Obama’s victory

Obama’s victory

And how can one not be romantic about President Obama's win? I cried tears of joy and poured prayers of gratitude and protection, that while many have sought him with demeaning names, his conviction for change was marvelously answered- like the Secret magic or rather the Moses rising out of the wicker basket in the drowning ocean of two centuries of slavery. But definitely the divine intervention to have a Muslim-sounding-name American of black ancestry to sit in the White House, while many pundits of doom scattered our horizons with otherwise disdain, is democratically reassuring. Will the Third World and the Muslim lands kindly stand with renewed vigor and peaceful discipline in their electoral challenges?

While racism has not ended, it has sure made an opening for exit. Yes, the many times Muslims felt alienated only to be brought back into the circle of love by no lesser a person like Collin Powel speaks volumes that an inclusive process is the sure strategy of a successful democracy. May this inspire the rest of the world where the price of the same is the costly price of lives and dignity! The Prophet of Medina established the precedents of having the will of the people decide when he signed the treaty among the religious groups of that city and when he ruled by shura or collective consultation. Once more the tears of my reflection gathered momentum upon the sight of 104 years old African woman saying she couldn't have exercised her right being a woman and a person of different color.

My heart throbbed grievously that Brother Malcolm seem oblivious as the remarks of others triumphed in credit. But this was his dream- a vision where colour was absent but ideas flourished, where class vanished but character reigned and where the superficial clout of wealth and power disintegrates while faith and trust fly high. Inspired he was from Muhammad, the great world leader, who made not only persons of different country and color one of his own but he made it forbidden to insult anyone of such- there is no black or white and no Arab and non Arab but yes there will always be respect for piety and good works.

So at a time when the world wants the end of violence, when Muslims are tired answering about their religion's peaceful stand in the jury box of opinions and when jobs are loss to mega bucks protection, this is the time to not only hope for change but collectively work to make that inspiration not become thin flurries on the plains of life sunny challenges. Now we are not onto a destination so much as we are on a journey.

Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, rightly said in his acceptance speech some 1400 years ago, preserved until today without the help of you tube, fellow citizens correct me if I err as that would be dearer that following me in error. I am hopeful when I heard our brother Barack said he will listen more to the disagreeing opinions- yes it's time we do not only listen but hear- for something divine may come out of our global poverty of virtue and absence of environmental well being.

Dale Carnegie said it mostly aptly: Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.

Q 13:11 says: Verily never will God change the condition of a people until they change it themselves. Congrats to him and all his supporters and thank you for your time- may this world be a better place.

ThanksGiving for real!

So Thanksgiving is about that
Among the endless list of divine gifts
To register deep within what Canada has done for you
The gratitiude of finding heaven right here on earth!

Interfaith at UFT

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.

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.

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.

Spice up your sex life- it's all halal!

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061203/islamic_sex_061203?s_name=&no_ads

Need to have more programs on this topic- I have done some of this kind of a workshop - and there is a demand for it- my website on allexperts.com has some of these too. Chemistry between two people happens on different levels and marriage doesn't guarantee all of those always.

Hence the need to connect with each other away from some of the roadblocks of intimacy- kids, non dressing up for each other, lack of travel together, lack of not doing community work or adventurous chores together, endless exposure to others, the syndrome of comparisson, etc. suggested ways of help- a counsellor will also suggest much these and the Sharia covers lots of ground under mubah foreplay:

Seek a getaway

Purchase lingerie's for her- give hints

Have candlelight dinners- soft music in the backgroun- if you're into that

Enjoy sexual conversations and jokes in privacy

Open communication- search where are each others erogenous spots

Look for each other turn-offs and turn-ons

Ensure the sex is spontaneous sometimes

The man must smell good, dress up and foreplay the wife more than just a slam down event!

The wife must seek creative ways of massaging, kama sutra or perfume garden helps in this lots!

Sexual exploration is an open field- I mean a huge open field except maybe anal sex for some Ulama- so never stop surprising each other!

Books and other media exposure helpsor even discussion groups as removing inhibitions is a educational process that needs cooperation from society.

Lots of taboo on sex has to be cleared by the Ulama-endless stuff in peopels minds that parents and others said is haraam or bad but its not!

2:223 Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe.

Tilth represents the preparation of one's garden and in this case the foreplay and even the afterplay and romance that comes with sexual territory. Time and patience are crucial to making sex appealing and creative.

The Prophet hated when men would jump like beasts on their wives and he warned if you donot dress for each other and look attactive then adultery will be your lot.

Looking at each other naked, oral sex and romantic spa moments all fall within the mubah and allowed grounds of preparing the tilth- so never stop oh gardeners of love!

Do you know Aisha, may Allah be pelased with her, bathed with her husband, on whom be peace, in the same bathtub and she would recite love poetry for him and he would for her? Do you know she would run races with him and kiss him each time he leaves home?

Enjoy!

Tragic demise of Akbar is al ost to all Guyanese and humanity.

Allow me to share my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the late Akbar Alli of Logwood. This tragic ending of a young husband and cold blooded ruin of a father of two young souls, resonates a terrible pain that sits undigested in the souls of thousands, who know him and who don't. I am far way from home but can still see that smile on Akbar's face.

Having known him for almost fifteen years, as he moved from Bush Lot to study Islam at Zeeburg, he temporarily stayed in Enmore by his aunt along with his friend. He later married and lived in Logwood. Having run a trucking service for years, transporting sugar workers and recently selling scrap metal, Akbar has always proven to be that ambitious hard working young Guyanese, who will stay and make the best of any halal venture. He's such a loving person that anyone can get help from him and no matter how much you may anger him or be preachy he would respond with a sweet smile of gentlemanness. While he did not build the nearby mosque in Logwood, he definitely contributed immensely to its present form and substance. Akbar you will surely be missed. And his closest friends were not only Indo Guyanese- visit his mosque or his home-service and you'll see.

Snuffing out his life is indeed senseless and animalistic. While the family mourns and many try to awaken from this life-altering shock, we are left with more questions than answers. Yes, as Muslims we say it's his time. We find solace in the fact that death is pre-calculated and everyone has to leave on his appointed time. Yet the heart will not accept easily, in the thick of grievance, the tragic death of a son of Guyana, who has always lived with love and peace, being charitable and managing his business the best way possible. Imagine the terrible sadness his kids will grow with? Of course, we pray they all receive closure soon. What about his lovely wife who stood by his side, in good and bad, being the perfect choice of his love? She witnessed it. The money was taken, so why shoot him? Handing these mindless robbers the money is the right thing to do rather than life, but that too seems not to work.



The irony of this happening at the vicinity of protection and him expiring at the threshold of life-saving adds to the mental turmoil. Will better security of transporting large sums of money be implemented, scrutiny of elements at financial stores and easier access for businessmen to be licensed be looked into? This lost has indeed united the communities, as people of varying religious organisations rally to engage in Akbar's funeral. But will pressure be put, with that united voice, on protesting the further decay of security and respect of life? How many have to die before the excuse of deportees and limited resources will be thrown out? I have to mourn, as much as I have to seek grace when I think of these murderous loose canons. Just as Muhammad forgave the marauding Quraish or Jesus let go of the Pharisees, I'm sure Akbar's place in Heaven will make him let go vengeful hate , that seems to serenade every conversation. However, this does not mean justice and security will have to be compromised and the pains of this grieving family have to be balm with the downpours of oblivion.

The present drama out of Toronto called Sweet Karaila jettisons us into the deeper knowledge of what happens when callous individuals seek quick gratification without respect for anyone - not even family and life. It also reminds us that the myth of racism is as week as Eldorado and its seeking. Hope Guyanese gets to see it when it comes to Carifesta and take heed- that crime has no colours. Yet how much condemnation have we received, how many are working to heal, and who is willing to educate our people that crime doesn't pay.

May the families find patience and the deceased rest in peace. May the police be guided sooner and grace storm our nation. Last year another brother was gunned in Corentyne trying to save his son from robbers. Today he's semi paralysed and the community seems to move on, forgetting these victims are our our own sons of a magnificent contribution. But who cares? To Sister Romeena, Hajji Hyder's grand daughter and Akbar's wife: love is powerful and your life with him was well worth every drop of it. Once there is life there is hope. The Quran says in 5:32 "On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. "