The Prophet’s Hijra and Modern Migration: Are they any different?

The Prophet’s Hijra and Modern Migration: Are they any different?

With the Islamic New Years 1429 tipping the conventional New Years 2008 by few days, is it any wonder that many are tipping over when greeting Happy New Years. At least Chinese New Years is a huge family affair, big box stocking season and school curriculum item without a wink or cringe. The normalizing of this discourse is what’s sought. That new years may not be the Oscars for the dull-minded religionist but it was a celebration for the Final Messenger of Islam, blushing at the singing Medinan girls, welcoming him and Abu Bakr into his new homeland. Greeting and sharing food marked in His inaugural arrival speech. By virtue of life-altering-experience, Umar, the Second Caliph, decided to initiate the Islamic Calendar from 622 AD i.e. the year of the Hijra.

Hospitality

The Hijra of the Prophet some 1400 years ago, from Mecca to Medina, was definitely a scene of fear and escape but was it without great stories of warm hospitality? The Medinese withstood the Arabian midday heat for days anxiously awaiting their guests. Adopting anew home land cuts across all cultures like a fabric continuously woven over centuries by every earth-lived traveler, making a globally patterned shawl that’s the Holy Grail of Migration.

Maybe at the end of both journeys is the hope that good must emerge and life will not always be an unending spiral of want and fear. That somehow Providence will smile at the rainbow of ‘one’s migration plans’ and the ‘residence’ oasis will be bigger than the Sahara and brighter than the Promised land.

Fear

The Hijra was undertaken by Prophet Muhammad voluntarily, as the people of Medina actually visited him earlier and invited him to stay permanently in Medina. Unlike economic immigrants, who sought their personal safety and the betterment of themselves their loves ones, here the Prophet is undertaking a journey that would not only change the landscape of his entire nation but the horizon of his entire future adherents. Migrating to Medina would pave the way for a future safe-city for his Faith and the refugees living in Abyssinia will find a permanent home in the company of their Beloved Prophet. Migrating under the severest threat of life- the Quraish had already assigned the assassins to promptly arrive midnight with drawn swords- the Hijra was in a sense changing the worse into better. It’s like adding sugar when given lemons. Had he continued under such stressful conditions in the valley of death- 100 camels were already on the flyer for his head and the nomadic tribesmen didn’t need any more an adrenaline rush to saddle up- not only his family but the key to salvation would have been compromised forever.

Social capital

Countries that open their hearts for immigrants role play Negus-the-kindhearted-Christian-leader of Africa who hosted the first Muslim immigrants from Mecca. Such nations also deputize the charming Ansars of Medina. Despite their weaker economic circumstances, having been the underdog tribes working at the date farms of Yathrib, these brothers and sisters in Faith announced innocently to the “newcomer’ strangers that whoever wants to share half of the Ansar’s property, home, family and wealth are welcome. Now that’s social capital! A man was prepared to divorce one of his wives so his new buddy may marry her; how thoughtful for one who lived in a hot country?! Getting a pin number for social brotherhood, the Prophet paired an immigrant from Mecca with a host from Medina. Saad joined Abdurrahman in a kind of sorority that lodged them into a ‘business mentorship program’. Soon Abdurrahman was excelling in profits at no envy of his “host professor:”

Community

Sometimes the impersonal access to financial credits steal the “accustomed” humanity during immigrants’ maiden years and while more love is in eating together, paying one’s bills is the safest and fairest way to build a civilization. The Prophet ensured all his debts were paid before leaving Mecca, he insisted on paying Abu Bakr for the arranged camel-ride and upon arriving in Medina he immediately paid the orphans whose land he purchased for the central mosque. Getting immediate credit is a challenge for most who migrate but when someone has personal credibility waking up anywhere is a piece of cake.

This newly built mosque, through volunteerism and donation, became the headquarters of the minority Muslim community, with its adjoining quarters being the Prophet’s living quarters. When it was safe he later sent for his families who remained in Mecca. In a way the subtle human tendency to ‘locate a home’ in their ‘national’ neighborhood and more likely where the mosque sits isn’t a unique modern settlement pattern. It seems the community builds the mosque and the mosque attracts the wider community.

Faith

On the precipice of fear, lying low in the cave of Thaur, Abu Bakr and the Prophet are edged by the marauding voices of a blood thirsty Quraish gang, let loose on the desert tracts of Arabia. They want the camels and they want it at any cost. Never mind Muhammad is from the prestigious Hashemite clan or he is still the Al-Amin or trustworthy friend of all. As the patrolling voices became louder and even their sandals suddenly stared the two lone servants of God, below Abu Bakr momentarily buckled to human conditions. The usual butterfly stomach at most airport counters! So he shared this with His Beloved Friend- Yaa Rasullullah if they should only peep we are finished! But the Prophet was far from hanging on the precipice of fear, he was lodged on the foundation of Faith. He retorted: “What’s your thought Abu Bakr about two, the third is Allah?”!

Destination

Sometimes the journey is more important that the destination: the thrills, the learning, the scenes and the networks are just as amazing as hitting the finish line.
The Prophet’s Hijra was eventful, e.g. he met an old woman whose lean goat he miraculously milked. Almost caught, the pursuing Bedouin was swallowed by quick-sand. A poem is heard in Mecca about both travelers’ safety. And so much more history authentically chronicles. Is yours documented? For each one has a unique odyssey covered not only one person biding good bye or one nation allowing you in, but enriched with tomes of tears and laughter.

At the end every journey must come to an end and even life’s journey is no exception. The Prophet may have epitomized this when he said that Hijra is no longer a Fard or religious mandate. However, continuously wishing for betterment of Faith and struggling to ensure Faith is safe will always be an obligation. So when people say the answer is Hijra ask them to where? And when people cry how much they wish they can live in Hajj forever or stay in Jamaat or conferences eternally, ask them would they do it if they have to work there and do their religious duties too?

“The true immigrant is one who eschews what is forbidden for Hijra literally means to leave behind.”

It seems as if the Hijra and modern migration are timelines apart, and for sure not uncommon in principles yet individually inspiring.

Muslims make present to homeless shelter

Christmas Eve some Muslim volunteers at the North American Muslim Foundation presented a reasonable amount of meat, halal or Islamically slaughtered animal to the Yonge Street Mission. This initiative is in keeping with the Eid ul Aza tradition of sharing the meat to the needy.

It also comes as a timely gift for the homeless, who frequent this downtown shelter seeking proper food. Barbara Walkden, Director of Development at the 102-years-old Mission said many Muslim families depend upon their food bank in Regent Park.

Mohamed Baksh far left, with Habeeb Alli on left from the Muslim Community delivering Qurbani to Alvin, Head Chef inset, and Barbara Walkden right, from Yonge Street Mission.

Mr. Habeeb Alli, Coordinator of NAMF mentioned that, “I was reading the morning papers and noticed the lanky old man’s face on the Yonge Mission ad. It was asking for Christmas gifts. I starred at it and thought I could help through our Qurbani or EidulAza meat distribution. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift too. To my surprise when I called the number and spoke to Ann she said, ‘we receive many requests for halal meat from our visitors’.”

This beef and lamb is hygienic and is donated through kind members of the community who, once financially capable, are obligated to perform this charity every year.

The Foundation, which does relief work around the world, hopes that this local initiative will grow into something bigger and wider each year. As matter of fact there is always a need for Halal meat down at these shelters and food banks, if you are thinking of it.

We wish everyone the best and hope that this simple token goes a far way in bridging the path to love and spirituality- the legacy of Abraham and all other Prophets.

CN Tower and Dinner with Imams

What is common between CN Tower and Imams? You may say good food and record breaking achievements. But last night, having some distinguished guests at its revolving restaurant, it became clear that this icon of Canadian landscape and the Canadian Council of Imams share a sound foundation of making Canada truly a haven of peace, beauty and charity. Repeatedly the leaders, sponsors and guests reminded us over cornish chicken and sumptuous desert that as Canadians we're really blessed and as Muslims we have a duty to preserve that.

A dinner jointly held by the Canadian Council of Imams and the RIS conference organisers, along with IMO, was long overdue according to some. A place where leaders and visiting scholars may interact, knowing how difficult access may be at times to world leaders. An excuse for local leaders to now what's happening in their city when thousands of youths converge to the Convention centre to listen to foreign scholars.

Most importantly, the camaraderie provided by the city lights as dinner guests somberly revolved, ensured the claim that Canadian Muslims have taste and are complete lovers- both of the spirit and form- at least for Faith To think of it as the CN tower plumetted guests into sky-heights and revolved them around the city among cavalcades of light, one thing remained common- we are on strong grounds and to that we have to return, regardless.

Got that Kutba to deal with, you see there you go!

White, White stuff surrounds the tree tops!
Kisses, smiles, hurrays ring in the new year
Away from the files and schedules
Will Hot Old Year's stew wash away 07's omissions?

Oh Source of Time
Send the desparing hang-ing-overs over the cliffs
Make my job-search a look within
Let my new age be filled with spirit not forms

Of Giver of Chance
Convert the Doubting Thomas into Power Servants
Whose resolution does not dissolve like delicate snow
Who sees colourfulness in rainbows and not another wet day

Oh Judge of Providence
Let the injustice of a world s0 small be gone
So my weakness of Faith not slither away
And my two-cents-love wipe the every Asqa's tears

Oh Strongest of Strong
This new day is my omega so grant me new life
Every sun you say to me here is my hope in you
Now I want to live so each sunset says here is my trust in You.

Do help me, wouldn't you?
And him and so too her
Wherever they may be!
It's You who I have as The Only Being!

NAMF Gala Dinner and Awards 2007- an occasion to celebrate and remember!

Enjoying a sumptuous full-served dinner in an elegant banquet in between nasheeds, comedy and speeches was how almost two hundred Ontarians chose to spend this last Sunday evening, Dec 9th 2007, at NAMF 6th Annual dinner in Scarborough.

The highlight of the evening was listening rapturously to no other than the eloquent Hon Jim Karigiannis relating in picture and words his recent trip to cyclone-hit Bangladesh. Our passionate MP invoked the need to have NGO's like NAMF recognised through 'matching funds". Mr. Farouq Khan, Executive Director, expounded, from his power point presentation, some of the achievements during this past year, clearly the Bangladesh flood taking an upper hand.

So when the fundraising time came around attendees generously poured their hearts. People also donated for digging wells in Kenya, as well as sponsoring orphans around the world. Debra Worthman from the Presbyterian church emphasised she wanted to sponsor a girl from India! The true dynamics of giving is without borders, as you can see. One of our true supporters and excited attendee, Bibi Raqeeya Mohamed, retorted, "that she had an enjoyable time with her family, especially the comedy by famous American Aman Ali. She was happy that NAMF actually had a musical nasheed group entertaining the early birds."

In attendance were Alim Ali from DawaRadio and his boys, including Waleed, Inshan, and Faizal Baig. Two important leaders were recognised that winter night. Asma Warsi, Editor for this-twenty-long-years Ambition newspaper, was awarded NAMF Award for outstanding females in journalism. Dr David Liepert, Professor in Calgary, who flew in pro bono all the way from the West, was awarded for his Interfaith work. He had earlier presented on the diversity paradigm Islam offers especially vis a vis the Hajj experience. That speech had all stunned, impressed and awed. Annie Feunich said to me, "he sounds so calm and Canadian"!

Guests were treated to a mouth-watering desert while the President, Mr. Sheharyar Shaik, moved the vote of thanks, not before reminding us of the virtue of charity. Imam AbdulHai Patel, an earlier recipient of NAMF Award, reminded all about the work of the Toronto Police and the upcoming workshop against domestic violence at IMO, Dec 16th.

Your hosts that evening, which was filled with flurries and warm embraces, were Nikhat Rasheed of Faith of Life Network and Habeeb Alli of Canadian Council of Imams. Special thanks to all those families and organisations who made this a truly blessed event and to the staff at NAMF for putting hours on those flowers!

Aqsa's life is valuable and her death is domestic violence and highly condemnable.

The recent tragedy that has befallen the blossoming young life of an innocent Muslim girl in Mississauga, ON, where her father allegedly strangled her, is humanly and Islamically condemnable. This action doesn’t bespeak anything resembling the moral upbringing Islam purports. Aqsa Parvez’s suffering is simply atrocious and has no place in Canadian parenting. The alleged reason is she did not stick to wearing the hijab stringently and instead, left her parent’s home, so as not to be coerced into something she had not decided on wearing.

Islam came to save girls from being murdered; it gave life to humanity. The Quran has dedicated famous verses against this heinous sin- When the female (infant), buried alive, is questioned …81:8

Parents are encouraged to reason with their children when they reach the age of marriage and seek mutual understanding. However, as people of good Faith, this reconciliatory approach to discipline and training is no license for our sons and daughters to be permissive and disrespectful.

The Charter of Rights allows freedom of religion, and rightly so, since our Quranic Constitution proclaims this freedom of conscience as a God given right of every human being. Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error…2:256

While the freedoms the youths enjoy may not always be to the liking of parents and while the cultures children are engaged in may not necessarily be the traditions of the country of origin, the right thing to do is engage all in a dialogue. The correct approach is to get generational-appropriate counselors and respect the level of Faith practiced by all- for the Sharia allows hijab of variant styles as much as it allows flexibility in different circumstances.

Neither a parent nor the siblings can take the law in their hands, believing this is a Godly-duty. Once we have shown our dislike for an act that is considered reprehensible, given our circumstances, we have absolved ourselves of that responsibility and hence not sinful. No matter what they what they choose in life, to do the opposite makes us both criminally indictable and cursed with a major sin. Beating children leads to brutalization and is therefore illegal and sinful.

We call upon all agencies to support the transient Muslim community, through their various generational crises, by providing financial and logistical auxiliaries, so we may be the colorful petal in this multicultural flower and not a thorn on this flowery tree. We call on all parents to solicit the legal means readily available to ensure proper discipline.

Commenting on parent’s challenges’, Kahlil Gibran aptly said: Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

Under law in Saudi Arabia, women are subject to numerous restrictions, including a strict dress code, a prohibition on driving and a requirement that they get a man's permission to travel or have surgery. Women are also not allowed to testify in court unless it is about a private matter that was not observed by a man, and they are not allowed to vote. This is a regular media blurp.

But, nothing here resembles the Islam practised by the majority of Muslims in the world, so obviously this is Saudi Law and not an Islamic Law. Muslim women may travel, not don black gowns and veils, vote, be witnesses in courts and appeal for a divorce and well, even drive, and that too alone. So when Islam has granted women so many rights and priviledges, these bias misognist men are only destroying human life and Islam with their personal judgements, as in the ecase of the lady who is sentenced to lashes after being raped, on the pretext that she is an accessory to sexual enticement by walking about alone.

It's nice to hear that the higher Judicial body is reconsidering these laws and it's time, especially how we have seen Saudi Prince Abdullah has been leading some smart political, social and even economic moves, recently, to correct some major evils and build bridges. The fact is the husband of this rape victim rightly said that his wife was abducted from a mall and raped and she was not in any illicit relationship. Not because a woman walks without a mahram/ appproved relative she is evil. As a matter of fact, this requirement is only for long distance travel and too if it's insecure, as can be seen how Hajj groups relax this law.

Why the Saudis don't charge the girls who walk the malls passing cell numbers out, internet chat and enjoy sattelite TV non chaperoned? That's having a relationship without a "relative". Moreso how about not being picky on criminal charges and improve relationship with minorities and Shiite brothers and sisters. Charging non nationals is no justice; moreso, gang-raping a woman is no "honor". So if someone slams this episode as barbaric, it's the barbarism of a human nature expressed by some wicked authority and not in anyway a libel against the pure feminist laws of Islam nor an attack on an entire women-protecting society.

In the same token, I would beg that we continue to support our domestically abused at home and help them to rise above these cultural and social yokes, that seems to travel relentlesly, despite the visas of enligtened ports.

Look how silly the issue in Sudan is, about a woman naming her pet Muhammad, despite being defended ny her students and herself claiming this is not her intention- i.e. to demean our Holy Prophet, on whom be peace.

So do we have any disenfranchisement warrant for those whose name is Muhammad but do not reperesent His life? How insulting to the Prophet, isn't it? Hence, a person can name someone or something off an everyday Moh; is that a problem? How about other Prophets, be peace on them all?