Interfaith at UFT
If you haven’t met Fr. Terry Gallagher you have missed almost half of your life of warmth and true respect for Islam from a practicing Christian. This Ramadan he hosted the youth council at UFT Multi Faith Centre, Toronto. This was in collaboration with the Scarborro Missions. Earlier this summer one of their outstanding reverends, David Warren spoke at dinner with Dr Munir El Kassem on poverty and what Jesus would have done about it at NAMF.
While the Muslim presence was near absent the UFT conference, read Ramadan blues and not being on a school day, the discussions centered around how youths can make a difference through their spirituality and social activism. What is respect; love and spirituality were among the topics discussed.
Over and over again we are told about the importance of joining hands in combating social problems. We are invited repeatedly to lend support on interfaith initiatives. But how many times we ourselves are the organizers of such events? Before Ramadan a debate was organized at North America Muslim foundation convention hall where Jonathan Kay front the National Post and Dr David Liepert from Calgary challenged each other on freedom of speech versus freedom of religion. The audience was definitely a mixture of religious backgrounds. The session ended respectfully with lots of Q/A thanks to the Faith of Life network support. More of these sessions are definitely needed. As a matter of fact a session of elections and what it will do for Muslims in Canada is much needed.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Ramadan’s Ranting: Reflections around September 2008
Ramadan’s Ranting: Reflections around September 2008
Allow me to greet our world of good citizens and spiritual revelers a special Ramadan happiness. As we watch the world, again, unravel their layers of spiritual energy, I just want to reflect on some lessons. With Obamania bouncing around us it behooves the spirit to really take this quick teaspoon of "hope-filling" medicine. After 9/11 the world definitely hasn't been the same. And with all the despair, wars, disasters, racism, economic woes and everything else that spells doom encircle us, a thrust for hope and faith make the best appeal. Ramadan gives us too that hope after a year long, and for some, more, of wallowing in sins, despairing of God's mercy and forgiveness. Can we see ourselves rejoicing in the same spirit though? Also the passing way of two important figures in the religious world recently in the West tells me that good and progressive scholars are so valuable; I still think the zealots and narrow-minded leaders can't get the same value, regardless of how much they shout. Imam WarithDeen from the States shouldered the legacy of the Nation Of Islam from his father Elija Muhammed with an astute scholarship and dedicated and wise endurance that he changed the landscape of America from a black racist movement into a mainstream all embracing social order. He will be missed.
Moulana Shafee Akalwaya from Trinidad died in Tortula after a heart attack and will be remembered for his tireless years around the Latin America and the Caribbean. He brought joy and rejuvenation to the millions he touched throughout his long years here. He has left those smiles still behind. And so too will your soul receive grace as you prepare in this sojourn all the good things Ramadan and otherwise bring with it.
Fortunate for us in Canada we do enjoy a plethora of Scholars locally who are quite erudite and also visits of special experts from overseas. One such eminent teacher is ShaikhulHadith at DarulUloom Deoband, India, Mufti Saeed Planpuri, who was, as usual, was quite inspiring and deeply relevant. Lastly Open Air Iftar at the Nathan Philips Square, Toronto recently taught us, and proudly so, that respect for religion is ingrained in our genes. We gave a day for our religious community and enjoyed each other's presentations and food, while making the world feel warmer and safer. This is the second year the TARIC Mosque is putting on this free public spirited event where all are welcome.
So with lots of new places bouncing back and Taraweeh buzzing the air, including some young local Hafiz the prospect of a spiritual growth in Toronto is quite promising. Yes our mosques projects are still demanding, in total, for all the unfinished work, almost 23M. Generosity is one thing and knowing this is Allah’s house and He will take care of it is another.
Yes, our prayers have been answered. Safe and happy is what life should be. After Ramadan is Eid- the time to rejoice at the harvest of good deeds and self sacrifice. Well with the loads of Eid dinner in the planning, and rightly so, we will still relish the taste of samosas and biryani but savored with the self edification that it’s after a day’s hunger, rather a month of hard work. May it be good and easy and may the starving ones and helpless ones never be deprived from our charity and love.
Allow me to greet our world of good citizens and spiritual revelers a special Ramadan happiness. As we watch the world, again, unravel their layers of spiritual energy, I just want to reflect on some lessons. With Obamania bouncing around us it behooves the spirit to really take this quick teaspoon of "hope-filling" medicine. After 9/11 the world definitely hasn't been the same. And with all the despair, wars, disasters, racism, economic woes and everything else that spells doom encircle us, a thrust for hope and faith make the best appeal. Ramadan gives us too that hope after a year long, and for some, more, of wallowing in sins, despairing of God's mercy and forgiveness. Can we see ourselves rejoicing in the same spirit though? Also the passing way of two important figures in the religious world recently in the West tells me that good and progressive scholars are so valuable; I still think the zealots and narrow-minded leaders can't get the same value, regardless of how much they shout. Imam WarithDeen from the States shouldered the legacy of the Nation Of Islam from his father Elija Muhammed with an astute scholarship and dedicated and wise endurance that he changed the landscape of America from a black racist movement into a mainstream all embracing social order. He will be missed.
Moulana Shafee Akalwaya from Trinidad died in Tortula after a heart attack and will be remembered for his tireless years around the Latin America and the Caribbean. He brought joy and rejuvenation to the millions he touched throughout his long years here. He has left those smiles still behind. And so too will your soul receive grace as you prepare in this sojourn all the good things Ramadan and otherwise bring with it.
Fortunate for us in Canada we do enjoy a plethora of Scholars locally who are quite erudite and also visits of special experts from overseas. One such eminent teacher is ShaikhulHadith at DarulUloom Deoband, India, Mufti Saeed Planpuri, who was, as usual, was quite inspiring and deeply relevant. Lastly Open Air Iftar at the Nathan Philips Square, Toronto recently taught us, and proudly so, that respect for religion is ingrained in our genes. We gave a day for our religious community and enjoyed each other's presentations and food, while making the world feel warmer and safer. This is the second year the TARIC Mosque is putting on this free public spirited event where all are welcome.
So with lots of new places bouncing back and Taraweeh buzzing the air, including some young local Hafiz the prospect of a spiritual growth in Toronto is quite promising. Yes our mosques projects are still demanding, in total, for all the unfinished work, almost 23M. Generosity is one thing and knowing this is Allah’s house and He will take care of it is another.
Yes, our prayers have been answered. Safe and happy is what life should be. After Ramadan is Eid- the time to rejoice at the harvest of good deeds and self sacrifice. Well with the loads of Eid dinner in the planning, and rightly so, we will still relish the taste of samosas and biryani but savored with the self edification that it’s after a day’s hunger, rather a month of hard work. May it be good and easy and may the starving ones and helpless ones never be deprived from our charity and love.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Ramadan Message
Respected Muslim
Assalam U Alaikum
Ramadan Greetings!
The guest has arrived. Long awaited; filed with vigor, she has piled us with divine goodies.
We are indeed grateful for this wonderful opportunity, presented to us yearly, without elaborate travel arrangements. Should her profound value to offer change be overlooked? Should her tax free and timely returns be dismissed lightly?
Ramadan has never been a burdensome season for the Early Muslims, despite the paucity of funds, lack of resources and the regular devastations. Therefore for us in this century of progress and abundance, this guest must not be allowed to come and go without fanfare. Let steep materialism not make us oblivious of Allah’s special gifts. We complain too much and thank way less for our countless gifts. An average Canadian has 200 extra unnecessary item stored somewhere, that they can easily convert someone’s misery into bliss. The wastage of food is epidemic. The indifference towards the needy, especially at home and grossly abroad, has become second nature. This should be the sin we’re praying forgiveness for every chance we get this year.
Ramadan makes us realize that change begins with us. We must be that machine to turn the wheels of lethargy and make the power of Iman work miracles. Allah says it’s not enough to wish away poverty and fantasize happiness- we must make it our mandate to make the world a better place by practical steps. Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). Q13:11
Zakah, Iftar, fasting, Taraweeh, Itkaf, Umra, visiting mosques and relatives, attending fundraisers and listening to different Hafiz and Ulama, all provide this much needed need tool of change in a world that socially contracts itself away from virtue and Godliness.
The Prophet said: He who provides for the breaking of the fast of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing fast without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter (Tirmidhi).
Let’s recognize what our centre provides for our salvation, not only today but throughout the year. Think of the level of commitment it takes, and even though we may not get it perfect, it’s still better to fail in doing it right than not doing it at all. Your prayers and opinions are most welcome as much as you during the Blessed Month.
Assalam U Alaikum
Ramadan Greetings!
The guest has arrived. Long awaited; filed with vigor, she has piled us with divine goodies.
We are indeed grateful for this wonderful opportunity, presented to us yearly, without elaborate travel arrangements. Should her profound value to offer change be overlooked? Should her tax free and timely returns be dismissed lightly?
Ramadan has never been a burdensome season for the Early Muslims, despite the paucity of funds, lack of resources and the regular devastations. Therefore for us in this century of progress and abundance, this guest must not be allowed to come and go without fanfare. Let steep materialism not make us oblivious of Allah’s special gifts. We complain too much and thank way less for our countless gifts. An average Canadian has 200 extra unnecessary item stored somewhere, that they can easily convert someone’s misery into bliss. The wastage of food is epidemic. The indifference towards the needy, especially at home and grossly abroad, has become second nature. This should be the sin we’re praying forgiveness for every chance we get this year.
Ramadan makes us realize that change begins with us. We must be that machine to turn the wheels of lethargy and make the power of Iman work miracles. Allah says it’s not enough to wish away poverty and fantasize happiness- we must make it our mandate to make the world a better place by practical steps. Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). Q13:11
Zakah, Iftar, fasting, Taraweeh, Itkaf, Umra, visiting mosques and relatives, attending fundraisers and listening to different Hafiz and Ulama, all provide this much needed need tool of change in a world that socially contracts itself away from virtue and Godliness.
The Prophet said: He who provides for the breaking of the fast of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing fast without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter (Tirmidhi).
Let’s recognize what our centre provides for our salvation, not only today but throughout the year. Think of the level of commitment it takes, and even though we may not get it perfect, it’s still better to fail in doing it right than not doing it at all. Your prayers and opinions are most welcome as much as you during the Blessed Month.
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