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.