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.)