and Islam with their personal judgements, as in the ecase of the lady who is sentenced to lashes after being raped, on the pretext that she is an accessory to sexual enticement by walking about alone.
It's nice to hear that the higher Judicial body is reconsidering these laws and it's time, especially how we have seen Saudi Prince Abdullah has been leading some smart political, social and even economic moves, recently, to correct some major evils and build bridges. The fact is the husband of this rape victim rightly said that his wife was abducted from a mall and raped and she was not in any illicit relationship. Not because a woman walks without a mahram/ appproved relative she is evil. As a matter of fact, this requirement is only for long distance travel and too if it's insecure, as can be seen how Hajj groups relax this law.
Why the Saudis don't charge the girls who walk the malls passing cell numbers out, internet chat and enjoy sattelite TV non chaperoned? That's having a relationship without a "relative". Moreso how about not being picky on criminal charges and improve relationship with minorities and Shiite brothers and sisters. Charging non nationals is no justice; moreso, gang-raping a woman is no "honor". So if someone slams this episode as barbaric, it's the barbarism of a human nature expressed by some wicked authority and not in anyway a libel against the pure feminist laws of Islam nor an attack on an entire women-protecting society.
In the same token, I would beg that we continue to support our domestically abused at home and help them to rise above these cultural and social yokes, that seems to travel relentlesly, despite the visas of enligtened ports.
Look how silly the issue in Sudan is, about a woman naming her pet Muhammad, despite being defended ny her students and herself claiming this is not her intention- i.e. to demean our Holy Prophet, on whom be peace.
So do we have any disenfranchisement warrant for those whose name is Muhammad but do not reperesent His life? How insulting to the Prophet, isn't it? Hence, a person can name someone or something off an everyday Moh; is that a problem? How about other Prophets, be peace on them all?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Chidren deserve better
Dear Editor
I refer to the letter by Lurlene Nestor begging for VAT relief and my heart skipped a beat while my eyes could only welled what the Faith of Humanity refers to as the last vestige of social capital or empathy.
Where are those who shout children first? Now is the time, and not only for toys but a tax break for the general funding for education, medical and clothing needs; after all these future leaders need to be treated with some dignity.
How much humiliating can it be that a child witnesses his or her parents are dragged on their feet pleading for mercy so the rice man may dip one more saucepan of livelihood! So the taunts of well-greased peers may go unhurt.
Jesus came at a time where mercy was buried in the hard rocks of human anarchy. He brought hope. A hope like the hope Abraham brought when the dry desert of Arabia parched the dying livers of Ishmael and Hajar. Water came as a hope for civilization, then, in the form of the famous zamzam well and until today we celebrate that hope by re-enacting that run at Hajj between the spots of Marwa and Safa.
All of this for what?
That we make this season a true blessing to humanity the way the Divine wished it to be- to relieve the poor of the yoke of poverty- the call of every Faith leader as far as I remember. The promise of every promising leader as far as the ears could recall. This is the song of every mother and the music of every father; the prayer of every innocent child when they watch TV and drop asleep longing with desire.
It’s not about making the rich richer but giving a gesture to the underdog; its not about Christmas or Eid but signalling a real act of hope into the fading memories of happiness as poor children watch faces painted by death with each wind that blows and each moon that sets.
I was lucky to be at the premier of Mandela: Son of Africa in Toronto and listen to him assert, "children are the rock on which our future will be built".
How lucky we are that given our position we can become the Mandela of Guyana and the mecca of Hope for “ahwe pickney” by reconsidering Lurlene Nestor’s silent prayer.
Yours truly,
I refer to the letter by Lurlene Nestor begging for VAT relief and my heart skipped a beat while my eyes could only welled what the Faith of Humanity refers to as the last vestige of social capital or empathy.
Where are those who shout children first? Now is the time, and not only for toys but a tax break for the general funding for education, medical and clothing needs; after all these future leaders need to be treated with some dignity.
How much humiliating can it be that a child witnesses his or her parents are dragged on their feet pleading for mercy so the rice man may dip one more saucepan of livelihood! So the taunts of well-greased peers may go unhurt.
Jesus came at a time where mercy was buried in the hard rocks of human anarchy. He brought hope. A hope like the hope Abraham brought when the dry desert of Arabia parched the dying livers of Ishmael and Hajar. Water came as a hope for civilization, then, in the form of the famous zamzam well and until today we celebrate that hope by re-enacting that run at Hajj between the spots of Marwa and Safa.
All of this for what?
That we make this season a true blessing to humanity the way the Divine wished it to be- to relieve the poor of the yoke of poverty- the call of every Faith leader as far as I remember. The promise of every promising leader as far as the ears could recall. This is the song of every mother and the music of every father; the prayer of every innocent child when they watch TV and drop asleep longing with desire.
It’s not about making the rich richer but giving a gesture to the underdog; its not about Christmas or Eid but signalling a real act of hope into the fading memories of happiness as poor children watch faces painted by death with each wind that blows and each moon that sets.
I was lucky to be at the premier of Mandela: Son of Africa in Toronto and listen to him assert, "children are the rock on which our future will be built".
How lucky we are that given our position we can become the Mandela of Guyana and the mecca of Hope for “ahwe pickney” by reconsidering Lurlene Nestor’s silent prayer.
Yours truly,
Thursday, November 1, 2007
stop beating woemn in the name of Quran
The controversy of choosing words that resonate with one's angle when translating the Quran is not new and so too on the topic of whether the Quran upholds beating one's spouse . I have written and delivered on this topic for years, reminding Muslims that verse 4:34, in one usage of darb, denotes showering her with extra romance and not beating.
Many translations have used spanking and light beating but Muslims who abuse their women folk, only to shout the Quran 'says' this, are actually abusing the Revelation, since they are brutalising these servants of God in the name of Allah and its time we have this correction done by every possible means. Some translators have struggled to explain that the best attestation of the Quran, Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, himself, never beat a woman but condemned men who did this as beasts.
It must be remembered that the Prophet quintessentially agreed with Umar bin Khattab when he suggested about their women acting audaciously, after migration. However, Allah disproved of this idea and the Prophet decalred in an immediate sermon that he cannot tolerate such beastly men who after beating their wives want to make love. So, using violent sex as an analogy, as some would like, is completely irrelevant.
As for the democratic right to interpret ones material and have them published is not only Canadian but truly Islamic. The Prophet rightly said difference of opinion is a mercy and even though Zamakhshari may not be from the mainstream sect of Islam his linguistic treatise of the Quran is widely accepted and sold in Muslim bookstores.
Lets not make another hasty, riotous public outcry from the efforts of those who defend the abused mothers of this world and who in all rights have academic claims as much as any classical Imam did, regardless, for Allah alone is the best Judge.
I have written about women who abuse men too- we have a shelter for them here but that was an issue I was trying to clarify whether Quranically we can translate the verse that way and the article below is for now for us to comment.I always remember your comments on OJ and this is not to target anyone and no one should feel their experience is everyone's. We have a case here where an Imam actually said 'beat them' and the men went home and did that and the next Jumua the women came to the mosque looking for the Imam.
Many translations have used spanking and light beating but Muslims who abuse their women folk, only to shout the Quran 'says' this, are actually abusing the Revelation, since they are brutalising these servants of God in the name of Allah and its time we have this correction done by every possible means. Some translators have struggled to explain that the best attestation of the Quran, Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, himself, never beat a woman but condemned men who did this as beasts.
It must be remembered that the Prophet quintessentially agreed with Umar bin Khattab when he suggested about their women acting audaciously, after migration. However, Allah disproved of this idea and the Prophet decalred in an immediate sermon that he cannot tolerate such beastly men who after beating their wives want to make love. So, using violent sex as an analogy, as some would like, is completely irrelevant.
As for the democratic right to interpret ones material and have them published is not only Canadian but truly Islamic. The Prophet rightly said difference of opinion is a mercy and even though Zamakhshari may not be from the mainstream sect of Islam his linguistic treatise of the Quran is widely accepted and sold in Muslim bookstores.
Lets not make another hasty, riotous public outcry from the efforts of those who defend the abused mothers of this world and who in all rights have academic claims as much as any classical Imam did, regardless, for Allah alone is the best Judge.
I have written about women who abuse men too- we have a shelter for them here but that was an issue I was trying to clarify whether Quranically we can translate the verse that way and the article below is for now for us to comment.I always remember your comments on OJ and this is not to target anyone and no one should feel their experience is everyone's. We have a case here where an Imam actually said 'beat them' and the men went home and did that and the next Jumua the women came to the mosque looking for the Imam.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The moon is sighted
Every fasting one rejoices
The Quran is recited
Every listener praises
One month so rigourous
Sweet as honey those mornings
Now my Eidi I ask for
But my reward with Him how to secure?
Listen my people
Whoever lives after Eid like Ramadan
Will have their death like this beautiful Eid moon
Where the world rejoices and the soul rises!
Every fasting one rejoices
The Quran is recited
Every listener praises
One month so rigourous
Sweet as honey those mornings
Now my Eidi I ask for
But my reward with Him how to secure?
Listen my people
Whoever lives after Eid like Ramadan
Will have their death like this beautiful Eid moon
Where the world rejoices and the soul rises!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Ramadan and Ghandi- twins of peace
Dear Editor
It's our dear Mahatma's anniversary- 138th and our reflections rest with His Excellence's struggle for peace. More so, now being Ramadan, we tend to be more peaceful and calm. One person recently said to me that this fasting should be embraced by UN in order for humanity to return to their roots of community living and empathising with the lesser fortunate. It's a shame that wars are still ravishing human souls and plucking young trees off the farm of family life. Ramadan 2007 is like a tribute for Ghandi's peace movement.
Ghandi opposed such constant engagement of violence, witnessed senselessly around most circles these days, and even for justifiable reasons and instead showed us that an non-violent approach or Satyagrah can achieve more that anything aggressive ever could. We are advised during fasting that if someone says something ignorant or wishes to pick a fight, we're to simply say I'm fasting as a reminder, for both victim and perpetrator.
That the respect of the soul necessitates avoidance of hurting others. Faith is the decisive element behind the greatness of Ghandiji. The new movie on him and others resonate the power of Faith. Yes, it's easy to say religion is an opium for the ignorant masses. And, while admittedly, wars have been waged by both religionists and atheists, at least Faith has brought an end to them wherever such souls like Ghandi, Muhammad, Jesus, Martin Luther and others bowed to the Power who created peace.
These humble giants of Salam/Shalom refused the meal of violence during their lifelong Ramadan struggle against tyrannical ego, and in doing so, sanctified their sacrifice of spiritualized fasting on the altar of human brotherhood.
The Quran reminds us about this fundamental foundation of human civilization in 6:54 'When those come to you who believe in Our signs, Say: 'Peace be on you: Your Lord has inscribed for Himself (the rule of) mercy: verily, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented, and amend (his conduct), lo! He is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful.'
Light a candle and this global darkness will dispel; otherwise an eye for an eye will make us blind!
Yours truly,Habeeb Alli
It's our dear Mahatma's anniversary- 138th and our reflections rest with His Excellence's struggle for peace. More so, now being Ramadan, we tend to be more peaceful and calm. One person recently said to me that this fasting should be embraced by UN in order for humanity to return to their roots of community living and empathising with the lesser fortunate. It's a shame that wars are still ravishing human souls and plucking young trees off the farm of family life. Ramadan 2007 is like a tribute for Ghandi's peace movement.
Ghandi opposed such constant engagement of violence, witnessed senselessly around most circles these days, and even for justifiable reasons and instead showed us that an non-violent approach or Satyagrah can achieve more that anything aggressive ever could. We are advised during fasting that if someone says something ignorant or wishes to pick a fight, we're to simply say I'm fasting as a reminder, for both victim and perpetrator.
That the respect of the soul necessitates avoidance of hurting others. Faith is the decisive element behind the greatness of Ghandiji. The new movie on him and others resonate the power of Faith. Yes, it's easy to say religion is an opium for the ignorant masses. And, while admittedly, wars have been waged by both religionists and atheists, at least Faith has brought an end to them wherever such souls like Ghandi, Muhammad, Jesus, Martin Luther and others bowed to the Power who created peace.
These humble giants of Salam/Shalom refused the meal of violence during their lifelong Ramadan struggle against tyrannical ego, and in doing so, sanctified their sacrifice of spiritualized fasting on the altar of human brotherhood.
The Quran reminds us about this fundamental foundation of human civilization in 6:54 'When those come to you who believe in Our signs, Say: 'Peace be on you: Your Lord has inscribed for Himself (the rule of) mercy: verily, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented, and amend (his conduct), lo! He is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful.'
Light a candle and this global darkness will dispel; otherwise an eye for an eye will make us blind!
Yours truly,Habeeb Alli
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Ramadan poem
Ramadan: A lover’s tale
Lying on her back, she starved all day
When asked she cried “heart-broken”
From dawn to dusk, without food
Fasting yearning for Allah, she silently prays
The same song repeated, when questioned
She says it’s his favorite tune, so I just like it
Thirty nights sweetly the Book of Allah recited
When asked, the Hafiz says I can’t live without His words, dear
Working two jobs plus school, she saves every chocolate cent possible
When enquired about this queer thing, she says it’s for his dire finances
Sacrificing every sweet tooth, she gives in charity from hers and even asks others
When asked, the Zakah collector says ‘a loan for Allah’ is well repaid, my Beloved
No gossip or wild thoughts, she hates to loose him for a moment
To make him unique yet still so many others
Throughout the month she avoids distractions
When asked, the devotee of Ramadan says I’m saving my heart for Allah, my true desire!
Lying on her back, she starved all day
When asked she cried “heart-broken”
From dawn to dusk, without food
Fasting yearning for Allah, she silently prays
The same song repeated, when questioned
She says it’s his favorite tune, so I just like it
Thirty nights sweetly the Book of Allah recited
When asked, the Hafiz says I can’t live without His words, dear
Working two jobs plus school, she saves every chocolate cent possible
When enquired about this queer thing, she says it’s for his dire finances
Sacrificing every sweet tooth, she gives in charity from hers and even asks others
When asked, the Zakah collector says ‘a loan for Allah’ is well repaid, my Beloved
No gossip or wild thoughts, she hates to loose him for a moment
To make him unique yet still so many others
Throughout the month she avoids distractions
When asked, the devotee of Ramadan says I’m saving my heart for Allah, my true desire!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Ramadan Mubarak! Ramadan Kareem! Ramadan Greetings! From NAMF
Ramadan Mubarak! Ramadan Kareem! Ramadan Greetings! From NAMF
It’s Ramadan again, and thankfully the winds of kindness are blowing strongly from the depths of Lake Jannah into the hearts of the Believers. It’s through this type of generosity that the Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, funded his missions. For years your kindness has blown us into a growing organization and without your support we would not have achieved some significant things this year. Alhamdullilah.
North American Muslim Foundation is a non-profitable charitable Canadian organization dedicated to assisting the victims of various disaster-affected people for the last 33 years and locally empowering our community through education.
In the past our programs’ speakers included Min Mike Cole, MPs Paul Szabo and Jim Karigiannis, Omar Al-Ghabara, Dep. Min Fareed Amin, Prof M Walker, Imam AbdulHai Patel, etc.
Some of things your donations have gone towards in the past include:
$100, 000 for Tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka and Indonesia
Kashmir earthquake relief
Flood relief in Guyana and orphan sponsorship
Assistance to Lebanese crisis victims
Some of things we have done this year 2007 include:
Orphan sponsorship in Guyana, Pakistan, Kenya and Bangladesh
Pakistan and Bangladesh flood relief
Digging wells in Kenya
Local food bank
Speech competition among students about Poverty and Faith
Social programs- Academic-Islamic full-time school and summer school, summer jobs program, youth programs, marriage-introduction programs, movie nights, Scouts camp, lectures, seniors day, community awards, immigrant settlement assistance, picnic, Ramadan dinner, etc.
May Allah accept from you and your family all the charities and fasting in this Holy Month of Ramadan and all the goodness in the past.
See our new website for more details www.namf.ca
Hoping that your heart sways this way by the powerful winds of Ramadan’s sharing and steers it from the hills of Mecca into the cooler regions of Toronto.
Habeeb Alli
Communications Coordinator, North American Muslim Foundation
It’s Ramadan again, and thankfully the winds of kindness are blowing strongly from the depths of Lake Jannah into the hearts of the Believers. It’s through this type of generosity that the Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, funded his missions. For years your kindness has blown us into a growing organization and without your support we would not have achieved some significant things this year. Alhamdullilah.
North American Muslim Foundation is a non-profitable charitable Canadian organization dedicated to assisting the victims of various disaster-affected people for the last 33 years and locally empowering our community through education.
In the past our programs’ speakers included Min Mike Cole, MPs Paul Szabo and Jim Karigiannis, Omar Al-Ghabara, Dep. Min Fareed Amin, Prof M Walker, Imam AbdulHai Patel, etc.
Some of things your donations have gone towards in the past include:
$100, 000 for Tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka and Indonesia
Kashmir earthquake relief
Flood relief in Guyana and orphan sponsorship
Assistance to Lebanese crisis victims
Some of things we have done this year 2007 include:
Orphan sponsorship in Guyana, Pakistan, Kenya and Bangladesh
Pakistan and Bangladesh flood relief
Digging wells in Kenya
Local food bank
Speech competition among students about Poverty and Faith
Social programs- Academic-Islamic full-time school and summer school, summer jobs program, youth programs, marriage-introduction programs, movie nights, Scouts camp, lectures, seniors day, community awards, immigrant settlement assistance, picnic, Ramadan dinner, etc.
May Allah accept from you and your family all the charities and fasting in this Holy Month of Ramadan and all the goodness in the past.
See our new website for more details www.namf.ca
Hoping that your heart sways this way by the powerful winds of Ramadan’s sharing and steers it from the hills of Mecca into the cooler regions of Toronto.
Habeeb Alli
Communications Coordinator, North American Muslim Foundation
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Ontario Sufis organized retreat and Shaikh Kabir Helminski guides the spiritual enthusiasts.
Ontario Sufis organized retreat and Shaikh Kabir Helminski guides the spiritual enthusiasts.
The sounds of running brook and chirping birds greet the heart of the seeker in this lovely Stoufville retreat. What added beauty to this weekend spiritual getaway was not only dervishes of all faiths gathered around a Victorian fireplace but the elixir presence of Shaikh Kabir Helminski, the American itinerant Sufi and his disciple and wife Camille, author of Book of Character.
I first met the deeply erudite revert of Islam during the preview of www.rumi-turningecstatic.com by Tina Petrova, two years ago and the passion for inner presence coupled with intellectual capacity to match philosophical variables in the West, kept my interest in this religious votary burning. Through correspondence we have kept that link, ruminating many thoughts, especially in the growing culture of interfaith Spirituality and joint social projects.
The thirty odd students that weekend were both seasoned leaders and novices- all hoping to spend time with Shaikh, both a knowledgeable and approachable in the order of Mevlana Order.
During the course practices of Salat as well as Zikr are done frequently; students learn about the various terms and actions of the Path- both from each other as well at the workshops conducted by the visiting teacher from America and his wife. Rumi runs in their veins like the still but deep brooks of Mysthaven. Its water is the impassable love flowing from the Poet’s fountain, even after eight centuries- UNESCO has at least made him the man of 2007.
One interesting exercise is the breathing of Allah’s name- Hu; so as to ensure the mind and body are both present when praying. Hu may be the pronoun of Huwa referring to Allah in the third person in any Semitic language. The roots letters of A L H, when chanted, have been neurotheologically proven in Norway to relief stress.
When asked about the challenge of getting enough time with one’s mentor, something highly recommended in Sufi practices of the past, the Shaikh said long periods may be difficult but with regular short retreats plus accessible communications and other forms of meeting the student achieve the goal:- Purification of the Self. As a matter of fact the intention is what matters mostly, niyet. As at times we may find a novice who has little companionship racing ahead in spiritual abundance whereas one who sits at the right hand of the Shaikh is still behaving like a JK student in this Path. Well Owais Al Qarni, comes to mind. He was the Yemenite companion who couldn’t visit the Prophet yet mentioned among the revered Companions, whose benedictions was sought for by no one lesser than Omar Bin Khattab.
Global warming is the phenomenon of the century and not only politicians and scientists have to deal with the environmentalist’s claims but increasingly Faith leaders are being called upon. Mr. Kabir believes even in this field Rumi’s philosophy wields power and one such thing is his daily life of austerity- if we could practice some sort of contented living, free of the burdensome luxuries, we will save a huge part of the planet from destruction. Well the Quran does point out that we are all Caliphs of God on earth and as such we have to act like true trustees.
Relentlessly, our busy lives cry out daily, even if the world doesn’t hear those decibels: give me my space and nourish my soul! With more retreats like these, blessed with eminent souls like these eager North Americans, the world will see the effectiveness of Faith in this century and prove the answer to our huge depression syndrome lies in meditation, in this case mindful Zikr of Allah.
"This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet." Moulana Jalaludin Rumi.
Habeeb Alli
The sounds of running brook and chirping birds greet the heart of the seeker in this lovely Stoufville retreat. What added beauty to this weekend spiritual getaway was not only dervishes of all faiths gathered around a Victorian fireplace but the elixir presence of Shaikh Kabir Helminski, the American itinerant Sufi and his disciple and wife Camille, author of Book of Character.
I first met the deeply erudite revert of Islam during the preview of www.rumi-turningecstatic.com by Tina Petrova, two years ago and the passion for inner presence coupled with intellectual capacity to match philosophical variables in the West, kept my interest in this religious votary burning. Through correspondence we have kept that link, ruminating many thoughts, especially in the growing culture of interfaith Spirituality and joint social projects.
The thirty odd students that weekend were both seasoned leaders and novices- all hoping to spend time with Shaikh, both a knowledgeable and approachable in the order of Mevlana Order.
During the course practices of Salat as well as Zikr are done frequently; students learn about the various terms and actions of the Path- both from each other as well at the workshops conducted by the visiting teacher from America and his wife. Rumi runs in their veins like the still but deep brooks of Mysthaven. Its water is the impassable love flowing from the Poet’s fountain, even after eight centuries- UNESCO has at least made him the man of 2007.
One interesting exercise is the breathing of Allah’s name- Hu; so as to ensure the mind and body are both present when praying. Hu may be the pronoun of Huwa referring to Allah in the third person in any Semitic language. The roots letters of A L H, when chanted, have been neurotheologically proven in Norway to relief stress.
When asked about the challenge of getting enough time with one’s mentor, something highly recommended in Sufi practices of the past, the Shaikh said long periods may be difficult but with regular short retreats plus accessible communications and other forms of meeting the student achieve the goal:- Purification of the Self. As a matter of fact the intention is what matters mostly, niyet. As at times we may find a novice who has little companionship racing ahead in spiritual abundance whereas one who sits at the right hand of the Shaikh is still behaving like a JK student in this Path. Well Owais Al Qarni, comes to mind. He was the Yemenite companion who couldn’t visit the Prophet yet mentioned among the revered Companions, whose benedictions was sought for by no one lesser than Omar Bin Khattab.
Global warming is the phenomenon of the century and not only politicians and scientists have to deal with the environmentalist’s claims but increasingly Faith leaders are being called upon. Mr. Kabir believes even in this field Rumi’s philosophy wields power and one such thing is his daily life of austerity- if we could practice some sort of contented living, free of the burdensome luxuries, we will save a huge part of the planet from destruction. Well the Quran does point out that we are all Caliphs of God on earth and as such we have to act like true trustees.
Relentlessly, our busy lives cry out daily, even if the world doesn’t hear those decibels: give me my space and nourish my soul! With more retreats like these, blessed with eminent souls like these eager North Americans, the world will see the effectiveness of Faith in this century and prove the answer to our huge depression syndrome lies in meditation, in this case mindful Zikr of Allah.
"This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet." Moulana Jalaludin Rumi.
Habeeb Alli
Digging the wells of Heartland!
We live in a world where water is more than three quarters. Yet millions cannot get a drop of it. Kenya is one such place and the displaced Somalians are in desperate need for wells in that arid country side. Recent visit by members of the North American Muslim Foundation forced the humanity of these Canadians not only to cry tears but cry out for help through a recent small but successful fundraiser at TalimulIslam Centre, Toronto.
Mr. Shahyrar Shaikh, President of NAMF, shook the hearts of a well off audience when he related his personal observations of the abject poverty the Africans live in. He noted that wells are located in the Mosque compound allowing protection as well as better connection with the religion of these villagers. Not only children have to walk miles to procure a bucket of water but crops and animals depend upon these wells. With a professional organization in the partnership and a proper documented project proposal, these wells will be dug from the donors kind generosity and diligence conducted by NAMF. Anyone desiring to have their donation named after someone or organization- Esaale Sawab- can also have this facility.
Mr. Haji Nuri was the other speaker, teacher of tafseer at Abu Huraira Centre and Khatib at York University MSA, conducted the fundraiser, reminding all that their rewards are with Allah perpetually for digging a well. He passed his target of 15 wells by three!
There was some comedy and singing entertainment flavored with a full course Somalian exotic cuisine.
Digging wells is simple- just dig into your heart and imagine if you had no tap water!
North American Muslim Foundation is a not-for-profit Canadian Charity that does both local and international relief work for the pass thirty two years.
Digging the wells of Heartland!
Habeeb Alli
Water so precious
Why we’re so vicious?
In abundance yet scarce
Babies dying thirsty amidst corporate waste
Disconnected by distance?
So grab this chance
Our preoccupied heart why their crime?
Yet the penance is only a green dime
Just save from bottled water
Not for one child but nations in hunger
The reward for slaking thirst
Heaven knows, is not only refilling my purse.
Mr. Shahyrar Shaikh, President of NAMF, shook the hearts of a well off audience when he related his personal observations of the abject poverty the Africans live in. He noted that wells are located in the Mosque compound allowing protection as well as better connection with the religion of these villagers. Not only children have to walk miles to procure a bucket of water but crops and animals depend upon these wells. With a professional organization in the partnership and a proper documented project proposal, these wells will be dug from the donors kind generosity and diligence conducted by NAMF. Anyone desiring to have their donation named after someone or organization- Esaale Sawab- can also have this facility.
Mr. Haji Nuri was the other speaker, teacher of tafseer at Abu Huraira Centre and Khatib at York University MSA, conducted the fundraiser, reminding all that their rewards are with Allah perpetually for digging a well. He passed his target of 15 wells by three!
There was some comedy and singing entertainment flavored with a full course Somalian exotic cuisine.
Digging wells is simple- just dig into your heart and imagine if you had no tap water!
North American Muslim Foundation is a not-for-profit Canadian Charity that does both local and international relief work for the pass thirty two years.
Digging the wells of Heartland!
Habeeb Alli
Water so precious
Why we’re so vicious?
In abundance yet scarce
Babies dying thirsty amidst corporate waste
Disconnected by distance?
So grab this chance
Our preoccupied heart why their crime?
Yet the penance is only a green dime
Just save from bottled water
Not for one child but nations in hunger
The reward for slaking thirst
Heaven knows, is not only refilling my purse.
Making waves with small pebbles is NAMF’s way of giving back.
Making waves with small pebbles is NAMF’s way of giving back.
North American Muslim Foundation is a non-profitable charitable Canadian organization dedicated to assisting the victims of disasters for the last 31 years. The founder is Mr. Kabir Farouqui.
Orphans
We have continued to support victims of the unforgettable tragedy in Indonesia with our Orphan Sponsorship program- which has climbed to 350 children internationally and this year’s effort is dedicated to the Orphans of the World – leave no orphan unhappy. With one-dollar-a-day, OSP is determined to “make-poverty-history” affordable!
Relief
A year later, still traumatized by the calamitous Tsunami, survivors walk the deserted roads of Sri Lanka hoping to rebuild. NAMF is providing monetary assistance of up to $30,000 CAN dollars to start businesses such as carpentry, fishing, etc and as already provided jobs for 150 Sri Lankans through this integrated program. Also $7000.00 was contributed to provide educational supplies for the emergency school establishments in areas ravaged by the earthquake in Indonesia on May, 2006
The foundation is committed to help all humanity, regardless of religion or color and has recently donated $40,000.00 worth of medical aid to Guyana Public Hospital, apart from sponsoring orphans there. SadaqatulFitr was distributed among the poor and many orphans are being sponsored, the CIOG being the agency there. In addition, NAMF has shipped $20,000.00 worth of medical supplies and relief items to aid the sufferers during the Lebanon crisis. Presently NAMF Relief is financing Somalian refugees in Kenya. One cow is purchased by a Canadian donor and provided to a family so they may start a livelihood. Mr. Farouk Khan, the Executive Director, has personally visited these places mentioned above for due diligence.
Education
Added to the relief efforts of NAMF is the educational aspect, with a daytime Junior Islamic Academy from Pre K all the way to Grade 7, which caters to the needs of the moral and academic excellence of the Muslim community. Youths are a major concern for leaders and with a Youth Development Program on the way we hope to provide essential skills to the youths lest they complain of not finding jobs. In the 2006 summer, members of Shabab held a seminar on Dawah at the NAMF headquarters (Finch and Midland main intersection), as well as a regular monthly movie night has been initiated to educate and entertain the youths. The first prog looked at the life of Malcolm X and the next is looking at the Signs of the Day of Judgment.
Social
Finding compatible matrimonial matches is indeed a challenge for parents as well as unmarried religious grown ups. Sister Ayesha Alam runs the popular Marry Go Around matrimonial introduction service and has hundreds of potential partners in her database. For the poorer sections of the community there is a food bank operating for all Canadians. “Whoever doesn’t show mercy then mercy will not be shown to him/her.” Hadith
Youths
Another event that has occurred every year for the last five years is the NAMF Speech Competition. This year Interfaith has been added, as more schools in the public domain are showing interest in this unique venture. Students from all faiths and schools in the GTA compete for the first, second and third prizes, utilizing their best oral communicative skills. This year’s event is happening at the IMO on March the 31st.
Community
Last December was NAMF‘s annual fundraising dinner held at the prestigious Grand Bacchus Banquet Hall with almost three hundred attendees. Long standing volunteers in the community, Imam Abdul Hai Patel and Mr. Khalid Usman were honored at the hands of Mr. Farid Amin, Dep. Min. of Development. Soon will be NAMF Annual summer picnic but before that look out for the big ticket announcement- a celebrity from Pakistan is coming to town!
All we are requesting you and your masjid is to continue supporting us morally and financially and in so doing you become a partner in the project and of course the blessings. And surely Alhamdulliah for this.
North American Muslim Foundation is a non-profitable charitable Canadian organization dedicated to assisting the victims of disasters for the last 31 years. The founder is Mr. Kabir Farouqui.
Orphans
We have continued to support victims of the unforgettable tragedy in Indonesia with our Orphan Sponsorship program- which has climbed to 350 children internationally and this year’s effort is dedicated to the Orphans of the World – leave no orphan unhappy. With one-dollar-a-day, OSP is determined to “make-poverty-history” affordable!
Relief
A year later, still traumatized by the calamitous Tsunami, survivors walk the deserted roads of Sri Lanka hoping to rebuild. NAMF is providing monetary assistance of up to $30,000 CAN dollars to start businesses such as carpentry, fishing, etc and as already provided jobs for 150 Sri Lankans through this integrated program. Also $7000.00 was contributed to provide educational supplies for the emergency school establishments in areas ravaged by the earthquake in Indonesia on May, 2006
The foundation is committed to help all humanity, regardless of religion or color and has recently donated $40,000.00 worth of medical aid to Guyana Public Hospital, apart from sponsoring orphans there. SadaqatulFitr was distributed among the poor and many orphans are being sponsored, the CIOG being the agency there. In addition, NAMF has shipped $20,000.00 worth of medical supplies and relief items to aid the sufferers during the Lebanon crisis. Presently NAMF Relief is financing Somalian refugees in Kenya. One cow is purchased by a Canadian donor and provided to a family so they may start a livelihood. Mr. Farouk Khan, the Executive Director, has personally visited these places mentioned above for due diligence.
Education
Added to the relief efforts of NAMF is the educational aspect, with a daytime Junior Islamic Academy from Pre K all the way to Grade 7, which caters to the needs of the moral and academic excellence of the Muslim community. Youths are a major concern for leaders and with a Youth Development Program on the way we hope to provide essential skills to the youths lest they complain of not finding jobs. In the 2006 summer, members of Shabab held a seminar on Dawah at the NAMF headquarters (Finch and Midland main intersection), as well as a regular monthly movie night has been initiated to educate and entertain the youths. The first prog looked at the life of Malcolm X and the next is looking at the Signs of the Day of Judgment.
Social
Finding compatible matrimonial matches is indeed a challenge for parents as well as unmarried religious grown ups. Sister Ayesha Alam runs the popular Marry Go Around matrimonial introduction service and has hundreds of potential partners in her database. For the poorer sections of the community there is a food bank operating for all Canadians. “Whoever doesn’t show mercy then mercy will not be shown to him/her.” Hadith
Youths
Another event that has occurred every year for the last five years is the NAMF Speech Competition. This year Interfaith has been added, as more schools in the public domain are showing interest in this unique venture. Students from all faiths and schools in the GTA compete for the first, second and third prizes, utilizing their best oral communicative skills. This year’s event is happening at the IMO on March the 31st.
Community
Last December was NAMF‘s annual fundraising dinner held at the prestigious Grand Bacchus Banquet Hall with almost three hundred attendees. Long standing volunteers in the community, Imam Abdul Hai Patel and Mr. Khalid Usman were honored at the hands of Mr. Farid Amin, Dep. Min. of Development. Soon will be NAMF Annual summer picnic but before that look out for the big ticket announcement- a celebrity from Pakistan is coming to town!
All we are requesting you and your masjid is to continue supporting us morally and financially and in so doing you become a partner in the project and of course the blessings. And surely Alhamdulliah for this.
Muslims made great contributions to Indian civilization.
Muslims made great contributions to Indian civilization.
I would like to clarify the fact that this is far from the religious constitution Islam has expounded and a definite aberration from the Islamic history where mandirs were built at the side of mosques. I once confirmed this obvious observation with our President on his visit to mother India years ago!
Just as the erudite Mr. Nandalall has constantly defended that castes isn't a religious principle but a social construct, similarly the injustices and political discriminations meted out to our counterpart brothers and sisters of Hinduism is surely sad and inhumane albeit totally unlawful and sinful in the eyes of Islam.
We should always be proud that the Muslims and Hindus have lived as family in Guyana, sharing not only heritage and struggles but even in the loins of each other families. This is the model for Islam throughout the world that wishes to demonstrate itself as that true paragon of democracy and human right. This is also the karma and good example throughout the universe for those who wish to perpetrate hatred and racial profiling as those during the Gujarat riots and similar such violations during Partition, etc.
Muslims themselves sometimes fall bloody victim to their ignorant self-seeking brethren wishing to destroy them but this doesn’t make them ridicule Islam nor blame the teachings of a Prophet who condemned the demolition of places of worship and the stopping of worshipping, regardless of form.
The Quran eludes us to this and Aurangzeb, 1658-1707, the famous Mughal ruler of India, despite the much-misconstrued stereotypes against him, had employed over 100 Hindu-bureaucrats in his administration. This is the model that won hearts to Islam while the opposite only disperses; a proof thereof is its continuous expansion.
22:40 …Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure.
6:108 Revile not you those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance.
A life is a life anywhere and atrocities throughout the world must be condemned regardless of faith-check or background –check.
Where are the Muslims against injustice and where are the Hindus, Christians and others against inhumanity?
Rumi said all this singing is one song, but do we hear it?
I would like to clarify the fact that this is far from the religious constitution Islam has expounded and a definite aberration from the Islamic history where mandirs were built at the side of mosques. I once confirmed this obvious observation with our President on his visit to mother India years ago!
Just as the erudite Mr. Nandalall has constantly defended that castes isn't a religious principle but a social construct, similarly the injustices and political discriminations meted out to our counterpart brothers and sisters of Hinduism is surely sad and inhumane albeit totally unlawful and sinful in the eyes of Islam.
We should always be proud that the Muslims and Hindus have lived as family in Guyana, sharing not only heritage and struggles but even in the loins of each other families. This is the model for Islam throughout the world that wishes to demonstrate itself as that true paragon of democracy and human right. This is also the karma and good example throughout the universe for those who wish to perpetrate hatred and racial profiling as those during the Gujarat riots and similar such violations during Partition, etc.
Muslims themselves sometimes fall bloody victim to their ignorant self-seeking brethren wishing to destroy them but this doesn’t make them ridicule Islam nor blame the teachings of a Prophet who condemned the demolition of places of worship and the stopping of worshipping, regardless of form.
The Quran eludes us to this and Aurangzeb, 1658-1707, the famous Mughal ruler of India, despite the much-misconstrued stereotypes against him, had employed over 100 Hindu-bureaucrats in his administration. This is the model that won hearts to Islam while the opposite only disperses; a proof thereof is its continuous expansion.
22:40 …Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure.
6:108 Revile not you those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance.
A life is a life anywhere and atrocities throughout the world must be condemned regardless of faith-check or background –check.
Where are the Muslims against injustice and where are the Hindus, Christians and others against inhumanity?
Rumi said all this singing is one song, but do we hear it?
The veiled rage of the Non Hijabis: where is the social justice?
The veiled rage of the Non Hijabis: where is the social justice?
Ever so often the issue of Hijab pops up. Men, feminists, scholars and even politicians swim back and forth on this ocean of political correctness: Multiculturalism protects this piece of clothing; this is a Quranic injunction to cover! But the Hijab these days is also a fashionable statement. It’s no longer the black unattractive piece J LO would never think of donning, unless in Afghanistan. By the way Saudi Arabia has rightly used the face covering as an identity pass for Saudis only. Non-Saudis including Muslims wear headscarves. Well, well! This punctuates my point that in Western society where the grind of every day culture demands a more assertive personality the Hijab is fine; not the burqa. The Quran alludes to this identity factor: “…that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not be molested…” 33:59
The permissive Muslim countries have not been able to protect women from being battered and oppressed, so where has this Arab-styled-dress for females contributed to less harassment? Most girls are cursorily programmed to answer ‘Hijab liberates’ them. But having a number of Western converts wear the Hijab voluntarily is no different than the crowd of hippies wanting to explore eastern lifestyles and vowing to its absolute panacea for Western decadence. By the way don’t you know of Hijab girls doing all the ‘wrong stuff” too. What about the Eastern red light areas? The clientele there wear shalwar and kamis, my dear! It’s a deeper Faith and God consciousness that really we should identify with. Something anyone could have and not just burqa-clad, self-righteous, non-talking-to-strangers, attention-drawers of ones sexuality. “…But the raiment of righteousness- that is the best…” 7:26
My contention is we have veiled the beautiful system Islam offers humans, wherever they are, that they are secured and respected. A woman is a Khalifa of God and not the seducer of Adam. Some how we read the text of Quran more than the spirit. Hijab was revealed way after the Muslims had enriched their souls with the clothing of Taqwa. Why should someone give them stares? Why should she be debarred from the Masjid? Why can’t she serve her community in a culturally sensitive way, just as her day job provides? There are far more verses in the Quran about Zakah and helping the poor or about the atrocities the wife of Pharoah bore than on Hijab. This bandwagon has to stop and the issues of self- esteem, democracy, employment, marriage, family vales, domestic violence and end to superstitions has to start rolling. Don’t get me wrong. Hijab is absolutely a command of Allah and I’m not belittling it. But the perspective is what beats me. Imagine a Muslim man in Ottawa has the gall to come to this free and respectful country and then say in court the Quran allows him to annihilate his wife if she disobeys. Definitely the Judge is right in bringing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms into play and send him packing. It’s the same concept the former Attorney General had when she promoted family tribunal laws based on faith. Any one who steps out of the spirit of Islam and interprets verses to their whims and cultural fancies will be checked, which are coincidentally sanctioned by both Sharia and the Constitution. Preservation of Life is the most precious ideal in Islam according to the Ibn Khaldun’s Muqaddima.
I met Zarqa Nawaz, author of Little Mosque on the Prairie. She confidently shared with me the fact that she chose to do this film, as she didn’t want the world to run away that all Imams are sexist pigs! You will be quick to say Astaghfurullah. But haven’t we seen it and heard it? Half of the mosque still can’t accommodate women and those that do still don’t treat them as equals. Many a times it’s the employers of these poor lip-zipped Imams that spiral this ignorance. One very traditional mosque’s Imam told me he has had a battle, despite monetary contributions to fix the room the ladies crammed into during janazas.
Hazrat Aisha was not the only the spokesperson of the Prophet. He, on whom be peace, interacted with women and saved them from the ills of misogynist men of the day. We know Lady Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, later taught for 48 years after his demise and participated politically and theologically. Show me the organisation that has an Aisha legacy. And yet we waste time joking of events that caters for families that sit together or Muslima leading prayers! Nip it in the bud and as Mufti Saeed Palanpuri once said in Toronto, treat the women with fairness and justice otherwise you will not bear the repercussions.
I want to see more activeness in the social justice issues, that which Islam originally played an upper role and in so doing the institutions of women’s rights were able to have a reasonable and faithful grip on society. Will the media pundits steer the cameras on these real Biblical and Quranic main recipes? Help the sick. Raise money for the domestically abused. Share your Zakah with the unfortunate. Help girls get marry who are victims of cultural hibernation. Create socially acceptable entertainment. Showcase the deeper concerns for women who are underemployed and uneducated. The Quran doesn’t want women to be a stockpile of dullness within the corners of some modern harem. It seeks to liberate them where they can now do business, inherit wealth, contract their marriage and solicit their divorce and better yet lead in positions of qualifications. Bilqis was a leader and while the Quran is disgusted with her self-worship, it admires her change of Faith without grumping about her powers. Many of the wives of the Prophet were known as Saviours of the poor- “UmmulMasakeen.”
From the heart that beats with sympathy will the frock of piety appeal to societies’ judges. It’s not an automatic uniform for respect. You wear it or not, your respect comes from your doing and more so your character. How about the fact when I saw this girl at No Frills with a headscarf and said Salam she replied I’m not Muslim. It’s a Jamaican dress style! Therefore don’t make it Islam’s exclusive school badge. I lament the many sisters that I have lost because people judged them for their lack of a typical khimar, although their contribution monetarily to the mosque is astounding and their qualifications to make this place a better world is not lesser than Mother Theresa’s. Will you be truly multicultural and like the way the Prophet treated the pious and lesser alike, sincerely embrace all into your veils of perfect love and chadors of seamless harmony.
Allah commends Blessed Virgin Mary when she took the concept of Hijab personally: 19:17 She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent her our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.
Ever so often the issue of Hijab pops up. Men, feminists, scholars and even politicians swim back and forth on this ocean of political correctness: Multiculturalism protects this piece of clothing; this is a Quranic injunction to cover! But the Hijab these days is also a fashionable statement. It’s no longer the black unattractive piece J LO would never think of donning, unless in Afghanistan. By the way Saudi Arabia has rightly used the face covering as an identity pass for Saudis only. Non-Saudis including Muslims wear headscarves. Well, well! This punctuates my point that in Western society where the grind of every day culture demands a more assertive personality the Hijab is fine; not the burqa. The Quran alludes to this identity factor: “…that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not be molested…” 33:59
The permissive Muslim countries have not been able to protect women from being battered and oppressed, so where has this Arab-styled-dress for females contributed to less harassment? Most girls are cursorily programmed to answer ‘Hijab liberates’ them. But having a number of Western converts wear the Hijab voluntarily is no different than the crowd of hippies wanting to explore eastern lifestyles and vowing to its absolute panacea for Western decadence. By the way don’t you know of Hijab girls doing all the ‘wrong stuff” too. What about the Eastern red light areas? The clientele there wear shalwar and kamis, my dear! It’s a deeper Faith and God consciousness that really we should identify with. Something anyone could have and not just burqa-clad, self-righteous, non-talking-to-strangers, attention-drawers of ones sexuality. “…But the raiment of righteousness- that is the best…” 7:26
My contention is we have veiled the beautiful system Islam offers humans, wherever they are, that they are secured and respected. A woman is a Khalifa of God and not the seducer of Adam. Some how we read the text of Quran more than the spirit. Hijab was revealed way after the Muslims had enriched their souls with the clothing of Taqwa. Why should someone give them stares? Why should she be debarred from the Masjid? Why can’t she serve her community in a culturally sensitive way, just as her day job provides? There are far more verses in the Quran about Zakah and helping the poor or about the atrocities the wife of Pharoah bore than on Hijab. This bandwagon has to stop and the issues of self- esteem, democracy, employment, marriage, family vales, domestic violence and end to superstitions has to start rolling. Don’t get me wrong. Hijab is absolutely a command of Allah and I’m not belittling it. But the perspective is what beats me. Imagine a Muslim man in Ottawa has the gall to come to this free and respectful country and then say in court the Quran allows him to annihilate his wife if she disobeys. Definitely the Judge is right in bringing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms into play and send him packing. It’s the same concept the former Attorney General had when she promoted family tribunal laws based on faith. Any one who steps out of the spirit of Islam and interprets verses to their whims and cultural fancies will be checked, which are coincidentally sanctioned by both Sharia and the Constitution. Preservation of Life is the most precious ideal in Islam according to the Ibn Khaldun’s Muqaddima.
I met Zarqa Nawaz, author of Little Mosque on the Prairie. She confidently shared with me the fact that she chose to do this film, as she didn’t want the world to run away that all Imams are sexist pigs! You will be quick to say Astaghfurullah. But haven’t we seen it and heard it? Half of the mosque still can’t accommodate women and those that do still don’t treat them as equals. Many a times it’s the employers of these poor lip-zipped Imams that spiral this ignorance. One very traditional mosque’s Imam told me he has had a battle, despite monetary contributions to fix the room the ladies crammed into during janazas.
Hazrat Aisha was not the only the spokesperson of the Prophet. He, on whom be peace, interacted with women and saved them from the ills of misogynist men of the day. We know Lady Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, later taught for 48 years after his demise and participated politically and theologically. Show me the organisation that has an Aisha legacy. And yet we waste time joking of events that caters for families that sit together or Muslima leading prayers! Nip it in the bud and as Mufti Saeed Palanpuri once said in Toronto, treat the women with fairness and justice otherwise you will not bear the repercussions.
I want to see more activeness in the social justice issues, that which Islam originally played an upper role and in so doing the institutions of women’s rights were able to have a reasonable and faithful grip on society. Will the media pundits steer the cameras on these real Biblical and Quranic main recipes? Help the sick. Raise money for the domestically abused. Share your Zakah with the unfortunate. Help girls get marry who are victims of cultural hibernation. Create socially acceptable entertainment. Showcase the deeper concerns for women who are underemployed and uneducated. The Quran doesn’t want women to be a stockpile of dullness within the corners of some modern harem. It seeks to liberate them where they can now do business, inherit wealth, contract their marriage and solicit their divorce and better yet lead in positions of qualifications. Bilqis was a leader and while the Quran is disgusted with her self-worship, it admires her change of Faith without grumping about her powers. Many of the wives of the Prophet were known as Saviours of the poor- “UmmulMasakeen.”
From the heart that beats with sympathy will the frock of piety appeal to societies’ judges. It’s not an automatic uniform for respect. You wear it or not, your respect comes from your doing and more so your character. How about the fact when I saw this girl at No Frills with a headscarf and said Salam she replied I’m not Muslim. It’s a Jamaican dress style! Therefore don’t make it Islam’s exclusive school badge. I lament the many sisters that I have lost because people judged them for their lack of a typical khimar, although their contribution monetarily to the mosque is astounding and their qualifications to make this place a better world is not lesser than Mother Theresa’s. Will you be truly multicultural and like the way the Prophet treated the pious and lesser alike, sincerely embrace all into your veils of perfect love and chadors of seamless harmony.
Allah commends Blessed Virgin Mary when she took the concept of Hijab personally: 19:17 She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent her our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.
Muslim Greenies: Is Environmentalism UnIslamic?
Muslim Greenies: Is Environmentalism UnIslamic?
Ensuring the earth we live off, the water we depend on and the air we breathe are healthy, sustained and unpolluted is a mild way of explaining what it means to be an environmentalist thirty years ago. Notwithstanding the hippie culture that gratefully promoted it in an anti- war context, being passionate about the place you spend your “testing days” before Paradise should never be Hell, at least for a Believer.
Nowadays being active socially and politically in the anti-global-warming mission defines being a Greenie. Derived from the Greenpeace mission that fought against toxic dumping of nuclear waste, this movement has grown to religious proportions, where cults and scholars promote spiritual concepts like vegetarianism and naturism, cremation and nudism plus pagan worship of earthly bodies as equivalent to fighting to save Earth. On the other hand orthodoxy in religious thought is no help. On one Earth Day clean-up in my school an Imam retorted that this is unneeded since taxpayers take care of clean ups in anyway, and this concept is alien to Islam. I remember meeting our gifted David Suzuki and was thrilled that a man who claims he has no religious affiliation was so dedicated to making sure my existence was eco- friendly! I’m embarrassed at my own ineptitude to such a simple but profound task. Isn’t David a man of faith, then? Is Environmentalism really an innovation?
Islam sets out principles and it’s for the scholars to understand contemporary issues in the light of its sources, viz. Quran and Sunnah.
16:43… if you realise this not, ask of those who possess Knowledge.
I would think that since cleanliness is next to Godliness and the Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, really targeted these with front yards in the urban sprawl of Madina to keep them clean, indeed Islam has set the foundations for Environmentalism. Something the Muslims badly need to be involved in, religiously. How about starting with the mosque’ washrooms?
As a matter of fact the Quran beckons our individual and collective participation as our purpose and flouting this objective tantamount to unbearable consequences. As Allah’s Khalifa on earth- as trustees, we have to ensure the gift of water, air, fire and soil are properly maintained. By the way, maintaining their equilibrium underpins traditional Indian Hakeem medicine.
2:30 Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth."
No one is saying go join the Green egg cult or stop driving cars to your mosques, no one is saying turn of your lights and return to the mud huts of pre-civilization. Every society has their norms and mores of conducting a balance living. Like respect for traffic laws garbage rules must be adhered to- it’s an act of Deen to obey the laws of the land, isn’t it?
55:8 In order that you may not transgress (due) balance.
Absent from the first International environmental summit held in Brazil some twenty years ago, the Muslim world as still to make good its bad rap. I remember that, since I was India writing articles and arguing in favour of Muslim Greenies! In those days Green egg magazine published my letter. Sufism caught this naturist cult’s attention for austere lifestyle. With or without mystical dimensions, Islam has already given platitudes to contrasting lifestyles- the self-sacrificing, the neutral non-extravagant and the luxuriant self-responsible.
Simple things like walking to Masjid when we can, knowing for every step guarantees ten rewards, ten sins are forgiven and we’re elevated ten degrees higher in Heaven. Saving water usage during wudu and ghusl- ceremonial washings- knowing that the Companions were told even if you were in the ocean you should still be saving water! Having heat sensor switches for our lights in centres saves fuel consumption hence less carbon depleting actions on the oxygen percentage of the air. This in turn saves people from asthma, etc. The Hadith says when we save a person from any harm, Allah will save us from seventy troubles on the Day of Judgement. Isn’t it a governing principle of Islam to avoid personal and communal harm? Laa darar wa laa diraar fil Islam.
One project we can start with is return of cloth towels in our homes and centers and less destruction of trees through recycling paper. A novel but proven project is collecting computers, recycling. As for planting of trees in Islamic spaces, once permitted, are not mere charitable acts but the Muslim legacy of Andalusia where trees formed the therapeutic matrix of the olden bimaristans- centers of healing. As Imam Zaid Shakir said we don’t have to reinvent the wheel- just join with others already doing it and get on the agenda- Muslim countries and community organizations alike! If we don’t then don’t cry foul.
Q: 8:73 If you don’t corruption will become widespread.
May Allah help us! But will we help ourselves?
Ensuring the earth we live off, the water we depend on and the air we breathe are healthy, sustained and unpolluted is a mild way of explaining what it means to be an environmentalist thirty years ago. Notwithstanding the hippie culture that gratefully promoted it in an anti- war context, being passionate about the place you spend your “testing days” before Paradise should never be Hell, at least for a Believer.
Nowadays being active socially and politically in the anti-global-warming mission defines being a Greenie. Derived from the Greenpeace mission that fought against toxic dumping of nuclear waste, this movement has grown to religious proportions, where cults and scholars promote spiritual concepts like vegetarianism and naturism, cremation and nudism plus pagan worship of earthly bodies as equivalent to fighting to save Earth. On the other hand orthodoxy in religious thought is no help. On one Earth Day clean-up in my school an Imam retorted that this is unneeded since taxpayers take care of clean ups in anyway, and this concept is alien to Islam. I remember meeting our gifted David Suzuki and was thrilled that a man who claims he has no religious affiliation was so dedicated to making sure my existence was eco- friendly! I’m embarrassed at my own ineptitude to such a simple but profound task. Isn’t David a man of faith, then? Is Environmentalism really an innovation?
Islam sets out principles and it’s for the scholars to understand contemporary issues in the light of its sources, viz. Quran and Sunnah.
16:43… if you realise this not, ask of those who possess Knowledge.
I would think that since cleanliness is next to Godliness and the Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, really targeted these with front yards in the urban sprawl of Madina to keep them clean, indeed Islam has set the foundations for Environmentalism. Something the Muslims badly need to be involved in, religiously. How about starting with the mosque’ washrooms?
As a matter of fact the Quran beckons our individual and collective participation as our purpose and flouting this objective tantamount to unbearable consequences. As Allah’s Khalifa on earth- as trustees, we have to ensure the gift of water, air, fire and soil are properly maintained. By the way, maintaining their equilibrium underpins traditional Indian Hakeem medicine.
2:30 Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth."
No one is saying go join the Green egg cult or stop driving cars to your mosques, no one is saying turn of your lights and return to the mud huts of pre-civilization. Every society has their norms and mores of conducting a balance living. Like respect for traffic laws garbage rules must be adhered to- it’s an act of Deen to obey the laws of the land, isn’t it?
55:8 In order that you may not transgress (due) balance.
Absent from the first International environmental summit held in Brazil some twenty years ago, the Muslim world as still to make good its bad rap. I remember that, since I was India writing articles and arguing in favour of Muslim Greenies! In those days Green egg magazine published my letter. Sufism caught this naturist cult’s attention for austere lifestyle. With or without mystical dimensions, Islam has already given platitudes to contrasting lifestyles- the self-sacrificing, the neutral non-extravagant and the luxuriant self-responsible.
Simple things like walking to Masjid when we can, knowing for every step guarantees ten rewards, ten sins are forgiven and we’re elevated ten degrees higher in Heaven. Saving water usage during wudu and ghusl- ceremonial washings- knowing that the Companions were told even if you were in the ocean you should still be saving water! Having heat sensor switches for our lights in centres saves fuel consumption hence less carbon depleting actions on the oxygen percentage of the air. This in turn saves people from asthma, etc. The Hadith says when we save a person from any harm, Allah will save us from seventy troubles on the Day of Judgement. Isn’t it a governing principle of Islam to avoid personal and communal harm? Laa darar wa laa diraar fil Islam.
One project we can start with is return of cloth towels in our homes and centers and less destruction of trees through recycling paper. A novel but proven project is collecting computers, recycling. As for planting of trees in Islamic spaces, once permitted, are not mere charitable acts but the Muslim legacy of Andalusia where trees formed the therapeutic matrix of the olden bimaristans- centers of healing. As Imam Zaid Shakir said we don’t have to reinvent the wheel- just join with others already doing it and get on the agenda- Muslim countries and community organizations alike! If we don’t then don’t cry foul.
Q: 8:73 If you don’t corruption will become widespread.
May Allah help us! But will we help ourselves?
Save humanity from the hateful tormentors
Dear Editor
We sincerest condolence for the victims- for every soul shall taste death but not in this horrendous cold blooded calculated manner at the expense of some sicko narcissism. Murders like these are condemnable and are reminiscent of Cain snuffing Abel's life just because he nurtured a sick resentment for his brother's well being and his goodly offering to God was accepted.
5:32 On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
We are living in trying times and the spiritual recourse aught to be highest in our agenda for with every muscle we build we must construct equally the tendons of the soul brighter and much more muscular. Religion is not and should not be any motivator for wanton violence and inhumane cyclic revenge.
13:28 "Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah. for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.
May Allah forgive the deceased brother and grant faith to his surviving relations. May Allah save ourselves from such sudden disasters and grant further guidance to our leaders as we grapple with such complex issues of social interconnectedness.
This is a huge colossal lost for humanity and the matrix of injustice that spirals our world today, reflected in the labyrinth of entertainment et al, is no satire or isolated joke but rebounds into the inner consciousness of karma- what happens to A has happened to B. The hurt of students and relatives at Blacksburg is the pain we all feel - as humanity is but a single body- the pain of the eye means the suffering of the hands too!
Must we give up? Absolutely not, for where there are Cains there will be Abels too and even Abrams.
For where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel. Martin Luther.
We sincerest condolence for the victims- for every soul shall taste death but not in this horrendous cold blooded calculated manner at the expense of some sicko narcissism. Murders like these are condemnable and are reminiscent of Cain snuffing Abel's life just because he nurtured a sick resentment for his brother's well being and his goodly offering to God was accepted.
5:32 On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
We are living in trying times and the spiritual recourse aught to be highest in our agenda for with every muscle we build we must construct equally the tendons of the soul brighter and much more muscular. Religion is not and should not be any motivator for wanton violence and inhumane cyclic revenge.
13:28 "Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah. for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.
May Allah forgive the deceased brother and grant faith to his surviving relations. May Allah save ourselves from such sudden disasters and grant further guidance to our leaders as we grapple with such complex issues of social interconnectedness.
This is a huge colossal lost for humanity and the matrix of injustice that spirals our world today, reflected in the labyrinth of entertainment et al, is no satire or isolated joke but rebounds into the inner consciousness of karma- what happens to A has happened to B. The hurt of students and relatives at Blacksburg is the pain we all feel - as humanity is but a single body- the pain of the eye means the suffering of the hands too!
Must we give up? Absolutely not, for where there are Cains there will be Abels too and even Abrams.
For where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel. Martin Luther.
Bhouji Gal- Creolese poem
Bhouji Gal
The constant smell of servitude
Cow dung paste on you mudda in law bottom house
You cook pun fireside till you tun Auntie Gobar
Now dem ah call you outside pickney sissy and the husband one big cat
Why this red flounce dress in hot hot Atlantic sun
When you pass by ahwe ah sheer lavender perfume you emanate
Ah which dead house you went before going to matinee, gal?
Never mind the black and blue, you still got looks like Hema Malini
Bhouji Gal
I know you know I dus like your roti and dhaal
But I does frighten fuh ask
Because me brotha does give a fine cut ass
When he send for a flatie and beat up all youh pickney
How Bhouji
The domestic violence of this family
Is like rice flour roti when it turn bassy
I hate the way she does call you out
From the bedroom and even the latrine
She think she mek you
Never mind me got fuh call her moma
But Bhouji
You got fourth standard education
And never mind me does tek a bob every time you send me to shop
I know you ain’t gun wear dem shorts and ride bicycle to Friday maaket
Because you belly done big and family planning isn’t in your basket.
The constant smell of servitude
Cow dung paste on you mudda in law bottom house
You cook pun fireside till you tun Auntie Gobar
Now dem ah call you outside pickney sissy and the husband one big cat
Why this red flounce dress in hot hot Atlantic sun
When you pass by ahwe ah sheer lavender perfume you emanate
Ah which dead house you went before going to matinee, gal?
Never mind the black and blue, you still got looks like Hema Malini
Bhouji Gal
I know you know I dus like your roti and dhaal
But I does frighten fuh ask
Because me brotha does give a fine cut ass
When he send for a flatie and beat up all youh pickney
How Bhouji
The domestic violence of this family
Is like rice flour roti when it turn bassy
I hate the way she does call you out
From the bedroom and even the latrine
She think she mek you
Never mind me got fuh call her moma
But Bhouji
You got fourth standard education
And never mind me does tek a bob every time you send me to shop
I know you ain’t gun wear dem shorts and ride bicycle to Friday maaket
Because you belly done big and family planning isn’t in your basket.
Unique Remedy
Respect of others is an Islamic principle.
Difference of opinion is as an integral value of Islam as our Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace correctly said: "Difference of opinion in my Community is a mercy for people” Throughout Islam’s rich history dissent was treated with democratic respect as much as Canadian Constitutions showers the right of freedom of religion upon us. As Imam Shafi said, about any particular issue: “My view is correct and may be erroneous and someone else's view is erroneous and may be correct.'”
Any disagreement that develops into hatred and violence is condemnable and forbidden and such sectarianism must be seriously reprimanded, with proper justice being brought against the proven perpetrators. Instead dialogue and legal means must always be resorted to in case of dispute and opposing views. Worse yet to label a Believer names is blasphemy and such a heinous sin is major and unanimously condemnable.
Scouts and Islam.
Recently I was part of setting up a Scouts program that had the usual fun stuff for kids but taught Islamic values! Man growing up in Guyana and watching the elite colleagues enjoyed rapturous time during the Saturday scouts rendezvous in Queens College made me felt his thing is offbeat for the rural poor and better yet religion. Now this is something to explore in Guyana. Talk to your Scouts master to set up a Scouts About program that will keep our youths out of trouble and impart some religious values in them too. Sorry some spiritual life saving skills!
Interfaith dialogue: what for?
Recently the hijab issue and racism caught the attention of a French Professor and so she responded by organising a Hijab day in solidarity with the other Hijabis on her University campus. She was in turn slurred. Now I wanted, as usual to have an interfaith dialogue on this issue. But of course I did not get a myriad of speakers. Will she being a Christian and another Muslim speaking on this issue be counted as an Interfaith dialogue?
Interfaith is really meant to foster an understanding among religions on various issues and even working together on common grounds all in the name of furthering peace and harmony.
Here is a Christian woman who is French and Canadian picking up the pieces of other women who are being attacked for wearing their religious dress. So Interfaith is fulfilled here as we will hear perspective on the issue of hijab and racism from both a Muslim and a Christian.
When the cartoon issue was around we did just that- a perspective from all thee major religions in a public forum rather than ranting around. We want to promote academic and responsible dialogue among cultures.
It’s time Muslims organise interfaith programs as the issue at hand will receive the needed attention and perspective if we are not always on the receiving end. Guyana is a rich mosaic of several cultures and religion. I proudly repeat this every where I go. Now for us to make that work in Guyana for God and not the devil. We recently did a volleyball match among Jews, Christians, Hindus and Muslims to raise funds for AIDS victims in Africa. How about Muslims organising something like this for AIDS patients in Georgetown? Interfaith doesn’t have to wait. Better yet on some political agenda and schedule. Start the seed of Abrahamic love today and you have a garden ready for the next generation to sow.
Mahatma Ghandi showed us that half a century ago and won the freedom of India through that undying love for all. Will we do something, for God’s sake? And stop bickering.
Canadian Muslims are not sitting on their laurels!
Many a times we get this wrong concept that money is falls from tree in North America. Man its ‘hard hard’ work. But yet Muslims like others don’t forget their own. Laparakan barrel-business is surely lucrative. Churches send regular containers. I have been sending clothes through one such church marked “Muslim Outreach”
I must say I was impressed with the CIOG support group in Canada. Look at some of the things they did recently:
• Sponsorship for 83 orphans and destitute children by Guyanese living in Canada.
• $25,000 from the 2006 Fundraising Dinner
• $30,000 from the 2006 Ramadan Zakaat collections
• Arrangements for 140 Qurbani shares through our partnership with the Muslim Welfare Centre
• 32 Barrels of clothes and other items, 10 computers, 15 wheelchairs and books.
• Construction of a Science Lab at the Enmore Islamic Academy, with the help from the North American Muslim Foundation.
• An outboard motor to the Imam at Hogg Island, with help from IMO.
• Support through our association with the Three Rivers Foundation for children who are sent to India for life saving heart operations.
In addition to the above, $30,000 worth of medical supplies were sent in 2005 to assist those who were affected by the floods.
HujjatulUlama is indeed grateful for the help they have received monetarily from Canada and books etc. But more can be done with proper organising especially among all the organisations reps; too much redundancy and duplication. I met Mr Robert Corbin recently in Toronto and one group is also getting help for children in Sophia. Now if we all put our resources together and have at least one viable program out there. A real model.
Any ideas?
Honor our Ulama
“Wise men do not get involved with words; are divers interested in the oysters’ shells or is itthe pearls they’re after?” Anonymous
Have you ever thought how we take our Imams for granted? We even are guilty of swearing them and slighting them. Well how about an event that honors Imams especially Ulama who have been serving Guyana selflessly fro the last decade or so. They too have hard times. They too need media attention. Rather they will say Oh we do this for Allah. But it’s our duty to avoid rather pointedly say it: only a hypocrite disgraces an Alim. Recently we did an appreciation lunch and shared some wards to long standing Imams in Toronto. It’s not an easy life juggling between two jobs. Home responsibilities and an secularist management where everyone hold the title of CEO. Try something different in Guyana and don’t wait to invite special Imams on the State House lawns only or your functions backyard. Do a grand breakfast when they are available, even if small, and let them know you care. Afteral they care about you and your Deen.
However, the pitiful plight engrossing the newly returned garduates, a majority of them, is living below the poverty line. Many a times, these graduates are working in for pittance unknown to most, in order to send their children to school and put food on the table. The Quran captures that reality unabashedly: “…the ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want. You know them by their special mark: They beg not importunately from all and sundry.” 2:273
You are but the lamp of a hearth, which has ever had things spiritual at heart! – Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal
Multimedia on Islam
Congrats to Shamal and Family for giving the Guyanese public a deep yet enetratining perspective on islam each week on TV. This is a project close to my heart. If you would recall we started this together years ago showing Harun Yahya videos on the roadsides, mosques halls and schools. Well done Shamal, way to go! Your contribution is most welcome. HujjatulUlama is one of the proud sponsors and you too could be. Just contact us.
Quote:
Scholars should endeavour to spreadknowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears.
~ The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.)
Difference of opinion is as an integral value of Islam as our Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace correctly said: "Difference of opinion in my Community is a mercy for people” Throughout Islam’s rich history dissent was treated with democratic respect as much as Canadian Constitutions showers the right of freedom of religion upon us. As Imam Shafi said, about any particular issue: “My view is correct and may be erroneous and someone else's view is erroneous and may be correct.'”
Any disagreement that develops into hatred and violence is condemnable and forbidden and such sectarianism must be seriously reprimanded, with proper justice being brought against the proven perpetrators. Instead dialogue and legal means must always be resorted to in case of dispute and opposing views. Worse yet to label a Believer names is blasphemy and such a heinous sin is major and unanimously condemnable.
Scouts and Islam.
Recently I was part of setting up a Scouts program that had the usual fun stuff for kids but taught Islamic values! Man growing up in Guyana and watching the elite colleagues enjoyed rapturous time during the Saturday scouts rendezvous in Queens College made me felt his thing is offbeat for the rural poor and better yet religion. Now this is something to explore in Guyana. Talk to your Scouts master to set up a Scouts About program that will keep our youths out of trouble and impart some religious values in them too. Sorry some spiritual life saving skills!
Interfaith dialogue: what for?
Recently the hijab issue and racism caught the attention of a French Professor and so she responded by organising a Hijab day in solidarity with the other Hijabis on her University campus. She was in turn slurred. Now I wanted, as usual to have an interfaith dialogue on this issue. But of course I did not get a myriad of speakers. Will she being a Christian and another Muslim speaking on this issue be counted as an Interfaith dialogue?
Interfaith is really meant to foster an understanding among religions on various issues and even working together on common grounds all in the name of furthering peace and harmony.
Here is a Christian woman who is French and Canadian picking up the pieces of other women who are being attacked for wearing their religious dress. So Interfaith is fulfilled here as we will hear perspective on the issue of hijab and racism from both a Muslim and a Christian.
When the cartoon issue was around we did just that- a perspective from all thee major religions in a public forum rather than ranting around. We want to promote academic and responsible dialogue among cultures.
It’s time Muslims organise interfaith programs as the issue at hand will receive the needed attention and perspective if we are not always on the receiving end. Guyana is a rich mosaic of several cultures and religion. I proudly repeat this every where I go. Now for us to make that work in Guyana for God and not the devil. We recently did a volleyball match among Jews, Christians, Hindus and Muslims to raise funds for AIDS victims in Africa. How about Muslims organising something like this for AIDS patients in Georgetown? Interfaith doesn’t have to wait. Better yet on some political agenda and schedule. Start the seed of Abrahamic love today and you have a garden ready for the next generation to sow.
Mahatma Ghandi showed us that half a century ago and won the freedom of India through that undying love for all. Will we do something, for God’s sake? And stop bickering.
Canadian Muslims are not sitting on their laurels!
Many a times we get this wrong concept that money is falls from tree in North America. Man its ‘hard hard’ work. But yet Muslims like others don’t forget their own. Laparakan barrel-business is surely lucrative. Churches send regular containers. I have been sending clothes through one such church marked “Muslim Outreach”
I must say I was impressed with the CIOG support group in Canada. Look at some of the things they did recently:
• Sponsorship for 83 orphans and destitute children by Guyanese living in Canada.
• $25,000 from the 2006 Fundraising Dinner
• $30,000 from the 2006 Ramadan Zakaat collections
• Arrangements for 140 Qurbani shares through our partnership with the Muslim Welfare Centre
• 32 Barrels of clothes and other items, 10 computers, 15 wheelchairs and books.
• Construction of a Science Lab at the Enmore Islamic Academy, with the help from the North American Muslim Foundation.
• An outboard motor to the Imam at Hogg Island, with help from IMO.
• Support through our association with the Three Rivers Foundation for children who are sent to India for life saving heart operations.
In addition to the above, $30,000 worth of medical supplies were sent in 2005 to assist those who were affected by the floods.
HujjatulUlama is indeed grateful for the help they have received monetarily from Canada and books etc. But more can be done with proper organising especially among all the organisations reps; too much redundancy and duplication. I met Mr Robert Corbin recently in Toronto and one group is also getting help for children in Sophia. Now if we all put our resources together and have at least one viable program out there. A real model.
Any ideas?
Honor our Ulama
“Wise men do not get involved with words; are divers interested in the oysters’ shells or is itthe pearls they’re after?” Anonymous
Have you ever thought how we take our Imams for granted? We even are guilty of swearing them and slighting them. Well how about an event that honors Imams especially Ulama who have been serving Guyana selflessly fro the last decade or so. They too have hard times. They too need media attention. Rather they will say Oh we do this for Allah. But it’s our duty to avoid rather pointedly say it: only a hypocrite disgraces an Alim. Recently we did an appreciation lunch and shared some wards to long standing Imams in Toronto. It’s not an easy life juggling between two jobs. Home responsibilities and an secularist management where everyone hold the title of CEO. Try something different in Guyana and don’t wait to invite special Imams on the State House lawns only or your functions backyard. Do a grand breakfast when they are available, even if small, and let them know you care. Afteral they care about you and your Deen.
However, the pitiful plight engrossing the newly returned garduates, a majority of them, is living below the poverty line. Many a times, these graduates are working in for pittance unknown to most, in order to send their children to school and put food on the table. The Quran captures that reality unabashedly: “…the ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want. You know them by their special mark: They beg not importunately from all and sundry.” 2:273
You are but the lamp of a hearth, which has ever had things spiritual at heart! – Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal
Multimedia on Islam
Congrats to Shamal and Family for giving the Guyanese public a deep yet enetratining perspective on islam each week on TV. This is a project close to my heart. If you would recall we started this together years ago showing Harun Yahya videos on the roadsides, mosques halls and schools. Well done Shamal, way to go! Your contribution is most welcome. HujjatulUlama is one of the proud sponsors and you too could be. Just contact us.
Quote:
Scholars should endeavour to spreadknowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears.
~ The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.)
Why the big fuss on showing a move about our Prophet?
Why the big fuss on showing a move about our Prophet?
The Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, was not skeptical to picture-taking because he was camera-shy but He, owbp, wanted to establish the very key to Islam’s succession- never compromise the Uniqueness of God, called Tawheed in Arabic. Not even a revered Prophet, whose name is remembered almost equally with the mention of Allah within the sacred first creed Laa Ilaha Ilallaah MuhammdurRaasoolullah, could remotely be pictorialised lest the Messenger is worshipped and not the Lord of the Message.
With the challenge to educate a world that is accustomed to learning about other cultures through movie style presentations, this film, Muhammad the Last Prophet, like the earlier Message, have been careful not to depict the Prophet in form nor caricature and similarly some of his very close associates like the Four Caliphs, etc.
“His representation is dealt with through sound and cinematography. We experience his story through point of view shots and through other people's interactions with him.” Badr Corporation of USA contracted Rich Crest media to produce the film on Serah, which could be shown in an event like Ontario place where a movie is part of the package. This film was fist shown in Canada in a Square One cinema, in Mississauga and United Muslims have since then been a supporter of this creative but not UnIslamic initiative.
Al-Azhar University in Cairo was consulted before production began. The movie was approved on October 16th, 2002 by the Al-Azhar's Center for Islamic Research. In North America, the producers formed a film consulting team that included scholars such as Dr. Khalid Abou El Fadl (UCLA).
Respect for Holy prophet and His Companions have been maintained and the theme of the Message is delivered in a unique, mind-capturing form, which adds great value to the dissemination of Islam through modern technology without compromising the very spirit of the religion it dramatizes.
Habeeb Alli
The Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, was not skeptical to picture-taking because he was camera-shy but He, owbp, wanted to establish the very key to Islam’s succession- never compromise the Uniqueness of God, called Tawheed in Arabic. Not even a revered Prophet, whose name is remembered almost equally with the mention of Allah within the sacred first creed Laa Ilaha Ilallaah MuhammdurRaasoolullah, could remotely be pictorialised lest the Messenger is worshipped and not the Lord of the Message.
With the challenge to educate a world that is accustomed to learning about other cultures through movie style presentations, this film, Muhammad the Last Prophet, like the earlier Message, have been careful not to depict the Prophet in form nor caricature and similarly some of his very close associates like the Four Caliphs, etc.
“His representation is dealt with through sound and cinematography. We experience his story through point of view shots and through other people's interactions with him.” Badr Corporation of USA contracted Rich Crest media to produce the film on Serah, which could be shown in an event like Ontario place where a movie is part of the package. This film was fist shown in Canada in a Square One cinema, in Mississauga and United Muslims have since then been a supporter of this creative but not UnIslamic initiative.
Al-Azhar University in Cairo was consulted before production began. The movie was approved on October 16th, 2002 by the Al-Azhar's Center for Islamic Research. In North America, the producers formed a film consulting team that included scholars such as Dr. Khalid Abou El Fadl (UCLA).
Respect for Holy prophet and His Companions have been maintained and the theme of the Message is delivered in a unique, mind-capturing form, which adds great value to the dissemination of Islam through modern technology without compromising the very spirit of the religion it dramatizes.
Habeeb Alli
Sexuality and Faith: For A Better Fulfillment
Sexuality and Faith: For A Better Fulfillment
Your love lifts my soul from the body to the sky
And you lift me up out of the two worlds.
I want your sun to reach my raindrops,
So your heat can raise my soul upward like a cloud.
Rumi
Images of love making and sounds of heat-filled exchanges are splashed on screens more than from pages of Scriptures. Yet, sex is not the franchise of wicked pimps and the merchandise of insane harlots, running amok on Bollywood dance floors and spewing haram semen on lounge bars. The story of a naked Adam in company with a nude Eve is as much primordial as it is sacred reading of all our divine Books. Notwithstanding, married people are torn between these two oddities, it seems like, without much reference from Islamic sources, as to what should be the stand when sex and faith are jamming. Does sexual pleasure betray of a weakening Faith and/or should a strong faith exclude sexuality?
The sharing of passions, sexually, is the result of a connection between hearts and the sexual organs. It’s a natural thing. One should not be ashamed of it, and neither perplexed. Without sexual passions shared and moreover, shared in a responsible, deep-seated and satisfying way, one cannot hope to enjoy the greatest gift of life- cohabitation. Faith ensures that this element of intimacy is alive and kept sustained between the two consenting parties, in this case married and of humans of opposite sexes. The dynamics of sexuality isn’t to be reduced to mere meetings; simply the unions for procreation or fulfillment of marital duties. Just as food needs spices besides taste so does nocturnal relationships. Just as clothing needs style plus colors so too does conjugal relations. Just as Faith needs fanning of its dying embers so too does Love needs refueling of it’s depleting energy i.e. the rejuvenation of sexual encounters between rightful parties have to receive ominously from the quarters of love, passion, conversation, surprise, travels, retreats, erotica, entertainment, company, laughter, humor, lingerie, spontaneity, text messages, prayers, et al.
Let the Quran speak! 2:223 “Your wives are as a garden unto you; so approach your farms when or how you will…”
Foreplay is the gardener’s main job here. He digs up the soil, fertilizes it, waters the seeds and constantly overlooks the earth so flowers may spring. Imagine people are still stuck on whether to caress is fine; to kiss; to mutually enjoy sex orally; to practice fetish; to simply ruminate wild imaginations on the flesh of wet dreams or to touch one’s own genitalia for personal pleasures. These are acts that the verse above, without categorization or prohibition, calls hars- preparing your garden. Aisha, May Allah be pleased with her, reports that her husband, never mind being understandably older and religious, did not leave her sexual life high and dry. He, on whom be peace, ensured the carefulness towards a virgin, the spontaneity of a lover and the romance of a poet when he referred to her as a crystal! So they recited poetry together, ran races in laughter, bathed in the same bath tub out of sexual adventure and guarded each others secrets like true friendship demands.
The Books of Fiqh from olden times discussed in detail sexual acts without a blush! I once attended a Scared Sex workshop on World Religions and was impressed when the presenter finally came to Islam, he said: lastly, Islam, this religion has the best view- it’s an act of worship! Sex itself is an act of Ibada, for procreation or not. Abdullah ibn Abbas, ra, used to perfume his tent in preparation of his mate’s nightly encounter and considered this the greatest virtue- to please her! The Companions enjoyed multiple wives without the morning nagging.
The Quran reminds us, according to Al Gazalli, that when a man is in erection or a woman experiences orgasm, and by the way this is the most lacking Sunna among Muslim women today, the minds loses control. Q. 2:286 Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. According to the Da Vinci Code the Divine vision takes over in that brief moment of faintness. Therefore, ensure you do the best for each other sexually as such ecstasy breeds mysticism and definitely a security of marriage.
So let not Faith stand in the way of your sexuality, except, where precept clearly erects; like intercourse during menses as it’s painful or anal activity because it’s unhealthy or without matrimony as it produces illegitimate offspring and a tirade of jealousy.
Q: 2:187 “Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now have intercourse with them, and seek what Allah has ordained for you…”
Rather allow the sweet sensation to tingle longer on the soft emotions of love and ride deeper into the abyss of your inner happiness, while lying bare on the rocks of Eden.
Oh Allah I ask you of the good of it and seek your refuge from the evil of it.
Sh Habeeb Alli is a freelance writer. Questions on Love can be asked at www.allexperts.com under his name.
Your love lifts my soul from the body to the sky
And you lift me up out of the two worlds.
I want your sun to reach my raindrops,
So your heat can raise my soul upward like a cloud.
Rumi
Images of love making and sounds of heat-filled exchanges are splashed on screens more than from pages of Scriptures. Yet, sex is not the franchise of wicked pimps and the merchandise of insane harlots, running amok on Bollywood dance floors and spewing haram semen on lounge bars. The story of a naked Adam in company with a nude Eve is as much primordial as it is sacred reading of all our divine Books. Notwithstanding, married people are torn between these two oddities, it seems like, without much reference from Islamic sources, as to what should be the stand when sex and faith are jamming. Does sexual pleasure betray of a weakening Faith and/or should a strong faith exclude sexuality?
The sharing of passions, sexually, is the result of a connection between hearts and the sexual organs. It’s a natural thing. One should not be ashamed of it, and neither perplexed. Without sexual passions shared and moreover, shared in a responsible, deep-seated and satisfying way, one cannot hope to enjoy the greatest gift of life- cohabitation. Faith ensures that this element of intimacy is alive and kept sustained between the two consenting parties, in this case married and of humans of opposite sexes. The dynamics of sexuality isn’t to be reduced to mere meetings; simply the unions for procreation or fulfillment of marital duties. Just as food needs spices besides taste so does nocturnal relationships. Just as clothing needs style plus colors so too does conjugal relations. Just as Faith needs fanning of its dying embers so too does Love needs refueling of it’s depleting energy i.e. the rejuvenation of sexual encounters between rightful parties have to receive ominously from the quarters of love, passion, conversation, surprise, travels, retreats, erotica, entertainment, company, laughter, humor, lingerie, spontaneity, text messages, prayers, et al.
Let the Quran speak! 2:223 “Your wives are as a garden unto you; so approach your farms when or how you will…”
Foreplay is the gardener’s main job here. He digs up the soil, fertilizes it, waters the seeds and constantly overlooks the earth so flowers may spring. Imagine people are still stuck on whether to caress is fine; to kiss; to mutually enjoy sex orally; to practice fetish; to simply ruminate wild imaginations on the flesh of wet dreams or to touch one’s own genitalia for personal pleasures. These are acts that the verse above, without categorization or prohibition, calls hars- preparing your garden. Aisha, May Allah be pleased with her, reports that her husband, never mind being understandably older and religious, did not leave her sexual life high and dry. He, on whom be peace, ensured the carefulness towards a virgin, the spontaneity of a lover and the romance of a poet when he referred to her as a crystal! So they recited poetry together, ran races in laughter, bathed in the same bath tub out of sexual adventure and guarded each others secrets like true friendship demands.
The Books of Fiqh from olden times discussed in detail sexual acts without a blush! I once attended a Scared Sex workshop on World Religions and was impressed when the presenter finally came to Islam, he said: lastly, Islam, this religion has the best view- it’s an act of worship! Sex itself is an act of Ibada, for procreation or not. Abdullah ibn Abbas, ra, used to perfume his tent in preparation of his mate’s nightly encounter and considered this the greatest virtue- to please her! The Companions enjoyed multiple wives without the morning nagging.
The Quran reminds us, according to Al Gazalli, that when a man is in erection or a woman experiences orgasm, and by the way this is the most lacking Sunna among Muslim women today, the minds loses control. Q. 2:286 Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. According to the Da Vinci Code the Divine vision takes over in that brief moment of faintness. Therefore, ensure you do the best for each other sexually as such ecstasy breeds mysticism and definitely a security of marriage.
So let not Faith stand in the way of your sexuality, except, where precept clearly erects; like intercourse during menses as it’s painful or anal activity because it’s unhealthy or without matrimony as it produces illegitimate offspring and a tirade of jealousy.
Q: 2:187 “Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now have intercourse with them, and seek what Allah has ordained for you…”
Rather allow the sweet sensation to tingle longer on the soft emotions of love and ride deeper into the abyss of your inner happiness, while lying bare on the rocks of Eden.
Oh Allah I ask you of the good of it and seek your refuge from the evil of it.
Sh Habeeb Alli is a freelance writer. Questions on Love can be asked at www.allexperts.com under his name.
"Diaspora syndrome",
Dear Editor
In extending congratulations to the patriotic Guyanese living the "Diaspora syndrome", letter d. d 07.02.07 by Dave Martins, I would like to add my similar sentiments.
Repeatedly in my circles, in the fight against racism, I hear the concerted applause from people of different cultures congratulating Guyanese for their openness towards all Faiths. Well I would retort that we didn't get lectures on living in harmony: we had to and so we did.
I was attending a session on the Palestinian problem when a couple came up to me and added their compliments. They have lived away from Guyana for half of a century and yet overwhelmingly young in their love for the land of many races and vivid in their remembrance of respect for Guyanese diversity. Vic and Mel actually wanted to single out the fact that a Guyanese Muslim would be more predisposed to inclusiveness than people coming from a more monolithic Eastern culture.
For whether its the salt in the crabs or the colour in the sweet water, the single most defining education and the coveted discipline Guyana has imprinted upon her successful sons and daughters, is to be contented with little and make the most out of nothing. A smile always marks her proud face; her colourful flag upholds a remarkable height of achievement wherever her children set shore.
Let not this value be lost to our newer generations and let not the struggles of daily living overburden us to forget with love of God at our helm and Faith-in-our-values at the root, no one, just not anyone, can ever relieve us of this model position, i.e. to lead by a living example what it means to be multicultural, multi religious and multii racial. Anything otherwise was sheer manipulation.
As Malcolm X, rahmatullahi alihi, rightly said: "I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color."
Yours truly,
In extending congratulations to the patriotic Guyanese living the "Diaspora syndrome", letter d. d 07.02.07 by Dave Martins, I would like to add my similar sentiments.
Repeatedly in my circles, in the fight against racism, I hear the concerted applause from people of different cultures congratulating Guyanese for their openness towards all Faiths. Well I would retort that we didn't get lectures on living in harmony: we had to and so we did.
I was attending a session on the Palestinian problem when a couple came up to me and added their compliments. They have lived away from Guyana for half of a century and yet overwhelmingly young in their love for the land of many races and vivid in their remembrance of respect for Guyanese diversity. Vic and Mel actually wanted to single out the fact that a Guyanese Muslim would be more predisposed to inclusiveness than people coming from a more monolithic Eastern culture.
For whether its the salt in the crabs or the colour in the sweet water, the single most defining education and the coveted discipline Guyana has imprinted upon her successful sons and daughters, is to be contented with little and make the most out of nothing. A smile always marks her proud face; her colourful flag upholds a remarkable height of achievement wherever her children set shore.
Let not this value be lost to our newer generations and let not the struggles of daily living overburden us to forget with love of God at our helm and Faith-in-our-values at the root, no one, just not anyone, can ever relieve us of this model position, i.e. to lead by a living example what it means to be multicultural, multi religious and multii racial. Anything otherwise was sheer manipulation.
As Malcolm X, rahmatullahi alihi, rightly said: "I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color."
Yours truly,
Understanding Quranic statements
Now days some Muslims around the World are using Qur’anic verses to justify their actions, be it violent, hateful or other ways to demean humanity. It is a free world and we can not watch all actions of individuals. This is a small minority, but they have succeeded in causing enough damage to humanity and Islam. May God save us from them…Amen.
While a certain characteristic have been condemned here in these verses about the Israelites, the underlying principle of the Quran is this is a warning and a lesson for the very Believers of the Quran- the Muslims. Repeatedly they are condemned in the Quran for having bad characters- called Munafiqoon. Also while this verse may refer to a particular characteristic of the Israelites, that Allah found unfavorable, in the broader context of the Quranic principle of non discrimination and accommodating all nations and creeds, repeatedly the Quran announces the friendliness and courteous relationship Muslims and People of the Book must foster as well as enumerates their merits in several other verses. One such highly cherished sociological ethos from the Quran that the Prophet up kept was intermarriage and eating of kosher. If this was a generalization that enjoyed a unique disposition of hatred in the psyche of every Muslim then such a law wouldn’t have existed and such a concept as ‘children of Abraham’ would have been null and void. But it’s a reality that we have to look at the broader picture the Quran presents when dealing with the various strains of religions and their issues during the time of revelation.
While a certain characteristic have been condemned here in these verses about the Israelites, the underlying principle of the Quran is this is a warning and a lesson for the very Believers of the Quran- the Muslims. Repeatedly they are condemned in the Quran for having bad characters- called Munafiqoon. Also while this verse may refer to a particular characteristic of the Israelites, that Allah found unfavorable, in the broader context of the Quranic principle of non discrimination and accommodating all nations and creeds, repeatedly the Quran announces the friendliness and courteous relationship Muslims and People of the Book must foster as well as enumerates their merits in several other verses. One such highly cherished sociological ethos from the Quran that the Prophet up kept was intermarriage and eating of kosher. If this was a generalization that enjoyed a unique disposition of hatred in the psyche of every Muslim then such a law wouldn’t have existed and such a concept as ‘children of Abraham’ would have been null and void. But it’s a reality that we have to look at the broader picture the Quran presents when dealing with the various strains of religions and their issues during the time of revelation.
sponsor a well for poor students
Salam All
May Allah continue to bless you and grant you the best of health and wealth and further most endow you with the highest thrust of Iman and Closeness to the Lord of all the worlds!
In reflection I just wanted to suggest that while we serenade our summer pleasures with the spiritual menus of zikr and retreats, let us be reminded that this is the true living the urbanites of before enjoyed, which granted them longevity in age and firmness of bones and which welded relationships in this world and the Next.
As we enjoy the goodies and splash around the pools, let us also be reminded that our commitment to a green Earth is nothing less than our purpose as Trustees of Allah on earth.
But in the abundance of water still millions are thirsty. Those are not mere figures or abstract stats but they are living and feeling humans like our own daughters and brothers, those who cannot find a drink of water in the arid lands of Africa. Who have to walk for miles and hours unending, to get a bucket of water from the wells of Kenya. Who have to sacrifice school so that their babies may get a drink from the streams infested with crocodiles. Who have to see Faith stripped of its glory as they grapple between a surviving cup of water rather than having their thirst quench from People of Iman.
Brothers and Sisters- it’s this simple. You don't have to leave your lifestyle here or feel guilty for your luxury. No, you don’t have to fly to Africa and sit in a village with bony children and dying animals. All it takes is to request a relative, a friend, a family member, or just anyone who trust you to donate towards ONE well in Kenya for the price of CDN 1500.00. Being a reputable NGO who has visited Kenya recently and backed by no other than Imam Abdul Hai Patel’s visit last year, North American Muslim Foundation has partnered with a registered and reputable organization in Kenya to ensure a professional and securely documented execution of the project- Wells of Hope.
So far Muslims here have come forward to help dig 25 wells, Thank You so much, and with your little but important initiative you too could join this sadaqa jariya- this easy but lifetime reward of getting water, so people could drink, cook, wash, water their crops, feed their animals and make wudu for Salah. Wells as a matter of fact are dug in the masajid compound so you are saving their Iman too. When they come for the water that they make wudu and pray too! The wells serve about 2000 villagers and the reason for cost is the lands are arid so much so that the basins are drying up. You have to dig real deep.
Last Saturday the event at Weston Islamic Centre was a true success, where despite the small attendance, the sincerity of hearts beamed with generosity- money for sevens wells were raised and others are saying they want to do family fundraising during their family gatherings, etc.
You too could be the Mother Theresa and the Steven Lewis in our Community by making this small but positive move.
Just read this to them when they gather, or send it to your friends.
Whoever gives a drink of water to a thirsty person in this world Allah will give them a drink in the Next that will make them never thirsty again! Hadith
The guide to a good deed is rewarded the same like the doer, without either being deprived of their blessings. Hadith.
May Allah continue to bless you and grant you the best of health and wealth and further most endow you with the highest thrust of Iman and Closeness to the Lord of all the worlds!
In reflection I just wanted to suggest that while we serenade our summer pleasures with the spiritual menus of zikr and retreats, let us be reminded that this is the true living the urbanites of before enjoyed, which granted them longevity in age and firmness of bones and which welded relationships in this world and the Next.
As we enjoy the goodies and splash around the pools, let us also be reminded that our commitment to a green Earth is nothing less than our purpose as Trustees of Allah on earth.
But in the abundance of water still millions are thirsty. Those are not mere figures or abstract stats but they are living and feeling humans like our own daughters and brothers, those who cannot find a drink of water in the arid lands of Africa. Who have to walk for miles and hours unending, to get a bucket of water from the wells of Kenya. Who have to sacrifice school so that their babies may get a drink from the streams infested with crocodiles. Who have to see Faith stripped of its glory as they grapple between a surviving cup of water rather than having their thirst quench from People of Iman.
Brothers and Sisters- it’s this simple. You don't have to leave your lifestyle here or feel guilty for your luxury. No, you don’t have to fly to Africa and sit in a village with bony children and dying animals. All it takes is to request a relative, a friend, a family member, or just anyone who trust you to donate towards ONE well in Kenya for the price of CDN 1500.00. Being a reputable NGO who has visited Kenya recently and backed by no other than Imam Abdul Hai Patel’s visit last year, North American Muslim Foundation has partnered with a registered and reputable organization in Kenya to ensure a professional and securely documented execution of the project- Wells of Hope.
So far Muslims here have come forward to help dig 25 wells, Thank You so much, and with your little but important initiative you too could join this sadaqa jariya- this easy but lifetime reward of getting water, so people could drink, cook, wash, water their crops, feed their animals and make wudu for Salah. Wells as a matter of fact are dug in the masajid compound so you are saving their Iman too. When they come for the water that they make wudu and pray too! The wells serve about 2000 villagers and the reason for cost is the lands are arid so much so that the basins are drying up. You have to dig real deep.
Last Saturday the event at Weston Islamic Centre was a true success, where despite the small attendance, the sincerity of hearts beamed with generosity- money for sevens wells were raised and others are saying they want to do family fundraising during their family gatherings, etc.
You too could be the Mother Theresa and the Steven Lewis in our Community by making this small but positive move.
Just read this to them when they gather, or send it to your friends.
Whoever gives a drink of water to a thirsty person in this world Allah will give them a drink in the Next that will make them never thirsty again! Hadith
The guide to a good deed is rewarded the same like the doer, without either being deprived of their blessings. Hadith.
Three Sons Lost to Guyana
Three Sons Lost to Guyana
R.I.P
Habeeb Alli
Three brothers in Islam gone within a month
What’s wrong?
Under the Throne’s shade not so far flung
Yet the tragic lost, the unfulfilled dreams and endless tears
Why this lonely song?
Three youths to taken down
Nasir drowned while in the Path
Yusuf on the road doing His work
Farooq gone, notwithstanding, a kind stork
The Prophet’s claim not mine
Death by sickness; by accident; by target all the same
Let not man judge who was high and who is low
For it’s the same below
One traveled the East for the love of knowledge
Another left orphans while he served others
The third a guy who gave and gave
Fate so incalculable; isn’t it Faith alone that goes in any grave?
R.I.P
Habeeb Alli
Three brothers in Islam gone within a month
What’s wrong?
Under the Throne’s shade not so far flung
Yet the tragic lost, the unfulfilled dreams and endless tears
Why this lonely song?
Three youths to taken down
Nasir drowned while in the Path
Yusuf on the road doing His work
Farooq gone, notwithstanding, a kind stork
The Prophet’s claim not mine
Death by sickness; by accident; by target all the same
Let not man judge who was high and who is low
For it’s the same below
One traveled the East for the love of knowledge
Another left orphans while he served others
The third a guy who gave and gave
Fate so incalculable; isn’t it Faith alone that goes in any grave?
Poem on life
Stop and smell the roses
Try and sit on the grass
Eat some berries with your hands
Let the sun beat your bare back
Life is filled with the roller coaster things
Hearts hit hard like racers on the hill
School and work are twins fighting over one pillow
Parents are no easier than fashions' anorexia
But wake up to a thankful heart
Sleep over the kiss of friendliness
Skip the channels of conflicts
Enjoy a silent prayer from a highway rider, if you wish!
Habeeb
Try and sit on the grass
Eat some berries with your hands
Let the sun beat your bare back
Life is filled with the roller coaster things
Hearts hit hard like racers on the hill
School and work are twins fighting over one pillow
Parents are no easier than fashions' anorexia
But wake up to a thankful heart
Sleep over the kiss of friendliness
Skip the channels of conflicts
Enjoy a silent prayer from a highway rider, if you wish!
Habeeb
poem on black history
Overstand their sacrifices
Across seas into lands unheard
You lifted the mast of Faith
Whilst lowered in your grave of betrayal
But never mind as your martyrdom isn't history
Mamouth, Ben Solomon and others
Tubman and Elija selected to celebrate
But truly the endless numbers uncounted
On the stakes of sacrifice remain divinely rooted
Years have elapsed and so has your tears
But while covers are slipped over your written pains
The ocean where you are buried and the plains
Have since arisen to meet Heaven, though Massah still same.
Across seas into lands unheard
You lifted the mast of Faith
Whilst lowered in your grave of betrayal
But never mind as your martyrdom isn't history
Mamouth, Ben Solomon and others
Tubman and Elija selected to celebrate
But truly the endless numbers uncounted
On the stakes of sacrifice remain divinely rooted
Years have elapsed and so has your tears
But while covers are slipped over your written pains
The ocean where you are buried and the plains
Have since arisen to meet Heaven, though Massah still same.
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