Ten ways to increase happiness in marriage!
The young and excited bride-and-groom-to-be; ecstatic about the upcoming wedding and marriage and the joy that it will bring. Three to six months later, reality has set in and both spouses realize that marriage is no easy task, but one that takes a great deal of effort and patience. The following are tips for both wives and husbands, to help make the task a little less daunting, and to increase the many rewards that are possible in such a marvelous and complex relationship. Enter the Marriage with the Right Intention and Renew this Often Both spouses should enter the marriage with the pure intention of pleasing Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, in order to receive His grace and blessings. The marriage itself then becomes an act of worship and one for which both spouses will be rewarded. Allah will be pleased with them and this will be the most critical element in ensuring peace, stability and happiness throughout the marital life. It is also important to realize that when an act of worship is continued over a long period of time, it becomes necessary to renew one's intention often to remain on the correct path and to obtain the most benefit.
Remember that Your Spouse is also Your Brother or Sister in Islam Too often Muslims treat other people outside the home with kindness and sincerity, but then behave in a very different manner when it comes to their own spouses. Muslims should always remember that one's spouse is also another brother or sister in Islam and that the rights and duties that apply to the general brotherhood (sisterhood) of Islam, should also form the basis of the marital relationship. Obviously, a spouse has rights beyond these, but there should be a clear understanding of the rights of brotherhood (sisterhood) and adherence to these principles.
Do Not Hold Unrealistic Expectations Before marriage, people often have unrealistic ideas about their spouse-to-be, expecting perfection in all aspects. This rarely, if ever, plays out in reality and can lead to unnecessary problems and concerns. We should recall that Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, created humans as imperfect beings, which means that many mistakes will be made throughout a lifetime. By turning the table and expecting imperfection, we will be pleasantly surprised and pleased when our spouse is much more than we ever hoped for. This, in turn, will lead to contentment within the marriage.
Emphasize the Best in Your Spouse Since no one is endowed with all of the best qualities, emphasis should be placed on the positive qualities that a spouse possesses. Encouragement, praise, and gratitude should be expressed on a regular basis, which will strengthen these qualities and be beneficial in developing others. An attempt should be made to overlook or ignore negative characteristics, as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "A believing man should not have any malice against a believing woman. He may dislike one characteristic in her, but may find another in her which is pleasing." (Muslim) Be Your Mate's Best Friend Try to think of what a best friend means and be one to your spouse. This may mean sharing interests, experiences, dreams, failures and upsets. It may involve understanding a spouse's likes and dislikes and attempting to please him or her in any way possible. A best friend is also usually someone that can be confided to trusted, and relied upon. A spouse should be the kind of friend that one would want to keep throughout life.
Spend Quality Time Together It is not enough to share meals, chores and small talk together. Spouses should also find time to focus on strengthening the relationship. Often couples get busy with their own separate tasks and forget about working on one of the most important elements in life. Quality time may be anything from having a quiet, profound conversation to going for a nice long nature walk, to sharing a special hobby or project. Both spouses should enjoy the particular option chosen and distractions should be kept to a minimum.
Express Feelings Often This is probably a very "Western" concept and one that some people may have difficulty fulfilling, but it is important to be open and honest about one's feelings, both positive and negative. The lines of communication should always be open and any concerns should be brought to the attention of the other spouse as soon as they arise. The rationale of this is that what begins as a simple concern may grow into a major problem if it is not addressed quickly and properly. The "silent treatment" has never been the remedy for anything.
Admit to Mistakes and ask for Forgiveness
Just as we ask Allah to forgive us when we make mistakes, we should also do the same with our spouses. The stronger person is the one who can admit when he or she is wrong, request pardon from the other, and work hard to improve his/her aspects that are in need of change. When a person is unwilling to do this, there will be little growth and development in the marriage. Never Bring up Mistakes of the Past It can be very hurting for another person to be reminded of past mistakes. In Islam, it is generally not recommended to dwell on the past. One may remember errors that were made so that they are not repeated, but this should not be done excessively. Certainly, as humans, we are not in the position to judge another person. Advice may be given, but not in a harmful manner.
Surprise Each Other at Times This may entail bringing home a small gift or flowers, preparing a special meal, dressing up and beautifying oneself (this is not only for women), or sending a secret note in a lunchbox. A little imagination will go a long way here. The idea is to spice up the marriage and avoid getting into a dull routine that may negatively affect the marriage. Have a Sense of Humour This particular aspect can go a long way in preventing arguments and brightening the atmosphere of the home. Life is a constant stream of challenges and tests, and to approach it in a light-hearted manner will help to make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. You may also find that your spouse enjoys this characteristic and looks forward to spending time with you because of it.
Quick Tips for Discussions and Disagreements: Begin with the intention to resolve the issue. If both spouses have this intention and plan to consult together, it is more likely that there will be a successful resolution. Remember that it takes two to quarrel. If only one person chooses not to argue, there will be no argument. Generally, the one who is wrong does most of the talking. Both spouses should not be angry at the same time. If one of the spouses becomes upset, it is best if the other tries to remain calm and collected. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. Of course, house fires do not occur very frequently; yelling should occur at about the same rate. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. This is one of the worst things that can happen in a marriage and should be avoided as much as possible. This allows hurt feelings and thoughts to linger and generally exacerbates the problem. If one spouse needs to win, let it be your mate. Do not focus on winning yourself; this is the main reason that discussions tend to become heated.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
NAMF 8th Annual dinner
Despite the harsh weather and close to EidulAzha the North American Muslim Foundation held its annual gala dinner on Dec 8th 2008 and it was small but successful event.
Having planned it in advance it was not foreseeable how the holidays and weather will play out. However the fundraiser for the new Masjid Qurtaba at 4140 Finch Ave Scarborough coupled by needs of the earthquake victims in Pakistan made the evening dinner a marked success.
The speakers were simply astounding. Dr Lois Wilson of United Church stirred the sugar in the hearts of the varied attendees as she elaborated on bridging the gap among faiths and cultures. She has been a great inspiration at Massey College for bringing faith into the public discourse. The original speaker Perry Pither couldn’t make it.
Dr Ziyad Delic from Ottawa captivated the crowd with his erudite speech on Arafa and the ways of loving one’s partner. He built on this momentum to fundraise, reciting beautiful Islamic sings and verses of the Quran. It was a unique experience.
One outstanding member of the Muslim community was awarded for her stalwart contributions- Dr. Shanaz Dar, wife of the late Dr. Jameel Dar.
Entertainment that cold evening was warmed up with the famous Raptor performer Quincy Mack and the Torontonian nasheed singer Nadir Khan. The cuisine was a smart mixture of Pakistani and West Indian delights.
Canadian Council of Imams held annual dinner as an Eid get together
Members of the public were invited to dinner and presentation at 4140 Finch Ave Scar- Jameel Dar Convention Hall- on December 13th. This is the third annual dinner held by the Imams and this year it coincided with the EidulAzha celebrations.
Dr Mohamed Iqbal Nadvi, vice chair, spoke bravely on the three aspects of the Council, i.e. helping the Imams, reaching out to the governmental agencies and working with the interfaith bodies. He also touched on the Mumbai massacre. The council had condemned this act of violence and attended some interfaith prayers on the same.
Dr (Hon) Abdul Hai Patel, founder of this 18 years old organization, presented some of the achievements of 2008. This included attending a G8 faith leaders’ conference in Japan against poverty, preparing a curriculum to accommodate Muslim students in the school system, preparing chaplains for the armed forces and the prisons and presenting Islam in many interfaith forums. The council has been collaborating with Canadian Council of Muslim theologians on matters of halal and divorces.
The dinner was a sumptuous mix of biryani, thanks to the Qurbani gifts of the Imams’ followers! And entertainment was by the young artistic Kamal IMPACT from Mississauga.
Now tell me how can Imams de deemed scary!
Interfaith Eid dinner
Imagine being invited to a dinner in the name of Eid but the food is not another biryani pot and the attendees are not all desi or brown!
Well luckily we have people who still maintain the diversity of Islam in their works and lives. The Shahid Akhtar family of Mississauga initiated a dinner in the name of EidulAzha and had invited Muslims, Christians and Jews in their lovely home on December 12th 2008.
It was basically to eat and socialize. Well it was more – the food for thought was well relished as we had warm conversations on religion, politics, and cultures plus even what we do to make the society better. That should be the nexus of faith, isn’t?
Entertainment that evening was by the son Kamal and his Sikh friend doing a wave of hip hop and bhangra drumming. Habeeb recited a poem on Abraham’s love- a love that is so accepted that he was not forced to relinquish one for another.
Shahid Akhtar and Barbara Landau are co chairs of the almost two decades old Muslim Jewish Dialogue.
IFFSA Hosts second New Year's gala in Edmonton.
Having a wild time at Christmas and New Years is not what these Muslim professionals had in mind last December 28th in Edmonton. Organised by a youth group, the second new years dinner attracted alomst a hundred singles, mostly professionals. According to chair, Jawad Chaudry, the need is to provide a comfortable halal means of social outing that would facilitate networking.
Being in smaller communities oportunities of meeting a potential spouse is limited. Alisha Aashary helped oraganise this event as part of her social work portfolio at this Islamic Service centre. Brighly dressed to impress, these smart and successful Muslims were treated to a passionate yet informative and well interactive session on relationships by Shaikh Habeeb Alli of Toronto. On site was also a RCMP officer who is working with the Mulsim youths of Edmonton.They too have their issues- so Toronto it's time to help!
Shaikh Bin Bayya deals with Minority fiqh in Toronto
Sitting on the table were Sh Hamza Yusuf, Abdalla bin Bayya, and Abdulla Idris. That was not just for a nice pose at the Royal York last Saturday Jan 3rd. In attendance were both scholars and leaders of the comunity, males and females. The topic was Muslim minotrities and how to deal with issues of Sharia in their contrained settings. Sh Hamza translated while bin Bayya, a notable scholar from Mauritiania explained and answered. His main thesis is the Sharia has rules and those rule accomodate people of all circumstances. Among some instruments that may be employed to guide Muslim minorities is necessities overide prohibition and easing the difficulty oversteps the actual ruling.
Many questions were answered from the floor including calendar usage for Ramadan, Islamic finance and its validity as well as facilitating Muslims in summer during Ramadan in the cold North. The founder of a global network of scholars also emphasised that following law of the land is paramount and only in private laws one can exercise lobbying power to find accomodation of one's tenets reasonably. More sessions like these are definitely needed and it doesn't have be only when a notable scholar visits Toronto
Despite the harsh weather and close to EidulAzha the North American Muslim Foundation held its annual gala dinner on Dec 8th 2008 and it was small but successful event.
Having planned it in advance it was not foreseeable how the holidays and weather will play out. However the fundraiser for the new Masjid Qurtaba at 4140 Finch Ave Scarborough coupled by needs of the earthquake victims in Pakistan made the evening dinner a marked success.
The speakers were simply astounding. Dr Lois Wilson of United Church stirred the sugar in the hearts of the varied attendees as she elaborated on bridging the gap among faiths and cultures. She has been a great inspiration at Massey College for bringing faith into the public discourse. The original speaker Perry Pither couldn’t make it.
Dr Ziyad Delic from Ottawa captivated the crowd with his erudite speech on Arafa and the ways of loving one’s partner. He built on this momentum to fundraise, reciting beautiful Islamic sings and verses of the Quran. It was a unique experience.
One outstanding member of the Muslim community was awarded for her stalwart contributions- Dr. Shanaz Dar, wife of the late Dr. Jameel Dar.
Entertainment that cold evening was warmed up with the famous Raptor performer Quincy Mack and the Torontonian nasheed singer Nadir Khan. The cuisine was a smart mixture of Pakistani and West Indian delights.
Canadian Council of Imams held annual dinner as an Eid get together
Members of the public were invited to dinner and presentation at 4140 Finch Ave Scar- Jameel Dar Convention Hall- on December 13th. This is the third annual dinner held by the Imams and this year it coincided with the EidulAzha celebrations.
Dr Mohamed Iqbal Nadvi, vice chair, spoke bravely on the three aspects of the Council, i.e. helping the Imams, reaching out to the governmental agencies and working with the interfaith bodies. He also touched on the Mumbai massacre. The council had condemned this act of violence and attended some interfaith prayers on the same.
Dr (Hon) Abdul Hai Patel, founder of this 18 years old organization, presented some of the achievements of 2008. This included attending a G8 faith leaders’ conference in Japan against poverty, preparing a curriculum to accommodate Muslim students in the school system, preparing chaplains for the armed forces and the prisons and presenting Islam in many interfaith forums. The council has been collaborating with Canadian Council of Muslim theologians on matters of halal and divorces.
The dinner was a sumptuous mix of biryani, thanks to the Qurbani gifts of the Imams’ followers! And entertainment was by the young artistic Kamal IMPACT from Mississauga.
Now tell me how can Imams de deemed scary!
Interfaith Eid dinner
Imagine being invited to a dinner in the name of Eid but the food is not another biryani pot and the attendees are not all desi or brown!
Well luckily we have people who still maintain the diversity of Islam in their works and lives. The Shahid Akhtar family of Mississauga initiated a dinner in the name of EidulAzha and had invited Muslims, Christians and Jews in their lovely home on December 12th 2008.
It was basically to eat and socialize. Well it was more – the food for thought was well relished as we had warm conversations on religion, politics, and cultures plus even what we do to make the society better. That should be the nexus of faith, isn’t?
Entertainment that evening was by the son Kamal and his Sikh friend doing a wave of hip hop and bhangra drumming. Habeeb recited a poem on Abraham’s love- a love that is so accepted that he was not forced to relinquish one for another.
Shahid Akhtar and Barbara Landau are co chairs of the almost two decades old Muslim Jewish Dialogue.
IFFSA Hosts second New Year's gala in Edmonton.
Having a wild time at Christmas and New Years is not what these Muslim professionals had in mind last December 28th in Edmonton. Organised by a youth group, the second new years dinner attracted alomst a hundred singles, mostly professionals. According to chair, Jawad Chaudry, the need is to provide a comfortable halal means of social outing that would facilitate networking.
Being in smaller communities oportunities of meeting a potential spouse is limited. Alisha Aashary helped oraganise this event as part of her social work portfolio at this Islamic Service centre. Brighly dressed to impress, these smart and successful Muslims were treated to a passionate yet informative and well interactive session on relationships by Shaikh Habeeb Alli of Toronto. On site was also a RCMP officer who is working with the Mulsim youths of Edmonton.They too have their issues- so Toronto it's time to help!
Shaikh Bin Bayya deals with Minority fiqh in Toronto
Sitting on the table were Sh Hamza Yusuf, Abdalla bin Bayya, and Abdulla Idris. That was not just for a nice pose at the Royal York last Saturday Jan 3rd. In attendance were both scholars and leaders of the comunity, males and females. The topic was Muslim minotrities and how to deal with issues of Sharia in their contrained settings. Sh Hamza translated while bin Bayya, a notable scholar from Mauritiania explained and answered. His main thesis is the Sharia has rules and those rule accomodate people of all circumstances. Among some instruments that may be employed to guide Muslim minorities is necessities overide prohibition and easing the difficulty oversteps the actual ruling.
Many questions were answered from the floor including calendar usage for Ramadan, Islamic finance and its validity as well as facilitating Muslims in summer during Ramadan in the cold North. The founder of a global network of scholars also emphasised that following law of the land is paramount and only in private laws one can exercise lobbying power to find accomodation of one's tenets reasonably. More sessions like these are definitely needed and it doesn't have be only when a notable scholar visits Toronto
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
FAITH AND SEXUALITY
Faith and sexuality are hand in glove concepts of life
I MUST congratulate writer Nazma Muller, d.d 23/12/08, for taking up such a challenging topic as religion and porn.
What I would like to point out is faith and sexuality are hand in glove concepts of life; it's religion that makes it look alien and taboo. Just as soul mates don't just happen - they're wired to evolve into a feeling of intimacy and connection, so too the public must be educated that commercial sex is not the same as a love based relationship. I hate when people lash out that Caribbean men aren't romantic; couldn't all that sand and sea do something?
If you just look at the Prophets they were in fertile unions, note the S, hence not against sexuality and unabashedly they spoke of it openly in their sermons - the Scriptures bear testimony to this faithful tenet, referring to it as a blessing without any reproduction strings attached.
So having workshops on sexuality and youths is a prime priority that faith leaders must concern themselves with, not only for the younger congregation but all devotees - enough of the rights and wrongs and dos and don'ts and time to listen what challenges our faith professed flock are irking about; drawn into a new mystically erotic era beyond their grannies' fantasies.
Maybe with a more satisfied sexual encounter, where both respect and pleasure remix like parang and hip hop aloud, our congregations will grow and faith will become more apparent like your sunshine island, who knows?
Please also remember Bill Cosby's cynical comment, it works: “Sex education may be a good idea in the schools, but I don't believe the kids should be given homework”
One Love!
HABEEB ALLI
I MUST congratulate writer Nazma Muller, d.d 23/12/08, for taking up such a challenging topic as religion and porn.
What I would like to point out is faith and sexuality are hand in glove concepts of life; it's religion that makes it look alien and taboo. Just as soul mates don't just happen - they're wired to evolve into a feeling of intimacy and connection, so too the public must be educated that commercial sex is not the same as a love based relationship. I hate when people lash out that Caribbean men aren't romantic; couldn't all that sand and sea do something?
If you just look at the Prophets they were in fertile unions, note the S, hence not against sexuality and unabashedly they spoke of it openly in their sermons - the Scriptures bear testimony to this faithful tenet, referring to it as a blessing without any reproduction strings attached.
So having workshops on sexuality and youths is a prime priority that faith leaders must concern themselves with, not only for the younger congregation but all devotees - enough of the rights and wrongs and dos and don'ts and time to listen what challenges our faith professed flock are irking about; drawn into a new mystically erotic era beyond their grannies' fantasies.
Maybe with a more satisfied sexual encounter, where both respect and pleasure remix like parang and hip hop aloud, our congregations will grow and faith will become more apparent like your sunshine island, who knows?
Please also remember Bill Cosby's cynical comment, it works: “Sex education may be a good idea in the schools, but I don't believe the kids should be given homework”
One Love!
HABEEB ALLI
Monday, December 15, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS- MY DAYS!
I grew up on the precious memories of a warm rainy Christmas in Guyana where mommy's cooking of pepperpot and baking of back cake and friends partying all night Christmas Eve sticks to my happy face like a Santa tattoo! In those days my going to Sunday school and being left with my black catholic neighbors was no mere prank-although it was sheer fun- maybe it was for exposure to interfaith in a more experienced way than a philosophy- I still rememeber the music chair at the kids chirstmas party and yes we made our own masqurade bands going aroung the hood receiving money and plenty sweet mouth to eat!
Jesus I learnt later was really the baby whose birth day is being celebrated and leven ater that Muslims believe in Esa the son of Virgin Mary with deep love and respect. I wish we could make the world understand that Jesus is not the source of hatred and religion is not the source of violence- if we could only celebrate again- this world will be better! Oh how those days were filled with family and friends- sharing and enjoying!
That's why I have decided since last year to donate our EidulAzha meat donations to the Yonge Street mission, Toronto, since I saw the face of a needy man being advertised in the newspaper by the mission seeking a Christmas gift for the needy. Merry Christmas! oh I was at my kids school concert and they mushed all the hoildays of December into a holiday of lights concert- man what hapnedd to good old christmas concert? Is this PC tinge going too far?!
Happy Holidays
Jesus I learnt later was really the baby whose birth day is being celebrated and leven ater that Muslims believe in Esa the son of Virgin Mary with deep love and respect. I wish we could make the world understand that Jesus is not the source of hatred and religion is not the source of violence- if we could only celebrate again- this world will be better! Oh how those days were filled with family and friends- sharing and enjoying!
That's why I have decided since last year to donate our EidulAzha meat donations to the Yonge Street mission, Toronto, since I saw the face of a needy man being advertised in the newspaper by the mission seeking a Christmas gift for the needy. Merry Christmas! oh I was at my kids school concert and they mushed all the hoildays of December into a holiday of lights concert- man what hapnedd to good old christmas concert? Is this PC tinge going too far?!
Happy Holidays
dont beat kids!
I think beating children is haram and for learning Quran it's even more dumb- I think I maybe far from being a Qari because the trauma of entering tajweed clases still resonate withing my psyche- I saw boys tied and beaten and I was sickened so I tried hard to move out of that 'boot camp' only to feel further fear- until my freedom escape to Deoband! Gosh I remember those of daily phobia- was it to revere or was it to simply be scared to death?! Anyways people say don't air your dirty laundry but these ustads don't learn- after many workshops and meeting with the Toronto Police these metropolitan villagers are still murghing and pitaing our future sons and daughters of Islam- Ibn Taimiya has compiled 12 ahadith in his tarbiyatulawlad about how forbiden this practise is yet some asaatiza would say beating is barkat for learning- how much more dumb and khurafati can it get?
As a trustee of a Darulullom I have been able to ban beating and its like to any student but from time to time some teachers get mad and slap the kids- so we have done disciplinary alternative workshops- some things work like tellling the parents and some don't like writing lines and making extra nawafil or punishing the whole class! So for academic education the system spends millions studying child psychology but for divine education we depend upon the stick although it's absolutely non sunnah- it's domestic violence at its best rather those who say the hadith says beat the kids when they are 10 to pray are far from any fiqh of hadith- how can brutalisation and opening the doors of of making our children hate Islam be anything close to this insightful naseha. DARB also means pampering with love- I know one hafiz would get chocolates and money for doing his saback not a mouthful of venom and fistful of head bangs!
It's time madressaS sign a convention in the r locality that all madressas- at home or at mosque or wherever that beating will not be allowed, police check is a must for teachers and twice a year workshops are mandatory before renewal of contract-and parents must also sign unto this. Islamically we know that when thing sget out of hand then a zero tolerance policy is perfectly acceptable- like cutting down the tree of Ridwan by Umar bin Kattab. Also children must never be taught to hide this absue and not call 911 as this is purely miseducation- if their house is on fire or someone is dying or even they were being bullyied by another shouldn't they call 911?
Once I was at a UN forum on child absue and the reality of our madressas' homos suddenly dawned- experts are saying that beating a kid especially benching may lead to homosexual tendencies! Well we know for sure girls sexuallly abused at young age can become hoplessly promiscuous. Love, patience, objective structuring of the course and being an inspiration makes a good teacher and a hence a great student- it can be but do we want to let it happen? Some teachers have been charged for this crime and it's good to let others know of such a painful consequence.
Children are precious gifts: we make them but we don't make their minds!
As a trustee of a Darulullom I have been able to ban beating and its like to any student but from time to time some teachers get mad and slap the kids- so we have done disciplinary alternative workshops- some things work like tellling the parents and some don't like writing lines and making extra nawafil or punishing the whole class! So for academic education the system spends millions studying child psychology but for divine education we depend upon the stick although it's absolutely non sunnah- it's domestic violence at its best rather those who say the hadith says beat the kids when they are 10 to pray are far from any fiqh of hadith- how can brutalisation and opening the doors of of making our children hate Islam be anything close to this insightful naseha. DARB also means pampering with love- I know one hafiz would get chocolates and money for doing his saback not a mouthful of venom and fistful of head bangs!
It's time madressaS sign a convention in the r locality that all madressas- at home or at mosque or wherever that beating will not be allowed, police check is a must for teachers and twice a year workshops are mandatory before renewal of contract-and parents must also sign unto this. Islamically we know that when thing sget out of hand then a zero tolerance policy is perfectly acceptable- like cutting down the tree of Ridwan by Umar bin Kattab. Also children must never be taught to hide this absue and not call 911 as this is purely miseducation- if their house is on fire or someone is dying or even they were being bullyied by another shouldn't they call 911?
Once I was at a UN forum on child absue and the reality of our madressas' homos suddenly dawned- experts are saying that beating a kid especially benching may lead to homosexual tendencies! Well we know for sure girls sexuallly abused at young age can become hoplessly promiscuous. Love, patience, objective structuring of the course and being an inspiration makes a good teacher and a hence a great student- it can be but do we want to let it happen? Some teachers have been charged for this crime and it's good to let others know of such a painful consequence.
Children are precious gifts: we make them but we don't make their minds!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Muslims convened in Winnipeg on social services
Muslims convened in Winnipeg on social services
Jumping out of your beach pants and sandals these days happens with a deep sigh but when it’s flying from Toronto to Winnipeg it feels as if you just left Barbados! Well not when it’s for the good of the thousands of Muslims fixed in endless social problems. The Islamic Social Services Association, Inc-Canada hosted a conference to deliberate, train and network with others in this field and it was indeed a resounding success.
Among the organizers and speakers was the famous Shahina Siddiqui, who founded this organization some ten years ago, with chapters in USA and UK. She believes this is the greatest need of the hour and Muslims can only solve their social woes if they combine the insight available in mainstream social agencies with the Islamic perspective. Well this type of fusion was surely in abundance this weekend- Nov 21st-24th 2008 at the Hilton Suites.
Dr. Aneesah Nadir from USA, inspired us with the story of a revert, after 30 years, struggling in the mill of acceptance. Moreso her position on premarital advisement is if you can’t figure it before marriage then you would hardly after- so Imams shouldn’t do the ceremony without couples first sitting for at least 6 sessions of advisement.
Salma Abugeideiri did a wonderful job of presenting issues on domestic violence within the Islamic framework of Quran and Sunna and coupled with her years of experience. This problem, no matter how much the community may be in denial, will not go away by wishful thoughts and few Khutba- it’s time to make it a national disaster as thousands of Muslims are victims, men and women, and the social workers are just a handful. She believes that help should not be at the battered stage but prevention education must start in school.
Attendees came from as far as Texas, Imam Yaseen Shaikh; Calgary in the West and of course Toronto from the East. The Canadian Council of Imams was represented by its secretary Habeeb Alli and the Canadian Council of Muslim Theologians by its executive member Hafiz Faizan. Another group represented there was 1866-NASEEHA - the toll free Muslim Youth Helpline that serves North American callers. Additionally, there was representation from the Jaffari Centre - who is doing an outstanding job with their fulltime staffed community support services. Others included Sister Noha, Sister Kameleh, Ommar, and Sayed Ali Adeli.
Among the other topics discussed were addictions, mental health, sexual problems, marriage and divorce, leadership, youths and gangterism, children welfare and new immigrant counseling, depression, gambling, etc.
This is an ongoing training organization and anywhere this is needed the personnel are willing to attend, organize, and consult.
One attendee stated: It prompted me to explore my options as to taking up marriage and family therapy, as it would help me as an Imam.
Some useful websites: issaservices.com, peacefulfamuilies.org, faithandmedia.org, newdirections.mb.ca, myselfhelp.com, www.getgamblingfacts.ca, canadiancouncilofiamms.com, www.naseeha.net, http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome
Jumping out of your beach pants and sandals these days happens with a deep sigh but when it’s flying from Toronto to Winnipeg it feels as if you just left Barbados! Well not when it’s for the good of the thousands of Muslims fixed in endless social problems. The Islamic Social Services Association, Inc-Canada hosted a conference to deliberate, train and network with others in this field and it was indeed a resounding success.
Among the organizers and speakers was the famous Shahina Siddiqui, who founded this organization some ten years ago, with chapters in USA and UK. She believes this is the greatest need of the hour and Muslims can only solve their social woes if they combine the insight available in mainstream social agencies with the Islamic perspective. Well this type of fusion was surely in abundance this weekend- Nov 21st-24th 2008 at the Hilton Suites.
Dr. Aneesah Nadir from USA, inspired us with the story of a revert, after 30 years, struggling in the mill of acceptance. Moreso her position on premarital advisement is if you can’t figure it before marriage then you would hardly after- so Imams shouldn’t do the ceremony without couples first sitting for at least 6 sessions of advisement.
Salma Abugeideiri did a wonderful job of presenting issues on domestic violence within the Islamic framework of Quran and Sunna and coupled with her years of experience. This problem, no matter how much the community may be in denial, will not go away by wishful thoughts and few Khutba- it’s time to make it a national disaster as thousands of Muslims are victims, men and women, and the social workers are just a handful. She believes that help should not be at the battered stage but prevention education must start in school.
Attendees came from as far as Texas, Imam Yaseen Shaikh; Calgary in the West and of course Toronto from the East. The Canadian Council of Imams was represented by its secretary Habeeb Alli and the Canadian Council of Muslim Theologians by its executive member Hafiz Faizan. Another group represented there was 1866-NASEEHA - the toll free Muslim Youth Helpline that serves North American callers. Additionally, there was representation from the Jaffari Centre - who is doing an outstanding job with their fulltime staffed community support services. Others included Sister Noha, Sister Kameleh, Ommar, and Sayed Ali Adeli.
Among the other topics discussed were addictions, mental health, sexual problems, marriage and divorce, leadership, youths and gangterism, children welfare and new immigrant counseling, depression, gambling, etc.
This is an ongoing training organization and anywhere this is needed the personnel are willing to attend, organize, and consult.
One attendee stated: It prompted me to explore my options as to taking up marriage and family therapy, as it would help me as an Imam.
Some useful websites: issaservices.com, peacefulfamuilies.org, faithandmedia.org, newdirections.mb.ca, myselfhelp.com, www.getgamblingfacts.ca, canadiancouncilofiamms.com, www.naseeha.net, http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome
I would like to express our deepest shock and disgust at the Bombings and taking of hostages in Mumbai, India. We the members of religious leadership of Canadian Muslims, strongly condemn these terrorist acts, resulting in loss of many innocent lives and injuring hundreds others.
Canadian Muslims join the international community in grieving this tragedy and strongly condemn these cowardly acts. We hope that the perpetrators of such heinous acts are quickly brought to justice.
Acts like these are an awful exercise of rationalization and must be condemned unequivocally.
Canadian Muslims join the international community in grieving this tragedy and strongly condemn these cowardly acts. We hope that the perpetrators of such heinous acts are quickly brought to justice.
Acts like these are an awful exercise of rationalization and must be condemned unequivocally.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)