Thursday, September 30, 2010

Poem on learning a new langauge and the lanaguage of love

Learning a new language
Setting out on sea
The sail and waves
Words new to the tongue it seems

Arabic brings musical thoughts
The swing on great minds like a new love
Walking the sounds of new words
Making headway into a new world

Your every thought
Kills the yesterday memory
the return of those anxiety spells
Scares the daylight out of me

As much as your love is painful
It's real for feelings are the thermometer of the heart
Your every laughter, words and canter like a new dictionary
Envelope my passion into an impatient frenzy

Habeebe is the friendly lover in Arabic
Everyone should learn this ancient lingual lineage
That be spells poetry, music and scripture
Into a gallery of picturesque beauty whoever she speaks to.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Taqwacore: How to focus on God?

Taqwacore: How to focus on God?

It seems these days that everyone is focusing on some kind of special sensation. Either, the green thing or simply yoga classes. Every now and then the motivational seminars will urge you to buy tickets because life without focus is plainly without success or meaning.

As with others, the season of Ramadan also implores in the minds of the many spiritual seekers the awe of Taqwa. Maybe like every other core and hard core element of media hype, Taqwa must be some kind of deep-seated core-thing that enters ones mind nohwistanding life. After all the Quran uses it not only as raison d’etre of fasting but almost 150 times calling for some kind of abstinence or protection in life’s complete matrix.

But God should be the focus. Where does He fit in a constant mindboggling, mind jammed atmosphere; where every tweeting unknown friend, radio broadcaster while on the road, tons of family barbeques plus hard wired in-love thought and the crack-berry et al compete for His minimal attention. Is he just a linger during prayers and lost during work?

According to Rumi the gnostic is the one who keeps the Zikr in his heart, and leaves behind the attachments of the lower worldly life as mentioned in Musnad Ahmad, "The people of Zikr are the people of My presence."

The brain is wired to grasp active spiritual engagements and not so sensitive to mere repetitions of words. Such rote belongs elsewhere but the centre of devotion. It’s great to know Islam offers zikr:- a version of lyrical mantra made in Arabic but yet so any language will do. And the language of the heart is indispensable when it comes to remembering God- a mere sigh is enough with Love according to the Throne Owner’s manual; whereas a clouded mind, isolated from the lip- synching ritual of saying thousands of rosary verses or lyrical chants is useless.

Quran 50:37 Verily in this is a Message for any that has a heart and understanding or who gives ear and earnestly witnesses (the truth).

Again this is a challenge unknown to angels and animals- how to engage the mind- the most powerful parachute of human existence into becoming the core value of ones Taqwa, that when God is called upon it’s not like your concierge or bellboy- He is the one you converse with everyday many times more than text-friends and cell-buddies because He is with you. No one knows you better than Him. Your Friend! Your Companion! Your Lawyer! Your Everything and of course your object of Adoration and goal of devotion- the Latif of life, if you like!

JULY EVENTS

Toronto hosts Interfaith conference on Promised Mahdi

Its summer and who wants to be indoors? Well how about attending a conference outdoors?
The organisers of this remarkable event, Ahl Bayt, Mr Ghulam Sajad, thought just that and planned the conference outdoor the Metro Hall at 55 John St under a huge tent. The topic was what do the various religions say about Imam Mahdi.
The organisers listed perspectives from the Zoroastrian, Jewish, Sikh, Christian, Sunni and Shia communities and in so doing was able to demonstrate the common theme of Hope in a Saviour among humanity. Sh Habeeb in his presentation reminded all that hope is ingrained within us as we seek for the next iPhone or call for the dream job and hence when humanity waited for the Messiah during Pharaoh’s oppression Moses appeared and during the Pharisees Jesus came and during the Aus and Khazraj Muhammad was sent so today that Future leader will appear in order to establish justice but he will have to be multicultural, inclusive, educated, tech- savvy and of course speak Arabic and be of the house of Muhammad, on whom be peace!

Scarborough missions hosts film- Allah and God need to talk!

Ask for an oxymoron and you have one just here! Well that’s what inspired film maker Ruth Broyde Sharon to make this interesting film that broadcasts Jews and Muslims celebrating Ashura, Rosh Hanna and with Christians during a Sunday Service.

She actually saw a billboard advertising this silly statement and when she finally got in touch with the owner in Hollywood his context was Muslims and Jews after 911 need to talk. Of course we know in Abrahamic Faiths that God and Allah is One and the Same. However this session aimed to make humanity, few Muslims and Jews, who were in attendance that night at Scarborough Mission but with father Terry warmth the audience soon realised that they had to do something to make a difference in the world. Ruth actually challenged all present to take up a project of interfaith and reminded all that a little finger raised according to physicists affects the entire universe. Habeeb was fortunate to attend and being the only Muslim present extended invitation to all to attend the Mosque- many of whom never went to a mosque. They were happy for this. You have to be there- the right place at the right time! The Interfaith Minister Leslie riveted the audience with Rumi and his songs of love!

Ramadan and Summer- Just have to love it!

Ramadan buzz is here and so too is the heat of summer 2010! As Canadians we wait all year long for this heat to warm up the bones, attend weddings and being outdoorsy! After thirty years almost the lunar month of Ramadan arrives in the summer of Canada and the thought of long hours of fasting without thirst quenching cold ones startles us.

In Edmonton that will not be 15 hours but 18 hours!

Isn’t it time to consider Canada an abnormal zone and take the standard from the nearby normal zone? Just a thought for the Muslim Scholars!

The Quran reminds us under the passage of fasting that Allah wishes ease and not hardship. The many concessions of fasting including health, travel, hard labour etc should remind one that Allah is not in need of the actual physical sacrifice but the sincerity and dedication behind any devotion. So warm up the barbeque and make your Iftar a true Ramadan Summer, drink lots of fluids outside fasting hours and get into a sleep schedule knowing how late taraweeh will be and let those lectures after taraweeh be rescheduled or reduced so the wonders of Ramadan is not loss in the haze of rituals and speeches. And while we’re at it, remember the unfortunate victims in the flood hit areas of Pakistan presently or wherever they maybe among the one billion humans who live below a dollar a day.

The Prophet, on whom be peace, said: If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Fasting, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink. Bukhari.

Ramadan is excitement and with the Canadian born generation we have to make it exciting so they too may have stories for their children to come!

Happy Ramadan!

EID GREETINGS

Eid Mubarak to you too

The happiness we share at this time of year, having found sweet recess from a month of fasting, nightly vigil, extra discipline and lots of charity is surely divine and warrants gratefulness. As we watch the human tragedy unfolds in Pakistan, engulfing the country with relentless grips of poverty and desperation we are indeed thankful for having Eid spent in safer and cleaner environments.

Also the action of a few fame-seeking zealots, in wrongfully associating the Quran with wanton violence and wishing to provoke the Muslims after a peaceful month, should remind us that we will not be excited foolishly but will remain conscious that the true reverence of God's Word is in reciting its verses, learning its meaning and practising its laws, while civilly engaging the world about its message.

As students return to school around this time, this is another kind of rejoicing too, as they rejoined old friends and make new ones while recommitting to a year of study and abstinence from wasteful actions. Eid definitely resonates with this lesson and it seems as if the summer holidays and Ramadan happened together to allow us the reinforcement of those values. Kudos to those who braved their passions and tightened their waistbands in order to fight the little distractions and have arrived at this juncture more balanced, more peaceful and more loving, ready to travel yet another year in life with resolve to make humanity a better place to live and let others live.

The tragic events of lost, as in the case of the woman, who lost her three workers and three customers in life-gutting fire in Bridgetown, is mind boggling unless Faith is what we trust in. She was fasting when held and remarked how calm she became, readily handing over the cash, more traumatised by this immense lost of her 'family'. Such stories are the hallmark of Faith wherever we go and whoever we meet in whatever tradition we belong; they are the richness of faith and spirituality that doesn’t make the radar or the statistics but like the downtrodden workers around the world, are the core foundation of modern civilization. Rather they are the fodder that breathes life into every Eid and makes happiness worth celebrating in every family and without the day off to enjoy the harvest the toil becomes a burden; rather slavery to a tasteless love.

May your days be like the joy of every new moon and may your month long retreat bring you fruits for a long time after and may the gifts you share around the world bring us closer to reality that the Everlasting Eid is surely worth working for.

Quran 2:185 “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. “

Honoring guyana son

Dear editor

Allow me to share an interesting event I recently was blessed to be part of.

It’s the tenth Guyana Awards of recognising excellence, held in multicultural Toronto.

Among the recipients were outstanding leaders, excelling businesses, super achieving scientists, accomplished students, superlative musicians and simply selfless serving volunteers.

Among the recipients is a person that resonates closely. He hails from my town of birth- the land of hope and icon of sacrifice- Enmore, ECD.

Dr Bram Rajiawan was selected among the many short listed for excellent academic pursuit in scientific research and health. He made the Enmoreans proud as much as the Guyanese and fellow Canadians. He actually joined with the many successful ancestors of this unique domain by giving Hope to Guyana.

He said that in reminiscing his past he is mindful always of the motto at Enmore Hope Primary- with labour success. Now that’s not an easy feat. I mean the remembering part!
He also credits his early education teachers! Now that’s definitely a humbling rarity.

Enmoreans in the Diaspora have been equally diligent in maintaining their cultural roots and if you are in Toronto that’s easier than if you are living like Dr. Bram in Winnipeg. He amazes me how a boy going to ‘refugee’ school can enter the snow white belt of upper echelons and receive some of the highest positions in his field and yet be ‘cool’ with his compatriots!

However, the final straw of recognition of greatness is one’s place of birth and I call upon Enmore council to set up a Wall of Fame in Enmore to inspire our generations about the great people Enmore produced, is producing and will produce.

I must take this opportunity to thank the organisers of the Enmore picnic and all their diverse activities during the year including fundraising for Haiti and Enmore itself. The place to check them is www.enmoretoronto.com

The fact is when you take you are nourishing your body but when you give you nourish your soul.

How about funding the poor students of both Enmore Govt and Primary with bursaries to further their dreams? How about establishing some structural protection and aesthetics to the cemetery at Logwood- treatment of the dead is symbolic to treatment of living?

Talk half. Left Half.

Yours truly,
Habeeb Alli
JUNE

ORPHAN WALK A GROWING SUCCESS

Walk-for-a-cause has become a hit for Charities. The third annual Orphan Walk organised in the summer by North American Muslim Foundation, an NGO for 36 years, attracted on the sunny and windy Saturday morning of May 29th 2010 some 100 walkers from all walks of life. They happily walked with families and friends raising awareness about the plight of those 30,000 children that die daily out of poverty, rather who suffer thanks to the indifference by those who can make a difference. NAMF sponsors such orphans in many countries and you can see profiles of these online at www.namf.ca

The walkers this year raised almost 4000 through their sponsorships from friends, families and businesses, with the most raised by Sawbera Khan for the third year. Fragrant prizes went to the three top fundraisers. T-shirts and sizzling BBQ were the bonus for registrants and the police were pleasantly at hand to guide the group down from Scarborough Civic Centre all the way down Midland Ave into Finch and unto NAMF lawns.

Mention must be made to some friends who came all the way from Brampton and downtown Toronto as well as the diverse presence, among others, the Hon MP Rob Oliphant and on wheel chair the founder Kabir Farouqui. Speeches and poetry scattered showers of inspiration to the jubilant walkers. Shuttle service at both ends was made available for drivers.

The fun of walking is simple; however, when done out of altruistic reasons it becomes spiritual. It's the giving that builds the soul like the walking builds the muscles.

events in toronto

Ambition Aug



Muslim Youths gather at Long Bay Camp

Imagine going fishing, swimming, hiking, barbequing, boating, sleeping outdoors and more and still praying and eating halal! Well that’s what the Muslim Summer camp does for the last 25 years out of Ottawa. Every year parents feel safe and secured that their kids are off for a week with like minded youths who are having fun but also learning Islam in Long Bay camp. This is north of Kingston.

Interestingly when I visited there this year with my family the Jumna was being conducted by Imam Yasin Dwyer, Chief Muslim Chaplain for federal Prisons and he had it going on the docks!

The barbeque was sizzling and so were the stories coming out of camp. One thing that struck me was the cards students made during a group competition where the sisters won and these were to be sent to poor students across the seas!

ISSRA hosted seniors program for Ramadan.

Seniors gathered monthly at the downtown location to socialise and learn. They are Muslims so are often worried about Ramadan and diet. Diabetes, blood pressure or simply old age is conditions that warrant no fasting. Imam Habeeb reminded them during their many questions that Islam already is a mercy and when we act upon the concessions we get the reward as if we’re actually doing and more.


Sacred Sex Interfaith seminar

Talking about sex is taboo and for an Imam to comment on it is seen way beyond according to Moulana Yusuf Badat recently. Well the Quran talks about it and in Ramadan! Allah reminds us to approach the spouses after Iftar until dawn unlike the practise of pre Islam where a fasting person is considered at violation for having sex during the nights. Recently producers of a show Sex and Religion for Vision TV organised an interfaith panel at place that people shop the sex education and needed items- Just For Her, run by Carlyle Jansen.
Rabbi Yossi represented the Jewish Faith, Habeeb Alli spoke on behalf of Islam and Rev Ralphe Wuske answered on the Christian Faith. Among the questions presented by the moderator and from the audience was is sex for procreation only, what are some of the things the Prophet did to celebrate sex and is there a prayer before and after sex?
The comments after the panel was encouraging with people believing more of these types of progressive information and representatives are needed. Vision airs this on Sep 20th.

Hilal Meeting

While many people resort the calendar to fast and do Eid many people in GTA still depend upon the moon sighting and hence Hilal Committee of GTA held their annual ritual at Madeena Masjid in search of actual sighting in Canada, America and the Caribbean. No sighting was received from locally nor from Caribbean and when there was no sighting from America the decision was announced close to Esha that Ramadan will begin on Thursday and not Wednesday. This EdulFitr meeting will be held at Masjid Abu Bakr and will be on Sep 9th. Eid may fall on Friday Sep10th. Almost 70 organisations are members of Hilal while some others have left.
EID MUBARAK!

NAMF held Pre-Ramadan Dinner

Getting into the mood of Ramadan is sometimes required especially when so much is going on in Summer. Many centres chose to put on a dinner and lecture.
North American Muslim Foundation held a similar program at the location in Scarborough and Dr Imam Hamid Slimi was the chief guest. He spoke on Ramadan and reminded the audience that while it many be hard to fast in summer Allah respects our feelings and grants concessions for those who find it hard. Among the guests were some Christian and Jewish friends who attended the mosque for the first time and were pleased to learn about Islam and enjoy some good halal food! Appeal was made on behalf of the flood victims of Pakistan as Mr. Farouk Khan ED of NAMF, had already left to Pakistan to help in the disaster on Sep 8th. Every Sat throughout Ramadan dinner and lecture series has continued with Dr Imam Abdulhai Patel speaking one Saturday on his trip to Turkey and the rich culture he encountered there.

Twining of Mosques and Synagogues.

For the third year organisers of this interfaith concept are organising twinning. A mosque and a synagogue do an exchange where members of the synagogue would visit the mosque during Juma and in the evening Muslims would attend the synagogue and have an interfaith dialogue. Interest has increased in this in the Sates, Canada and Europe to about 50 twins. Locally the Muslim Jewish Dialogue group headed by Dr Barbara Landau and Shahid Akhtar are spearheading this and the Council of Imams has some members who are partaking. Interested persons should contact us for ore details. This will be done on third weekend of November.

Imams and Leaders hosted for Iftar at Paramount

For the second year the generosity and known tradition of entraining the Ulama in Ramadan took place at the famous best Lebanese cuisine in town- Paramount, Mississauga.
Among the many special invitees were Sh Abdala Idris, Ahmed Shehab and Ally Hindy. The owner of the restaurant was at hand to serve his guests with sumptuous cuisines and Salatul magrib was performed at the premises where many other iftar diners joined. It was simply amazing!


Open Air iftar at City Hall Toronto

For the fourth year Muslims and the public were treated to an open iftar at city hall Nathan Philip Square. Organised by TARIC mosque and the Islamic Call Society many Muslims turned out to enjoy the recitation of Qari Samir and nasheeds by a new youth choir run by Assadean Khan.
The ambience was superb with delicious food served at the end and the crowds grew even more this year with many passersby joining in the Iftar party!
One attendee said she loved the idea and it gives her pride to her faith being a worker downtown and to be part of such a different cultural item but still feel the program should entail more!
Imagine Azan sounding and the Church bell ringing at the heart of Toronto Financial district!

Working on Sexuality Series

What a dream
Talking about religion
But really not about it
The dynamics of sexuality

Like one who spreads love from her sex shop
One who makes you smile at the screen
One who presides from the podium
The other an eagle of scenic discourses


In the city of ecstasy
God is no longer somewhere just there
The creativeness and prayers, allowances et al
Making the orgasm of hearts real