Is Eidul Adha just about celebrating another Muslim holiday?
Who doesn’t like holiday? Especially when it’s a day off from school and work with pay! In Multicultural Canada almost every day can be a holiday and holy day. Well it seems as if we re still celebrating Eidulfitr with almost every weekend dinner is hosted even after a month. It’s about accommodating the different times families are available to gather and mosque can accommodate their neighbours without too much redundancy. Food and its delight are never too much but with having to pay for everything these days including prayers once definitely can do with break.
The next Muslim holiday on the calendar is Eidul Azha or commonly called Qurbani. It’s that time of the year that the Biblical/Quranic story of Abraham surfaces. He was willing to sacrifice his beloved son Ishmael in proof for his love for God. Until today Muslims around the world re-enact this solemn yet dynamic act of selfless sacrifice by offering slaughtered goats, cows and camels to the poor and needy. The Pilgrimage to Mecca ends with this colossal display of endless amounts of charitable meat ready to be shipped to poor African states and neighbours.
The Abraham story has another dimension. It speaks to the core value of every human desire to be loved and give love. Abraham loved his wife Hajar and his first born Ishmael a lot. But before he could possible be blessed with a child he had to continuously observe his allegiance to God and pray for this miracle at old infertile age. The son was born and now he had to choose after some years of adoration where his heart is- son or God? The end result of this true- dream-command is God kept his son and offered a lamb instead. How many of us do have a sacrificial lamb in our lives that veil the sincerity of devotion and obscure the sincerity of Divine service?
Around this time of the year Mosques and Synagogues are teaming up to talk with each other on their traditions and life challenges. It’s called the Twinning as if to remind us that Abraham’s two sons- Ishmael and Isaac were off springs of a man of peace and if history wasn’t distorted then it means we can unveil the ignorance with dialogues and a hot dinner!
The Hajj is a huge expense undertaken with passion and devotion. For many it’s a waste of finances better spent on local projects that makes a difference in the lives of many needy and more so in need of God’s guidance and our love. For many this is another retreat that reminds us of a relic called father Abraham who had left his dear son Ishmael in the desert of Arabia- called Mount Paran in the Bible- to the mercy of the vultures and his mother’s kindness. Later on a fountain was miraculously produced that save them both and became the oasis of Arabic civilization. On another note that lead to the establishment of the restored Kaba, whose visits acts as an expression to God and reminiscence of God’s historical acts of love-testing.
In the words of Gazali, the famous Middle Ages scholar, this was alive to the fact that love was the genuine need of a sensitive human being which he was always seeking to satisfy. The House of Ka'aba (at Mecca) and all the Landmarks of Allah that are associated with it and the Hajj with the rites and formalities which go to make it contain an ideal provision for the gratification of this basic human urge and necessity.
According to Dr Imam Abdul Hai Patel, “Hajj is a Fard on those who have the financial capacity. It is a dream of every Muslim to go for Hajj, once they attain the this capacity, otherwise he/she will be answerable on the day of Judgment, and in spite of the high cost today, Muslim's dream and obsession for fulfilling an obligation remains unchallenged.” This is the spirit that Eidul Azha emanates after thousands of years it still remains undaunted, recession or not.
Apart from the lessons of harmonious relations ingrained in the teachings of Eidul Azha and the mighty spiritual experience it brings at Hajj there is another salient element that most people partake in. That’s the willingness to donate a part of their earnings to buying animals fit for slaughtering and distributing the meat to the poor and needy. While some actually do it at their farms or through their local meat shops, the way it’s done in Toronto is to have the money donated to a charity who sends it abroad to relevant places to have the act completed on their behalf and the needy in that area benefits. Many are now realising that we do have thousands of families living in poverty in Toronto and charity begins here. Local charities would accept their donations and arrange the sacrifice at a local farm and then have the meat delivered to local food banks after the proper procedures. People are deeply indebted for this and one such food bank is the Yonge Street Mission that anxiously awaits the delivery of the wonderful halal meat for their many Muslim recipients. It’s a blessing they say to finally discovering this route to serve their growing Muslim community.
Happy Eid ul Azha and may the good thoughts of being friendly to all be imbued while undertaking the simplest of sacrifice by donating towards the poor be done sincerely and the prayers be sound at Hajj on behalf of all- Here I am for your service, accept me Oh God Almighty!
Thanks Giving poem
A time to reflect
On the many gifts
God has us bless
Especially being in Canada
Second largest country
With best standard of living
Offering respect for diversity
And lots of security
Thanking God is an everyday affair
Sometimes special time is needed
To sit and have a meal
And laugh and pray to some things unique
Like finding love
In the mayhem of irrational thoughts
Like opening this mail
And finding joy in the craziness of the world
So Thank God, Thank Your Maker
With whatever way you chose
Remember the poor and needy
Remember being broken is worse than being hungry!
Its essential to have your turkey, halal, kosher
Not that you can't make massala curry or vege
But sometimes the original
Brings you closer to what being a pioneer felt like.
So Happy Thanks Giving
Thanking all for every thing
Thanks to our Lord
For whatever gifts every creation brings.
"If ye are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; but if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." (Quran 14:7)
Islamic History month launched amidst controversy
For the third year Islamic history month is launched in Toronto at Queens park. Despite the recent furore over Executive Director of the host organisation, Canadian Islamic Congress, Dr Imam Ziyad Delic and his disinvite to speak in Ottawa at the defence department, people are continuing to rally around the importance to educating Canadians of this rich heritage. At the launch many MPPs spoke about the importance of this history and need to continue to educate despite the odds. The Hon Rob Oliphant recently joined others including the Council of Imams in denouncing the action of the Defence Minister and calls for more civil discourse on the issue of Canadian Muslims and their civic duty. Dr Abdullah Quick was the guest speaker and he spoke eloquently about the history of Islam in Spain, particularly pointing out the way water was brought into the Alhambra in flow with gravity faraway from the mountains and he cautioned that Islam recognise this duty and even mentioned that several world leaders recently said that this may be the 6th extinction as per a study done in South Africa.
The main guest speaker this year is a scientist specialising on Islam and the environment- Dr Mushtaq Siddiqui.
For more read www.islamichistorymonth.com
Queens town masjids fundraiser
For many Guyanese the Queenstown masjid in Georgetown is not a mere place Muslims pray in but is heritage building as it was built by indentured labourers over hundred years ago. The present new project to rebuild it while maintaining the relics is important to everyone including the grandchildren of the original builders- family of the late Major Abbas of Muslim Welfare Centre.
Recently many turned up to applaud the efforts of Guyanese Imams that served in Toronto and to listen to Qari Sadaqat Ali from Pakistan- world renown Qari as well as Moulana Sidiq Nasir- international scholar. The organisers did a wonderful job at the Chandni banquet hall raising more than 30,000 through an entertaining and not pressuring method. Special thanks to Sadro Usman and his team for putting on a sumptuous, entertaining and enlightening evening.
Muslims Award sixth award ceremony held in Ajax
It seems not long ago we were sitting in Gymnasium of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, a mere hundred or so for affordable ticket in the presence of the Police Chief and others to recognise the efforts of our brave men and women serving the community of Toronto.
After six years and moving from elegant banquet halls to more elegant ones this Sunday we were treated to the stylish and pride-giving sixth annual appreciation dinner at the Ajax Convention Centre. Almost 650 attendees from all walks of life garlanding social services members locally and internationally for going the extra mile in ensuring those who are lesser fortunate have a smile.
In his speech the Hon Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, reminded the audience that it’s our duty to care for others and in so doing we’re fulfilling both civic and religious responsibly. Moulana Yusuf Badat, Imam of the Islamic Foundation, mentioned that’s it not social service but social responsibility. It’s a way of saying we appreciate what you do but we know only Allah can repay you fully. The cuisine was delicious and the entertainment was mild but all together networking with friends and making new ones was definitely a given. Among the many recipients was our dear friend Majid Ali- the man behind the action at Islamic soccer league, hot soup day, Muslims supporting cancer society and a host of things!
NAMF hosts Eid Dinner and Pakistan Flood report
The emotions run high at Eid. But this time it was not because friends and family were coming over but the images of needy ravished children in Pakistan was heart breaking.
Well NAMF being an NGO was working on the ground just after the flood just before Ramadan.
Doctors for Relief joined NAMF at their Pakistan based office and camps. They worked on children, setting up medical clinics and school packages, establishing water purification systems and distributing food supplies thanks to the generosity of many of you, including businesses, mosques, families and even children. Over 17 tonnes of food and supplies was shipped directly. But the money donated makes the most sense to getting it to the victims by virtue of ease and experience and avoiding hassles according Mr Farooq Khan, Executive Director. Dr Shahnaz Dar and Uzman Ahmad were among the doctors helping. Their experience was indeed deepening and their call is for more help and more professionals on the ground. The Hon Jim Karygiannis P.C.M.P, Scarborough was also on the trip and he made an impact on the audience by giving from his own pocket as the foundations continue to accept donations on behalf of the victims. He said he saw the biggest destruction in living history, after travelling to many disaster areas in the world and it will take years before recovery.
The Eid dinner was nice but nicer was the fact that even during such times people do care for the poor and needy.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Muslims who vote are observing an act of worship.
Muslims who vote are observing an act of worship.
We have to respect the fact that Canada is a gift for both its citizens and the world as it offers a unique model of democracy that is absent or fought for in many places in the world. While nothing is perfect it’s an amazing experiment of success that stands apart in the world of corruption and buying of votes.
Hence when Muslims deny the duty to vote and play politics of back stabbing each other, while calling towards one's religion or ethnic background they are playing into the very devil that chose to divide the Umma upon the demise of the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace. People wanted the Caliph to be on their tribal lines, family ties and friendship basis. The decision to finally choose the Caliph Abu Bakr, may Allah be please with him, was on virtue, wisdom, experience, leadership, piety, and character, that were placed in front of the Companions and their response became unanimous despite the initial divide. Like block voting or coalition votes!
This shows that we have a duty to speak from the mimbar/pulpit and its likes today, as Umar Bin Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, stood up and spoke out that day on behalf of not only the religion and its preservation but the preservation of life, property, dignity, justice and well being- the very values Islam and Canada share like canoes and Canadian lakes.
Are we remiss of the fact that it’s not about religion only that marks support of leadership when King Negus is praised before Islam for his justice and reliance to help Muslim refugees? Have we forgotten the fact that the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace, remarked if he was called again to join the League of Justice established before Islam in order to grant respite to poor Arabs he would respond and attend? Have we not realised that 75% of Muslims do not live in a Muslim majority country and even those that do are not governed completely by Islamic Laws? Then to show indifference in the name of religion is to lack the proper attitude towards religion of social cohesiveness and tradition of community participation.
For those who have bad experiences in their previous domicile they need to understand the transparency, supervision and meticulous care that was taken to build the present democratic machinery of Canada and must have faith in a system that provides security, livelihood and opportunities beyond comparison
So vote and be blessed and encourage others to do the same and get double reward- for whoever establishes a good deed gets the rewards of those that follow.
Voting is bearing shahadat or testimony on behalf of a candidate that you think in your best knowledge is best capable of the job at hand. To be a witness is an act of conscience and when the whole world tells you otherwise remember the Hadith says ask your conscience and follow your heart. So this is so much a freedom of expression that you are exercising and is so much compared to the verse-
2:283 And do not conceal what you have witnessed - for, verily, he who conceals it is sinful at heart; and God has full knowledge of all that you do.
and
2:256 Let there be no compulsion in religion.
Thank You!
We have to respect the fact that Canada is a gift for both its citizens and the world as it offers a unique model of democracy that is absent or fought for in many places in the world. While nothing is perfect it’s an amazing experiment of success that stands apart in the world of corruption and buying of votes.
Hence when Muslims deny the duty to vote and play politics of back stabbing each other, while calling towards one's religion or ethnic background they are playing into the very devil that chose to divide the Umma upon the demise of the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace. People wanted the Caliph to be on their tribal lines, family ties and friendship basis. The decision to finally choose the Caliph Abu Bakr, may Allah be please with him, was on virtue, wisdom, experience, leadership, piety, and character, that were placed in front of the Companions and their response became unanimous despite the initial divide. Like block voting or coalition votes!
This shows that we have a duty to speak from the mimbar/pulpit and its likes today, as Umar Bin Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, stood up and spoke out that day on behalf of not only the religion and its preservation but the preservation of life, property, dignity, justice and well being- the very values Islam and Canada share like canoes and Canadian lakes.
Are we remiss of the fact that it’s not about religion only that marks support of leadership when King Negus is praised before Islam for his justice and reliance to help Muslim refugees? Have we forgotten the fact that the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace, remarked if he was called again to join the League of Justice established before Islam in order to grant respite to poor Arabs he would respond and attend? Have we not realised that 75% of Muslims do not live in a Muslim majority country and even those that do are not governed completely by Islamic Laws? Then to show indifference in the name of religion is to lack the proper attitude towards religion of social cohesiveness and tradition of community participation.
For those who have bad experiences in their previous domicile they need to understand the transparency, supervision and meticulous care that was taken to build the present democratic machinery of Canada and must have faith in a system that provides security, livelihood and opportunities beyond comparison
So vote and be blessed and encourage others to do the same and get double reward- for whoever establishes a good deed gets the rewards of those that follow.
Voting is bearing shahadat or testimony on behalf of a candidate that you think in your best knowledge is best capable of the job at hand. To be a witness is an act of conscience and when the whole world tells you otherwise remember the Hadith says ask your conscience and follow your heart. So this is so much a freedom of expression that you are exercising and is so much compared to the verse-
2:283 And do not conceal what you have witnessed - for, verily, he who conceals it is sinful at heart; and God has full knowledge of all that you do.
and
2:256 Let there be no compulsion in religion.
Thank You!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving-
Happy Thanksgiving everyone
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=HY27482779
A time to reflect
On the many gifts
God has us bless
Especially being in Canada
Second largest country
With best standard of living
Offering respect for diversity
And lots of security
Thanking God is an everyday affair
Sometimes special time is needed
To sit and have a meal
And laugh and pray to some things unique
Like finding love
In the mayhem of irrational thoughts
Like opening this mail
And finding joy in the craziness of the world
So Thank God, Thank Your Maker
With whatever way you chose
Remember the poor and needy
Remember being broken is worse than being hungry!
Its essential to have your turkey,halal, kosher
Not that you can't make massala curry or vege
But sometimes the original
Brings you closer to what being a pioneer felt like.
So Happy Thanks Giving
Thanking all for every thing
Thanks to our Lord
For whatever gifts every creation brings.
"If ye are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; but if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." (Quran 14:7)
http://www.dar-al-masnavi.org/thanksgiving.html
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=HY27482779
A time to reflect
On the many gifts
God has us bless
Especially being in Canada
Second largest country
With best standard of living
Offering respect for diversity
And lots of security
Thanking God is an everyday affair
Sometimes special time is needed
To sit and have a meal
And laugh and pray to some things unique
Like finding love
In the mayhem of irrational thoughts
Like opening this mail
And finding joy in the craziness of the world
So Thank God, Thank Your Maker
With whatever way you chose
Remember the poor and needy
Remember being broken is worse than being hungry!
Its essential to have your turkey,halal, kosher
Not that you can't make massala curry or vege
But sometimes the original
Brings you closer to what being a pioneer felt like.
So Happy Thanks Giving
Thanking all for every thing
Thanks to our Lord
For whatever gifts every creation brings.
"If ye are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; but if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." (Quran 14:7)
http://www.dar-al-masnavi.org/thanksgiving.html
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.
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!
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!
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. “
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. “
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