Tuesday, May 27, 2008

ensuring the law of the land is followed is totally Islamic

Dear Editor

In your recently published article in the Star on polygamy practiced in GTA the statement of certain religious leaders within the Muslim community needs to be qualified within the context of Canadian Muslims and as per se the Canadian Council of Imams. This council has actively existed and participated in the everyday politics of Canada since 1991, providing guidance for all layers of governance, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to the religious teachings of Islam, the obligation of following the law of the land and ensuring reasonable religious accommodation as constituted in our proud Charter of Rights and Freedom.

Muslims must realize that following the Canadian Law of marriage provides the very provision Islamic Law seeks i.e. protecting women, children and husband in the event of separation and of course during marriage. This Council has repeatedly made it known that it will only perform traditional ceremonies registered and approved by the Province. It has challenged any member who seeks to do otherwise and again call upon all leaders and followers to uphold the coveted laws of Canada that are especially based upon equity and belief in God.

To the surprise of many the elements of a civil marriage are the very primary factors of Nikah/Islamic marriage- consent, witnesses, dower; however in civil ceremonies the Faith of both parties remain a private affair. In having one's marriage performed in this legally licensed fashion provides the very essence of marriage- security and happiness.
Yours truly,

Independence Day: Gratitude and Reflection

Independence Day: Gratitude and Reflection



It is with deep gratitude for the Creator I stand here to day to share my message on behalf the Muslim Community of Guyana. I am honored for this opportunity.

Independence spells freedom for many who lived in bondage and slavery- colonial or post. But Guyana could not have achieved this 42 years ago without the six races standing shoulder to shoulder, ripping those chains with only tears, blood and sweat. The Quran reminds us aptly that such diversity is humanity’s indispensable trump card.

49:13 O Humanity! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other).

But what about recognizing our value as a spiritual nation? We saw the fruits of such when the ERC engaged us in a blitz on anti-racism prior to the last election.

Today let us reflect as our own Martin Carter did: All are consumed. Therefore we are each shepherds and in the words of Muhammad, each must take responsibility of his/ her flock, making Guyana not only the only English speaking country in South America but also the only peaceful, spiritual and safe State in this hemisphere.

And God Willing, Inshallah, we can.

Thank You

Events

Canadian Council of Imams held first development seminars

Knowledge sharing and professional training are no strangers to Imams. That’s what they do. However, finding the time off to attend an Imam’s development workshop, where you are now the listener that could be a challenge.

On May 19th 2008 twenty Imams attended a half day professional training workshop hosted by the Council itself, headed by Hamid Slimi at the Bosnian Islamic Centre, downtown Toronto.

Among the presenters were lawyer Irfan Syed who dealt with Canadian Laws and common issues; Nyla Hassan spoke on the importance of communicating through appropriate self imaging; accountant Qamar Sadiq provided crucial information on taxes while Nazim Baksh explored the sorely crucial area of media interviews. The IttihaadCapital team presented on their version of investing in ethical funds in Canada.

Attendees felt this was indeed an eye-opening event and wish more workshops are planned especially in the area of social work and public speaking.

The Chair thanked everyone, and specifically the Masjid management for hosting all with a sumptuous Bosnian cuisine. More of these workshops are slated as Imams need to operate within the Canadian context and knowledge shared is never too much. The JamiatulUlama, the body of local Islamic scholars, also supported this event.


Islamic Foundation opens its doors for Toronto, again

Affording the tickets to some of Toronto’s exotic destinations could be out of reach for some. And then the phobia in entering certain sacred spaces complicates it further. Well that should no longer be, at least per year. For the last nine years this wonderful Turkish architecture at Markham and Nugget has earned a reputation of being a must stop for those venturing out on a warm Open Doors weekend.

Visitors toured the various sections of the mosques, received refreshments and literature about complex and the religion it represents. Moreso a special session in the public library accommodates the many questions Canadians may wish to settle. Educated presenters dealt alternately throughout the Saturday and Sunday with issues as simple as the meaning of the prayers to complex matters like polygamy.

This conversation has to continue among Muslims with more open doors outside Toronto Open Doors.





NAMF walkathon a small success despite the rain
Last Saturday the weather was not cooperating like most would say for this long Victoria weekend.
However, this did not deter the signed up walkers for NAMF Walkathon 2008 in aid of orphans around the world, including Guyana. The thirty odd walkers started from Scarborough Civic Centre at 10:00 am and ended up at Midland and Finch 11:30 am, doing the 6 km comfortably in the cool of the after rain morning. Many did not want to brave the weather but youths and adults alike joined to make the premiere event a success. The twenty three hundred dollars raised will go towards the orphan sponsorship program, says the Director of North American Muslim Foundation, Mr. Farouk Khan. Among the walkers was Aliya Khan, originally from Guyana and her friends of varied backgrounds. With free t-shirts, popeyes and hand bands plus happy going colleagues she says they are bound to be back next time, bigger and better. “The run was fun, compelling and inspirational”, says Aliya. “It was great to see high school students getting involved in such a great cause since we are expected to spend our Saturday mornings sleeping in! It was a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, knowing your spreading awareness about orphan sponsorship, not only an Islamic, but World Wide crisis,” she added.

Muslims host seminar on Muslim inmates

Mothers cry. Families distressed. Imams try. Why so many youths in the prison system? And how do they receive basic spiritual care?

Mothers concerned about their sons imprisoned and unable to receive basic Muslims chaplaincy services convened at the West Mall Community Centre, Etobicoke, recently, May 1st to discuss this issue with their local MP and Muslim Leaders.

Basically the community needs to collaborate in providing preventative programs in the community, making their mosques more active. At the same time inmates desperately need qualified Muslim chaplains. The Canadian Council of Imams and the Muslim Children AID Society have committed themselves to continue this important pursuance.

Allowing the free spirit to enter Jumua

Let not the tardiness of a partner be your pain
Allow the whispers of spring to touch your hair
Let divine solace be more important than olay
So like the moth on the candle light you'll each other desire

For many have listened to old man sea
Unpouring into wine glasses memories
Many relish the dinner and candlelights
But love is a journey of commitments that turns and turns

When not in the mood don't pretend
When making amends be sincere
For with every caution to the wind
Tauba is more essential than air or a nice jacket
www.imamhabeeb.com

Absence yet present

You are so talented

You raise my hopes
with words scented of lovely things
With your heart like carnation

You have indulged the aura
beyond understanding

Why make yourself tired
At the feet of longing

When you can sit by the river bankof fulfillment
And be carried on the palaquin of butterflies and birds
conversing, carressing
the frog questions the rain
Why do you keep away
The rain absorbed in her misty thoughts
Replied for with union
the magic may be unbelievable.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Green Muslims

Islamic Foundation receives award for joining the greening spaces program thanks to the youths
I drive by these days seeing David Suzuki lying under a bus seat with a huge glue-gun and an even huger smile and I say ‘what a guy!’ Well who isn’t inspired by this father of the greenies? Last Saturday, April 12th 2008, I was even more inspired and so over 150 others at the U of T by the eloquent, erudite and committed Fr. Giorgio Di Ciccco as he cared for these attentive flowers in his garden of Ecology of the Heart, during his opening key note speech.

Hosted by Faith and the Common Good environmental organization, this one day "Greening Sacred Spaces Forum" afforded, easily, the various faith leaders and concerned citizens, from both urban and rural GTA, great motivation and insight to make their places of worship energy efficient and in turn for them to join the movement of saving our God-given planet.

Fr. Di Cicco, author of twenty odd books, including Municipal Mind, reminded the attendees that we are not independent of each other but dependent and therefore it's our loving duty to save the earth.
Among the workshops offered were: how to get funding for greening one's holy sanctuary, understanding the concept of spirituality in the eco-movement, renewable energy, organic gardening, sealing old roofs, green interior decor, etc
No doubt our duty to saving this planet goes way beyond walking to work and eating organic. It rather includes important questions about carbon emissions and globalization, legislation and education. But with single drop after drop an ocean is built and as we say in Guyana “one-one duty ah build dam”- it takes one brick at a time to construct a highway.
As Dr Ted Reeve, Director for this non profit organization aptly puts it: “To engage in the radical discipline of seeing deep beauty in changing seasons, the love in people’s faces, each interdependent element of creation, is to walk differently in the world. I find this profoundly challenging as I rush from one To Do, to the next. Yet, when I remember to focus on beauty my attitude shifts and I engage the world in a more loving way.”
Among the places of worship recognized for doing something positive about greening their space was the United Church of Parkdale and Islamic Foundation, Toronto.

As Muslims we are already chosen to help for Allah called humans Khalifa- one who succeeds and inherits and one who ensures that the heirloom remains safe and intact in order to pass it to the next in line.

Greening sacred spaces

Youth Tarbiya Workshops struggles to help
On Saturday, April 12th, youths and parents gathered again at the Salahuddin Mosque’s gym to enjoy a workshop, basketball and good food.

Auliya AbdRahman and Shirene Khan took up this initiative in January 2008 and have been pounding at it alone but increased vigor. Since the Aqsa Pervez trajedy a few workshops were done including the Young Muslims doing one in Sauga in January, one on sexuality in Waterloo Masjid in March and the opening of 1-866-NASEEHA hotline to help youths in trouble.
This workshop series is monthly and cost a minimal $10.00, attended mostly by public school students and accompanied by their concerned parents on a Saturday evening. The last program had Ibrahim Hindy talking about friends and their influence. This time Abu Shahada reminded the kids about the evil of drugs and Shaikh Habeeb inspired them on stopping bullyism- helping the bullied and bully.

Parents continue to be alarmed about the safety of their children as they spend most of their lives in public domains that are continuously challenged morally and security-wise. We have a responsibility to not only feed, clothe and shelter them but to educate and spiritualize them with proper protections and self dignity- says Shireen the main architect and a single mother herself. How good has this been? Mohamed Patel believes this is real “cool” as you learn and have fun in safe place with lots of good food! Next time is pizza!

Youths vying in speech

Amazing speeches and empowered youths- another NAMF success story


On Saturday, April 5th, 2008, the seventh annual NAMF speech competition and Fundraising dinner was held. It was a resounding success! The topic this year was: 'Is the media the primary cause of youth violence in Canadian society?' Students were invited from more than 100 public and private schools across the GTA.
While the preliminary did not happen due to insufficient applicants, the finals saw nine enthusiastic speakers vying for the three top prizes: laptops, Psps and Mp3 players respectively. The judges described the competition as “tight”, with each participant doing their very best to win one of the popular prizes. The presentation showed individuality, sincerity, careful research, and distinct points of view. All were well delivered.
The caliber of presentations was excellent and every speaker deserved to win. The judges were Mr. Nadeem Memon, a PhD candidate at OISIE/UFT, who teaches at Centennial College; Mr. Omar Zia, who holds a Masters in Education and teaches in the Peel District School System and Mr. Mark Persaud a lawyer and community leader.
In the primary category (grades 6 to 8) the first prize went to Daniya Muhammadi. Rehan Khan topped the secondary school category. In attendance was the honorable Minister of Labor of Ontario, Mr. Brad Duguid. He applauded the efforts of the ‘nervously seated’ students and emphasized the value of competitive challenges, like this one, as it marks a bright future for Canadians, an issue he is dearly committed to.
Pride was evident on the faces of many parents and supporters. At the intermission NAMF Islamic Academy presented a wonderful choral recitation.
Funds raised at the dinner will go towards NAMF’s new building. Special thanks to all the donors and our generous sponsors Alimas Roti, Deen Pharmacy and Scouts Canada.
An educator attending with her family commented: ‘NAMF must be commended for providing this valuable educational opportunity for youths. Events like this develop communication skills in young people and give them an opportunity to express themselves freely. This goes beyond ordinary classroom instruction and actively involves students in creating a better world.’

Brother Ashraf from IMO, a former popular venue of this event, said: We definitely need to encourage our young ones as Ilm is power and the vibrancy to deliver it is a skill; indeed events like this will nurture deliverance and will be of great encouragement for our young ones and greatest of pleasure for parents!

Toronto Muslim science

Toronto’s First Muslim Science Centre opens to the public.

Last Sunday, April 6th 2008, I took my kids to attend an intriguing workshop on purifying water in our world that is slowly depleting its bare 1% drinking water.

These were volunteers from Engineers without Borders demonstrating their skills to young children and parents sat in. These UFT students are traveling around the country ensuring children understand the issues other poorer children are faced with in acquiring technology to purify their mostly unfiltered water and many times contaminated. Fatiha partnered with these young volunteers to provide this workshop to the Muslim community free of charge.

Having a unique alternative to an indigestion of spiritually impoverished media was Fatiha's Foundation founding three directors concern in 2004. This worry became the brainchild of the now daily functioning Muslim Science Centre in the vicinity of Islamic Foundation, Toronto.
For a real minimum fee children can play with intricate science games, build new things, paint and play games after school and weekends. The challenge is the get parents on board as the community is either accustomed to leaving their kids unsupervised after school in front the 'box' or believe spending their evenings at the maktab without play is the only way out. This centre affords a rounded leisure time- education, play and Islam.

With workshops such as poetry, science and seera slated it is bound to be a success.
To open the door to traditional, inclusive and affordable education system in North America is the http://www.fatiha.ca/ccc mission statement, what about yours?

Guyanese Muslim business woman shortlisted for awards

If you are a regular patron of the Guyana Festival then rest assured you have seen her. For over fifteen years this proud Guyanese business woman has decorated the corridors of Guyanese culture in Toronto with her signature Twins Products. But is Razia Khan all about “West Indian” business?

Visible in every fundraising dinner, cultural event, interfaith prayer, business meeting and religious function Razia has raised the hopes of Guyanese Diaspora that “a successful mother, entrepreneur and social activist” can all be served in the same plate.

Having arrived in Canada in 1979, she worked in the Financial Industry for over 12 years, before starting her own business. During that trying period she also found time to successfully complete her Business Studies at Seneca College.

Being a mother of one loving son, who demands more of her attention than usual, and having taken care of others during her early years in Canada, Razia remained steadfast to her business ideals and community involvement.

I think she makes an excellent choice, among the many other successful Guyanese business women in Toronto, in being awarded the Guyana 2008 Award and Mrs. Khan’s contribution, both morally and financially, bear witness to this.

The three factors that make a person great- self sacrifice, moral excellence and being a true role model are found easily within this charismatic daughter of Guyana. Many times people are successful in their newly adopted home but do not return to their home country. Razia has repeatedly returned to Guyana, despite the challenges, to share her prosperity and has been an enormous pillar of support for many charitable causes, both religious and humanitarian in nature.

Wealth and success many times engage the recipient in heady immoral indulgences, making little room for self dignity. With the attested character of Razia among her peers and competitors alike, she has stood tall in her field- building a business of ‘pharmaceuticals produced in Guyana’. She has not only kept it original, but inasmuch as lived a healthy spiritual life, clean as running water. Recently, she was applauded in the mosque for her personal commitment over the years both financially and morally. The associates at Three Rivers Foundation and CIOG have equally the same compliments and so too her many customers and co-workers.

Sparkling always in attire and radiant in countenance, this leader among Guyanese business women in North America has inspired many, parents and children alike, to be that caring mother, astute entrepreneur and steadfast spiritualist, no matter how tough the tide gets and lonely the road turns. A child remarked fondly when asked about ‘Auntie Razi’: “She makes me feel special every time I’m with her. I think I want to be corporate Razia when I grow up!”

Bite that halal Nandos in Vaughn

Nandos chicken is the bite you can’t resist. Habeeb Alli

Out with the family or just hanging out with friends but you really want a yummy quick bite yet it must be in an exquisite setting and it has to be halal. Well look no further. Nandos is here to your rescue. Where? Not a better joint than buzzing high end Vaughan? Nandos is originally a marriage of Portuguese and South African recipes and specifically a rich entertainment of spicy grilled chicken marinated with the Cape's best ingredients and done by some Toronto's super chefs. A walk into this newly established chicken joint transforms you into a hype world of aroma, art, ambience and cozy wooden furniture that is neither Victorian nor African. It's modern and relaxing yet celebrates culture and youth in an intricate mix of Nando's spices and Nando's halal right cut pieces. Be it a family combo or a single bite, be it catering for the office lunch or a fundraising dinner Nabeel, Naeem and Mohmmad have it all figured out at unbeatable prices. I know you will say well chicken is chicken and halal fast foods are aplenty elsewhere but not this type, Bro! As for Halal the company has a certificate and is willing to give you the free grand tour, any time! Talk about juicy Flame Grilled Chicken, Kebabs, Wings & Sandwiches marinated in their slow over night process of spices and the smiles of great hospitality just at the intersection of Highway 7 and Weston, 7887 Weston Road. Talking is not eating! www.nandoschicken.com 905 850 9599

Take this article and receive a free quarter chicken.

Travelling to Guyana and the Caribbean

Guyana and the Dawa: Struggling between Sunna and Commonsense

It has been awhile. But with absence the new become richer and the old looks matured. With the lapse of time wisdom grows upon you and life seems be that still picture just brought out of the attic. Yet for many it’s not the sea and the winds mating. It’s not wisdom and growth dawning upon a voyager. The seasons seem to stop breathing. Frozen in the oasis of ancient myths and archaic thoughts, you can’t help but see the contrast of cows still wandering on the road and the massive Floridian style houses competing for the passersby.

And the question is: has the Dawa improved in Guyana? Apart from the struggles of daily survival are people moving on? Or do the issues of what is Sunna and what is acceptable Islamically still haunting new comers and old hardened workers?

Multimedia
Thanks Guyana. I have bowed to your humble legacy and waned in front of the stalwarts who remained steadfast on the Dawa despite the odds. I saw the magical technological superlative underscore a wonderful Third World achievement, rarely seen in North America- the Zamals TV presentation rallying another year without fail. Vying for quality time and qualitative production these series are the wonder-struck of CNN’s and BBC’s enviers. From the humble undertakings, when equipments were transported to roadsides and rickety mosques across the country, in order to bring a multi media dimension to the Dawa, to a day people of all walks of lives enjoy in their living rooms food for thought and menu for the soul without a cent. Of course nothing is for free and it’s time those mosques and loud Muslims in Guyana donate towards a striving neutral and well managed Multi Media fund. Harun Yahya is one man who has excelled in this field and with many trying to reach others in their domain there is no such a means readily available and better equipped than the Zamals team- The producers of this newsletter for the past ten years, just for your information. So, Hats off to common sense presenting Sunna in its beatific and magical mind blowing angle.

Islamic Schools
I saw the Islamic schools and became even more humbled as students continue to sacrifice-whether residential or day school- in the way reminiscent of Sahaba. Except the People of the Past did not have to measure quality and discipline. They were the yardstick by which all are measured. Struggling for funds, the right type of teachers will never be sought. Islamic education is private enterprise except it may have the community’s backing and a not for profit mandate. Vying for these teaching positions are well paying private institutions mission as much as the foreign lure aren’t hidden factors. Why not become student friendly by investing in qualified teachers? Why it has to be the management and their proclivities? Schools and Educational systems aren’t about us who have graduated and now hold the torch, despite how much unwanted or ill equipped for it. The Prophet, on whom be peace, when he prayed for the wellness and prosperity of the teachers of goodness he verily included Islamic and academic studies, as much as he included those with good manners and intentions and those who are just there for the pay. In a time when religion doesn’t carry prestige and pay no one can cast aspersions on the sincerity of any- after all in Miskatul Masaabih we are told not question the sincerity of the Believers.


I saw the fruits of sacrifice and financial freedom in Trinidad. Not only schools are blossoming but relief work has now entered the domain, thanks to people like Zainol Ali who has been a dear friend of Guyana since the 60’s. Now graduates are not always able to find a job, well paid in an institution or marry into a wealthy family. Shouldn’t graduates of Islam, knowing what donations were invested into their education, develop opportunities in the other fields and small town places? Where are the scholars who are writing, making media presentations, pursuing relief work, teaching adults, seeking to Khutba in the villages, developing children maktab in areas that are new, preparing students to do Dawa, etc.? Where are the Imams during interfaith dialogues and Islamophobic onslaughts? Where are those who attend the sick and socialize with the ordinary? Those who will attend the functions of the Muslims and not scorn their halal food and shun their women?

Islamic Finance
I saw in Barbados the sweetness of a now blossoming department of Islam- Islamic finance. The thirst to know and develop alternative systems in the interest based economies that are interest free and Sharia compliant has appeared in Trinidad credit unions years ago. Now Barbados, that wealth of off shore banking, seeks to implement a package that caters for a generation who wants to own a house but without the Quranic banned mortgages. 2:275 Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Evil one by his touch Hath driven to madness. That is because they say: "Trade is like usury," but Allah hath permitted trade and forbidden usury.
Thank Allah this concept is what we have championed in Canada for the last four years and its now bearing fruits with thousands wanting interest free loans. Guyana has had this conversation since in the 8o’s and it’s time some independent business people see the light in this 1 trillion-dollar-growing industry and create also an independent Sharia board with help from outside.

Tolerance
I can’t understand how a country blessed with resources beyond gold and bauxite still cannot tolerate each other. Racial discrimination is not a Guyanese heritage. We have always lived, married, mixed and enjoyed six races and four religions. As one brother Omar said to me at the now rebuilding Queenstown Masjid site: even after any tension we still jump in the same mini bus and enjoy the ride! Well I have always said that our interfaith and inter ethnic relations have not been a product of lectures and intellectual exchanges but a destiny that brought us together through colonialism and by expediency we have evolved this social paradigm to become the pride of the world.

What makes it worse is when Muslims fight. Difference of opinion is well and good. The Prophet, on whom be peace, calls differing on points a matter of mercy and fighting down each other to the extent that some are in court, some don’t speak to each other or give salaams and worse yet others accuse each other. Tears and more tears can only be the response to such pathetic situation. Dua is the night, Dua anytime but with a bleeding heart and pleading tongue may be our last resort. Dua is indeed the crux of the matter for the Believers.

It’s haraam not to speak to your brother for more than three days. As leaders and Muslims we have to be qudwa- models of charisma and understanding. Children imitate their parents 70% of the time- so how about their teachers and Imams whose job is to be imitated and followed? 25:74 And those who pray, "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."

Fatwa slinging
I met with the brothers going out in Jamat. It’s such a sweet experience, nostalgic and life altering. With years in the movement, you just can’t escape the thrills and pitfalls when seeking spiritual things. A nice advice would be ‘not to have many friends’. When the Prophet of Allah signaled this important sociological fundamental he was neither Voltaire nor Ibn Khaldun. He just knew that friends shape your religious beliefs and determine your religiosity, and the more you have the more confused you can become. These days it so easy for every one to load their fatwa’s, experiences and personal touch of spirituality on any willing listener, that the contradictions of religion becomes like daylight in that person’s life. Can you imagine someone not knowing the difference between halal and haraam, Sunna and jaiz yet they pronounce themselves mothers of the believers, too quick to dish out judgments instead of well-intentioned advices? I always remember my teacher Abul Hassan Nadvi saying only if your advise was sought for, was sincere and of course based upon sound Islamic evidences will it have an effect on anyone.

Aisha radiallahu anha had a doll and as such having a doll, with eyes or not, has always been an accepted Islamic practice. Having access to one’s family is a human right so common sense and Sunna aught to be mates. I saw the smiles of young girls turned adults that only yesterday the mysteries of love and womanhood were laughed at like any Hanna Montana show. Now they have taken on the turn of stewardship. I pray, that with support and knowledge, with taqwa and Dawa they too will realize the responsibility of Islam and family is more than imitation of some scholars of a certain country alien to Guyana’s context. One of the rules of fatwa is the local Ulama must be asked before the question is asked abroad. When Muaaz, ra, was sent as an emissary and teacher to the Yemenites he was reminded that he must rule by the Quran, then the Sunna and then by his opinion based upon his knowledge of the aforementioned two principles. Sound judgment based upon one’s solid information in the Sharia and within the context is so important. It’s called rai or ijtihad and it’s like grounded common sense out of a host of possible nonsensical allusions on any subject. But where are those accessible scholars? A hotline hosted by a body of Ulama would do Guyana great justice as a hotline to help distressed people is always a lifeline. 16:43 And before thee also the apostles We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if ye realize this not, ask of those who possess the Message.

Students care
Prices rising. Insecurity much evident in the early close ups and vigilant bar-ups. But with the power of Iman and the power of good neighborly actions anything of fear becomes phobia. The hospitality of a nation marks the prosperity of its people. Wherever one goes the culture of generosity highlights our people like a shadow of pious angels. Why not explore this sense of community and kindness not for personal glory and lifetime enrichment but for taking care of students in poverty? By now each student should have been entrusted with a family to take care of their meals, computer needs, medical help and financial assistance. Omar bin Khatttab used to exchange days with his partner in order to learn Islamic knowledge. And the Ashab Suffa were residential students, whose needs were met from the families of Madina. The immigrants of Mecca were paired with the helpers of Medina- the haves and have nots in Guyana can easily bridge this gap with partnering social system.

At least this will create camaraderie of family and society into the lives of boys and now girls who are estranged from these important aspects of life while stowed away in seminary. Don’t get me wrong. Living in the environment of Deen is important. We are the products of the environment. Look at the beautiful sunshine weather of Guyana and you see smiles. So I know about the dynamics of a good, strong environment but I also know of the detriments of not being to live with the opposite sex in a self responsible way and having to find yourself after being cut off from family and friends. There is nothing wrong in taking leads from Scholars. But this is no Islamic tradition to always strike up a conversation or end it for that matter with what ‘my Shaikh says’.

All are consumed
Guyana has always been the seat of Islam, knowledge and common sense. Our ancestors were Muslims and strong ones for that matter. They did not come yesterday from India and arrived the other day from Saudi Arabia but have blessed our lands since before the arrival of the black slaves. Yes they came before Columbus- to quote one of the sons of Guyana- Dr Van Sertima, the Oxford Anthropologist. While the see-saw of traditional understanding Islam and modern interpretations will continue to sway and while the pendulum of who will control the institutions and whose students are more learnt will continue to swing, let us not loose focus on the road of a progressive Dawa- that all are consumed, all must be loved and respected and all must be paid their due as every morsel food donated, every drop of blood spilled and every tear shed will be counted like mountains on the Day of Judgment. 99:7 Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!

I saw the miracle of life- the cycle of karma. What you sow is what you reap. 18:30 As to those who believe and work righteousness, verily We shall not suffer to perish the reward of any who do a (single) righteous deed. The Berbice DarulUloom and Secondary School building was named Khalid Complex- my insistence as a mark of remembrance for the great sacrifice brother Khalid Khan has made for Islam in Guyana and a recollection for his tragic yet spiritual death on his way to build Lethem Masjid sis years ago. I saw Khalid’s’ two children, now grown, learnt and married teaching in this same institution. The fruits of his labour and the place where those fruits are recognized have married into the meaningfulness of whatever you give back Allah will surely make it worthwhile. 6:160 He that doeth good shall have ten times as much to his credit: He that doeth evil shall only be recompensed according to his evil: no wrong shall be done unto (any of) them.

Salam Alaikum
So keep running my sisters and brothers like the rapids of Kaieteur, you will make it and like the works of many others of whom I have not mentioned and but for whose works and time I have great respect and love for- with the foundations of love and less figure pointing the Dawa in Guyana will fall from struggling and become the blossom of Allah’s divine scheme.

Guyanese Muslims rasie funds for wells in Kenya in Ottawa

Who comes out for a dinner and fundraiser on a Sunday night? And better yet in still-melting-snow-decorated Ottawa? Well lots of good hearted people do and last night, April 13th, at the Host Indian Cuisine Restaurant almost 150 gathered from among varied backgrounds to listen the inspirations of Prophet Muhammad from the vibrant and erudite Imam Dr. Zijad Deklic, who turned out to be a great singer and effective fundraiser among other things he does at the Canadian Islamic Congress.

Decked in their studded camaraderie of sorts and held by the aura of family bonds and country these Ottawa citizens showed their commitment to community and faith as they dined and listened, socialized and smiled at the various presentations and singing.

The Guyanese-Caribbean Muslim Association did it again, an annual feat in remembering the Holy Prophet and donating towards the Wells of Hope in Kenya through the North American Muslim Foundation. Habeeb Alli explained during the fundraising that these four wells will add to the already thirty to enable suffering Muslims in Gharissa, Kenya. One well, at $1500.00, provides for almost 2000 in a village along with their crops and animals besides the wells provide wudu water for the host mosque.

The silent auction also added value to this event held for almost twenty years annually and as the CCMA President Shireen Khan rightly said: "It's is part of our mandate to help others and the Guyanese Muslim community is often singled out for this, however, we are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed as that is what makes us distinguished- we embrace people as people and that is the crux of Faith."