Love and Islam
Two words
one meaning
Not to war but give willing
But too bad
Many believe Islam
Is violence
To kiss with flowers haram
Too bad
The media tells us tales
Where women suffer
As kitchen brides or honor killing slaves
But my dearest
Love is what makes
The honey sweet
The birds sing
It's the absence of love
That put Satan forever
in hellish kiln
With love the bamboo becomes
a harp
With love angels
Convert warriors like chocolate tart
And the frog becomes the prince, not a you tube star
When a kiss is sent
When awink is given
And a hand is held
Allah's grace joins those hearts without fear of loss
Like for many, a journey starts
No one choses the partner in thought
It happens, everyone has a story
But not everyone gets to finish together in glory
So trust in happiness
Over look the falws, know Allah alone is perfect
Praise her beauty and understand his ways
Love will your thirst quench to live another day.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Jews extend Quran to Muslims
Jews extend Quran to Muslims
by Habeeb Alli
Toronto, Canada – I’m thrilled again this week to be part of history – while someone burns the Quran in the United States, another gifts us a Quran in an expression of solidarity. I told this to my congregation during this week’s Friday service and they were all so moved by the gesture.
For the eighth year, an exercise of interfaith exchange between Jews, Muslims and Christians in Ontario has progressed in good faith – and the gift of the Qur’an was this year’s highlight. The Abraham Festival in Peterborough originated on the premise that all three faiths have a common heritage and that needs to be explored and shared. Walking through the symbolic tent of Abraham in order to enter the St. Andrew's United Church gave attendees the sense that history can be relived, even in a modern day setting.
A Jewish partner, facilitator and doctor, who has been keen in bringing the three faiths together in Peterborough, Dr Dan Houpt, presented the Qur’an. He suggested the idea to his Muslim counterpart and co-founder Elizabeth Rahman, who consulted with the Canadian Council of Imams. Rahman is a convert from UK and has been active in the community ever since the 1970s, with her late Indian husband.
The Muslims Students Association at the nearby Trent University hosted the Friday service, on the first day of the festival, this year, in order for Christian and Jewish neighbours could observe the gifting of the Qur’an. Houpt offered some thoughts on the gift, stating , "It shows we stand with them in solidarity." He added, "And it shows it's a terrible act to burn a holy book."
I offered my gratitude and reminded the audience of about 80 people from the three faiths, that it is a tribute well received on behalf of all Muslims and that the desecration of any holy book is an attack on all Holy Scriptures. I also reminded them that this is in line with a historic Islamic tradition when the Moorish Averroes, Jewish Maimonides and Christian Thomas Aquinas learnt from each other in the twelfth century Spain of which even John Paul II recognized.
This year’s theme of the Abraham Festival was on forgiveness. Many facilitators were present to share what their faith offered on the subject of forgiving others. As I mentioned in my speech, "Forgiveness is an interesting topic because you often need it for people you love the most. The person you love the most can hurt you the most. And forgiveness lightens the burden."
The presentation of the Holy Quran to Muslims by the local Jewish community was a way to show goodwill and remove any misunderstanding and hurt Muslims may have experienced in today’s unfortunate atmosphere of Islamophobia – something Jews can relate to given their long years of dealing with anti-Semitism.
I also told them that recently a group of Jewish people had donated money and time to build a mosque Toronto. This Peace Mosque project will soon be aired as a TV series. TV Producer Kenny Hotz will highlight this daring project in his documentary to be showed on Showcase Television this Spring. This may be seen as another event in the now world famous annual Twinning of Mosques and Synagogues.
Mrs. Rahman was recognised during the event and I handed the Holy Quran, with a card of appreciation, to be kept by her and used during her tours to the schools, prisons, etc. The Muslims are overwhelmed by this token of solidarity and are thankful wherever they are for such is the tradition of Abraham.
*Habeeb Alli is a freelance writer for the Ambition, scholar on www.allexperts.com and author of twelve books on Islam.
by Habeeb Alli
Toronto, Canada – I’m thrilled again this week to be part of history – while someone burns the Quran in the United States, another gifts us a Quran in an expression of solidarity. I told this to my congregation during this week’s Friday service and they were all so moved by the gesture.
For the eighth year, an exercise of interfaith exchange between Jews, Muslims and Christians in Ontario has progressed in good faith – and the gift of the Qur’an was this year’s highlight. The Abraham Festival in Peterborough originated on the premise that all three faiths have a common heritage and that needs to be explored and shared. Walking through the symbolic tent of Abraham in order to enter the St. Andrew's United Church gave attendees the sense that history can be relived, even in a modern day setting.
A Jewish partner, facilitator and doctor, who has been keen in bringing the three faiths together in Peterborough, Dr Dan Houpt, presented the Qur’an. He suggested the idea to his Muslim counterpart and co-founder Elizabeth Rahman, who consulted with the Canadian Council of Imams. Rahman is a convert from UK and has been active in the community ever since the 1970s, with her late Indian husband.
The Muslims Students Association at the nearby Trent University hosted the Friday service, on the first day of the festival, this year, in order for Christian and Jewish neighbours could observe the gifting of the Qur’an. Houpt offered some thoughts on the gift, stating , "It shows we stand with them in solidarity." He added, "And it shows it's a terrible act to burn a holy book."
I offered my gratitude and reminded the audience of about 80 people from the three faiths, that it is a tribute well received on behalf of all Muslims and that the desecration of any holy book is an attack on all Holy Scriptures. I also reminded them that this is in line with a historic Islamic tradition when the Moorish Averroes, Jewish Maimonides and Christian Thomas Aquinas learnt from each other in the twelfth century Spain of which even John Paul II recognized.
This year’s theme of the Abraham Festival was on forgiveness. Many facilitators were present to share what their faith offered on the subject of forgiving others. As I mentioned in my speech, "Forgiveness is an interesting topic because you often need it for people you love the most. The person you love the most can hurt you the most. And forgiveness lightens the burden."
The presentation of the Holy Quran to Muslims by the local Jewish community was a way to show goodwill and remove any misunderstanding and hurt Muslims may have experienced in today’s unfortunate atmosphere of Islamophobia – something Jews can relate to given their long years of dealing with anti-Semitism.
I also told them that recently a group of Jewish people had donated money and time to build a mosque Toronto. This Peace Mosque project will soon be aired as a TV series. TV Producer Kenny Hotz will highlight this daring project in his documentary to be showed on Showcase Television this Spring. This may be seen as another event in the now world famous annual Twinning of Mosques and Synagogues.
Mrs. Rahman was recognised during the event and I handed the Holy Quran, with a card of appreciation, to be kept by her and used during her tours to the schools, prisons, etc. The Muslims are overwhelmed by this token of solidarity and are thankful wherever they are for such is the tradition of Abraham.
*Habeeb Alli is a freelance writer for the Ambition, scholar on www.allexperts.com and author of twelve books on Islam.
april
NAMF held its 10th annual speech competition
NAMF held its 10th annual speech competition last Saturday April 16th at its Scarborough location. Students hailed from around GTA and Junior and Senior schools. The topic this year was on Canadian Values- what does it mean to you? Students did an amazing job as usual with their powerful rhetoric reminding the packed audience that the Quran and Hadith offers us lots of support when we promote Canadian values such as tolerance, respect, freedom, democracy, family-life, etc Among the special speakers were Aziza Magazine Chief Editor Tayyiba Taylor who is a world renown speaker. She spoke eloquently about her conversion story and reminded the community of their commitment to have programs in place in the masjid to educate new converts about Islam. MPP Margaret Best, Minister of Health Promotion lauded the brave youngsters and reminded the attentive audience of mixed backgrounds that Canada is proud of its multi cultural heritage. Habeeb Alli conducted the fundraiser after a brief report by the Executive Director of NAMF Mr Farouk Khan. There were prizes for the six winners and door prizes, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the community businesses. The best was not only the tasty and adequate Pakistani cuisine that evening but rather MC Jake Dheer- the Rogers TV host- who entertained throughout with his witty style and amicable introductions. They truly all inspired us and the world to make us proud Canadian Muslims.
NAMF held its 10th annual speech competition last Saturday April 16th at its Scarborough location. Students hailed from around GTA and Junior and Senior schools. The topic this year was on Canadian Values- what does it mean to you? Students did an amazing job as usual with their powerful rhetoric reminding the packed audience that the Quran and Hadith offers us lots of support when we promote Canadian values such as tolerance, respect, freedom, democracy, family-life, etc Among the special speakers were Aziza Magazine Chief Editor Tayyiba Taylor who is a world renown speaker. She spoke eloquently about her conversion story and reminded the community of their commitment to have programs in place in the masjid to educate new converts about Islam. MPP Margaret Best, Minister of Health Promotion lauded the brave youngsters and reminded the attentive audience of mixed backgrounds that Canada is proud of its multi cultural heritage. Habeeb Alli conducted the fundraiser after a brief report by the Executive Director of NAMF Mr Farouk Khan. There were prizes for the six winners and door prizes, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the community businesses. The best was not only the tasty and adequate Pakistani cuisine that evening but rather MC Jake Dheer- the Rogers TV host- who entertained throughout with his witty style and amicable introductions. They truly all inspired us and the world to make us proud Canadian Muslims.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
March reports
Reports March
ISARC hosts meeting to fight poverty.
Are you aware that almost 400 000 Ontarians live off the food bank?
For the last 25 years interfaith leaders have been lobbying the Ontario government to make a difference. Members of this group, of which Muslims are a part of, have been meeting and making poverty audits to parliamentarians. They have fought to have poverty indexed steeply in the budget. The new book just published by Brice Balmer, Persistent Poverty, provided lots of stats and stories and is being gifted to many politicians and leaders and media pundits. Michael Skalgin is the newly appointed Executive Director. He is Budhist by faith.
The Interfaith Leaders advocated to have the political leaders in Ottawa meet their promises of the Millennium Development Goals met in Ottawa early March. ISARC was in attendance and the Imam Ziyad Delic represented the Canadian Council of Imams. The Council is deeply concerned about the poverty issue and the environment among others.
www.isarc.ca
What about Arab offenders leaving prison?
The Arab Community Centre in Etobicoke recently convened an important session with Corrections Services Canada and chaplains to talk about reintegration after imprisonment.
Among the presenters were Yassin Dwyer, Senior Chaplain for Muslims in Kingston and Habeeb Alli, Secretary of the Canadian Council of Imams. Among the points highlighted were the need to have education about being moderate and the need to have employment and social support that speaks to the cultural sensitivity of the community. Many thought that there need to be space that is safe, religiously sensitive and open to help offenders reintegrate successfully.
Horizon TV show
Rev Earl smith has invited Habeeb Alli, Secretary of Canadian Council of Imams to appear on the Rogers TV show for Interfaith twice. He says this show has been going on for the past 20 eyras and there is lesser involvement from Muslims. It started when faith communities requested air time from several providers. Rogers has remained committed to giving time throughout the year every Sat for half an hour. The topics discussed were domestic violence and trauma. Dr Nyla Butt of Social Services Network presented on a cultural perspective on domestic violence- an alarming issue in the community.
Domestic violence s love that kills and Islam is about love and not killing. People should report to the authorities and seek help immediately. As for trauma again it’s a depression sickness that needs attention and should not be left to just some spiritual things or hawks.
National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee meets again.
Interfaith has become a daily recipe for many faith communities. Leaders are constantly called these days to present on their faith and a contemporary issue. However, who would have thought that 25 years ago the seed of interfaith was planted among Christians and Muslims in Toronto. The national organisations of Catholics and Anglicans sat with Muslims of a National order to discuss ways and means of cooperation.
They have over the years met and death with many issues including the Iraq war and attack on Coptic in Egypt.
While Muslims have been lacking in attendance there was revival meeting recently at the Catholic Church Headquarters and many Muslims attended. The Canadian Islamic Congress, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women and the Canadian Council Imams.
The meeting is scheduled to be thrice a year and will continue to focus on recognising leaders in interfaith and provide an umbrella presence of the interfaith work done on the ground. The website will soon be expanded.
http://interreligion.mafr.net/paliers_dialogue_national.html
Moeen centre opens its door for all
Persons with disabilities and being Muslim is a double whammy. It’s more complicated when you don’t have the funding. Recently Moeen Centre hosted a Milad program with speakers, songs and food in order to bring awareness about the plight of those with disabilities and the programs they offer at their office site daily in Scarborough. Many years ago Sis Qaiser Alam started this project when she lost her son to a fire. He was a child of disability. Today she is committed with a board of directors to make a difference.
The speakers included Dr Hamid Slimi who spoke on the Prophet and disabilities, Habeeb Alli who spoke on Citizenship and Sunnah and Rasheed Carter who presented on the importance of Sunnah in Canada. It was a warm Sunday evening and across the city the Canadian Association of Muslims with Disabilities were having their gala. Imam Zaid Shakir and Abdulla Idris were in the house at Candles Banquet hall inviting towards the same – support these initiatives that provide classes for the deaf and blind and help those who have so many disabilities. Actually one prominent Muslim activist at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto was recently appointed chair for the Para Olympics- Waris Malik will be taking these brave men and women, boys and girls who are developmentally challenged to Greece this summer to challenge the world on track and field!
www.moeencentre.ca
www.cam-d.ca
chair@specialolympicstoronto.com
Canadian Council Imams
Imams meet from around Toronto every month to discus many issues affecting the community, interfaith, halal, government, police- hijab uniform, representing Muslims in the media, etc. Membership is from across the country but mostly GTA Imams meet on the second Monday of the month at a chosen mosque. Sayyeda Khatija Centre in Mississauga was the last host and Imam Slimi is the Chair.
There is an amazing declaration on the website.
www.canadiancouncilofimams.com
Umar Habib visits
A popular scholar from Yemen visited Toronto and spoke in many mosques with huge turn outs. Nazim Baksh organised some wonderful programs on some interesting topics.
I met the Shaikh at the Islamic Foundation and was impressed with his talk abut the Japan Earthquake among other things. Many masjids have made appeals for this disaster. The Scholar came from a lineage of scholars and has actually visited the known Ulama of India like Abul Hassan Nadvi.
He made an impression in Toronto.
UFT MSA hosts presentation on Black history
Students were delightfully treated to a presentation on Muslim perspective on Black History recently at their weekly halqa held in Bahen Centre by Yusuf Badat. This time Habeeb Alli was the guest speaker and he spoke on the many contributions Muslims of West Africa made, the Moors of Spain and the history of Slaves in the Caribbean.
This topic was presented throughout February in various places. The Clarington Mosque in Courtice is newly purchased Church. Members meet once a month for a potluck dinner and a presentation. Shaikh talked about his to Muslims since it connects them with the Black community and helps them relate better. Besides Canada was home for many Blacks slaves who were Muslims. Look at Harriet Tubman and her Hijab- she was called the little Moses during the Underground Railroad!
The students at UFT MSA offered to fundraise for the Japan earthquake and they have partnered with NAMF on this.
http://www.islamiccentreofclarington.org/
http://www.uoftmsa.com/
MIST sports day
I have attended many Muslim events. But one Friday afternoon at a large sports centre in Scarborough was the best. Muslim youths of all backgrounds, boys and girls, competing with love, respect and valour on many sporting activities. MIST aims at providing this safe space for Muslim youths. Moin Hamza is the man behind this and it was nice to see so many leaders and parents involved. For the past four years this event has grown and has awarded many participants with meaningful awards not only in sports but public speaking and outreach. They are an amazing bunch!
www.mist.ca
David Suzuki supports Muslim scouts
Dawood Zwink is also David. He heads the Muslim Scouts in Toronto. But David Suzuki is not a mere coincidence to him. They both share aboriginal nuances and scouting history. So Toronto made history having the famous 75 years old environmentalist veteran attend an event in Richmond Hill meant to raise awareness for Muslim scouting. With so many issues with youths in the community scouting is definitely needed. Many who attended the event felt their money worth for listening to David Suzuki speak with intelligence, care and experience.
http://iqra.ca/?p=5049
ANTI Drugs campaign – help from Faith
Scientology held their founders birthday L Ron Hubbard 1911 at the Metro Convention Centre. He gave the world a strong sense of spirituality away from materialism coming from a Christian tradition mixed with eastern philosophy. But what strikes me most is his work with drug addicts and people of depression and violence. His work has helped thousands see a meaningful life and the school board and police in Toronto have been working closely to distribute these booklets that help youths make a meaningful choice in the face of drugs and suicide.
A page we can take. They have an interfaith perspective to life.
Rev Earl Smith and Pat have been friends of the Muslims for years and have helped many Muslims off the streets.
http://www.scientology.org/
JamiatulUlama held meeting Madina Masjid
The members of the JamiatulUlama meet every month to discuss issues of halal monitoring, fatwa questions and cases of fasakh and divorce. They held their meeting at the now beautifully finished Madina masjid. The hospitality here was amazing and the group of scholars in attendance have grown over the years to help Canadian Muslims deal with their many religious problems meaning fully.
http://www.jucanada.org/
Professor Mishka Lysack visits Imams
Working on the Green project for years, it has been a challenge to get mosque leaders to come on board. Imams may know about greening the mosque in Islam but to get it done is another thing. Recently Prof Mishka from Calgary has been visiting Toronto. He met with Habeeb Alli and ever since done several seminars, attended the NAMF Family fair and more recently met with leaders in Ottawa and Toronto. Bosnian Islamic Center hosted him in his presentation on Islam and the Environment and many imams attended and interacted meaningfully with him. The thrust now is to go for a Green Ramadan and anyone wishing for posters for their mosques and schools check www.greenkufi.ca
Habeeb presented on this topic with the Prof at the Redeemer Church retreat and the United Church seminar. Other Muslims were in attendance and Yusuf Badat of IFT also spoke at that seminar. It’s nice to see more Muslims involved in something that is a part of our Deen- we are Allah’s Khalifa and must take care of this trust!
TARIC mosques hosts Restorative Justice dinner.
Speaking with passion and jumping like a butterfly Saturday night was Spider Jones. No it wasn’t Muhammad Ali in the ring but it looks like. And this is not strange since Spider was the greatest boxer’s friend and ally. He now inspires thousands with his talk and books. He is phenomenal and Michael Taylor couldn’t find a better speaker to motivate Muslims to act on behalf of the men and women incarcerated than Spider. Among others were Abulhai Patel President of the Ontario Multifaith Council that over sees this project of Restorative Justice in partnership with Justice Canada. The aim is to provide alternative dispute resolution for Muslim offenders and their victims. The funding is needed to keep these programs running and help facilitate well trained and professional chaplains like Michael and others. It’s time the community act before it’s too late!
The attendance was fair and the food was excellent and no other than the legendary Adnan Sirajudden was on show with Ibrahim Shallaby doing his unique Art exhibition!
www.omc.ca
Mufti Abdurrahman visits Toronto
Students and scholars attended a two day seminar on Beliefs in Islam. This may sound simple but for many this was a refresher course. The Zulfa Academy hosted the program at Imdadul mosque and those who attended felt accomplished. Mufti AbduRahman has written extensively on Islam and teaches in the UK after spending many years in California. He is one of those young vibrant Western Scholars in Islam that may look up top. His book on Hanifi Fiqh has been a best seller for years. Fiqh Sunnah.
Moulana Ahmed Ibrahim of Brampton Islamic Centre was his main host and organiser.
www.zulfa.org
ISARC hosts meeting to fight poverty.
Are you aware that almost 400 000 Ontarians live off the food bank?
For the last 25 years interfaith leaders have been lobbying the Ontario government to make a difference. Members of this group, of which Muslims are a part of, have been meeting and making poverty audits to parliamentarians. They have fought to have poverty indexed steeply in the budget. The new book just published by Brice Balmer, Persistent Poverty, provided lots of stats and stories and is being gifted to many politicians and leaders and media pundits. Michael Skalgin is the newly appointed Executive Director. He is Budhist by faith.
The Interfaith Leaders advocated to have the political leaders in Ottawa meet their promises of the Millennium Development Goals met in Ottawa early March. ISARC was in attendance and the Imam Ziyad Delic represented the Canadian Council of Imams. The Council is deeply concerned about the poverty issue and the environment among others.
www.isarc.ca
What about Arab offenders leaving prison?
The Arab Community Centre in Etobicoke recently convened an important session with Corrections Services Canada and chaplains to talk about reintegration after imprisonment.
Among the presenters were Yassin Dwyer, Senior Chaplain for Muslims in Kingston and Habeeb Alli, Secretary of the Canadian Council of Imams. Among the points highlighted were the need to have education about being moderate and the need to have employment and social support that speaks to the cultural sensitivity of the community. Many thought that there need to be space that is safe, religiously sensitive and open to help offenders reintegrate successfully.
Horizon TV show
Rev Earl smith has invited Habeeb Alli, Secretary of Canadian Council of Imams to appear on the Rogers TV show for Interfaith twice. He says this show has been going on for the past 20 eyras and there is lesser involvement from Muslims. It started when faith communities requested air time from several providers. Rogers has remained committed to giving time throughout the year every Sat for half an hour. The topics discussed were domestic violence and trauma. Dr Nyla Butt of Social Services Network presented on a cultural perspective on domestic violence- an alarming issue in the community.
Domestic violence s love that kills and Islam is about love and not killing. People should report to the authorities and seek help immediately. As for trauma again it’s a depression sickness that needs attention and should not be left to just some spiritual things or hawks.
National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee meets again.
Interfaith has become a daily recipe for many faith communities. Leaders are constantly called these days to present on their faith and a contemporary issue. However, who would have thought that 25 years ago the seed of interfaith was planted among Christians and Muslims in Toronto. The national organisations of Catholics and Anglicans sat with Muslims of a National order to discuss ways and means of cooperation.
They have over the years met and death with many issues including the Iraq war and attack on Coptic in Egypt.
While Muslims have been lacking in attendance there was revival meeting recently at the Catholic Church Headquarters and many Muslims attended. The Canadian Islamic Congress, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women and the Canadian Council Imams.
The meeting is scheduled to be thrice a year and will continue to focus on recognising leaders in interfaith and provide an umbrella presence of the interfaith work done on the ground. The website will soon be expanded.
http://interreligion.mafr.net/paliers_dialogue_national.html
Moeen centre opens its door for all
Persons with disabilities and being Muslim is a double whammy. It’s more complicated when you don’t have the funding. Recently Moeen Centre hosted a Milad program with speakers, songs and food in order to bring awareness about the plight of those with disabilities and the programs they offer at their office site daily in Scarborough. Many years ago Sis Qaiser Alam started this project when she lost her son to a fire. He was a child of disability. Today she is committed with a board of directors to make a difference.
The speakers included Dr Hamid Slimi who spoke on the Prophet and disabilities, Habeeb Alli who spoke on Citizenship and Sunnah and Rasheed Carter who presented on the importance of Sunnah in Canada. It was a warm Sunday evening and across the city the Canadian Association of Muslims with Disabilities were having their gala. Imam Zaid Shakir and Abdulla Idris were in the house at Candles Banquet hall inviting towards the same – support these initiatives that provide classes for the deaf and blind and help those who have so many disabilities. Actually one prominent Muslim activist at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto was recently appointed chair for the Para Olympics- Waris Malik will be taking these brave men and women, boys and girls who are developmentally challenged to Greece this summer to challenge the world on track and field!
www.moeencentre.ca
www.cam-d.ca
chair@specialolympicstoronto.com
Canadian Council Imams
Imams meet from around Toronto every month to discus many issues affecting the community, interfaith, halal, government, police- hijab uniform, representing Muslims in the media, etc. Membership is from across the country but mostly GTA Imams meet on the second Monday of the month at a chosen mosque. Sayyeda Khatija Centre in Mississauga was the last host and Imam Slimi is the Chair.
There is an amazing declaration on the website.
www.canadiancouncilofimams.com
Umar Habib visits
A popular scholar from Yemen visited Toronto and spoke in many mosques with huge turn outs. Nazim Baksh organised some wonderful programs on some interesting topics.
I met the Shaikh at the Islamic Foundation and was impressed with his talk abut the Japan Earthquake among other things. Many masjids have made appeals for this disaster. The Scholar came from a lineage of scholars and has actually visited the known Ulama of India like Abul Hassan Nadvi.
He made an impression in Toronto.
UFT MSA hosts presentation on Black history
Students were delightfully treated to a presentation on Muslim perspective on Black History recently at their weekly halqa held in Bahen Centre by Yusuf Badat. This time Habeeb Alli was the guest speaker and he spoke on the many contributions Muslims of West Africa made, the Moors of Spain and the history of Slaves in the Caribbean.
This topic was presented throughout February in various places. The Clarington Mosque in Courtice is newly purchased Church. Members meet once a month for a potluck dinner and a presentation. Shaikh talked about his to Muslims since it connects them with the Black community and helps them relate better. Besides Canada was home for many Blacks slaves who were Muslims. Look at Harriet Tubman and her Hijab- she was called the little Moses during the Underground Railroad!
The students at UFT MSA offered to fundraise for the Japan earthquake and they have partnered with NAMF on this.
http://www.islamiccentreofclarington.org/
http://www.uoftmsa.com/
MIST sports day
I have attended many Muslim events. But one Friday afternoon at a large sports centre in Scarborough was the best. Muslim youths of all backgrounds, boys and girls, competing with love, respect and valour on many sporting activities. MIST aims at providing this safe space for Muslim youths. Moin Hamza is the man behind this and it was nice to see so many leaders and parents involved. For the past four years this event has grown and has awarded many participants with meaningful awards not only in sports but public speaking and outreach. They are an amazing bunch!
www.mist.ca
David Suzuki supports Muslim scouts
Dawood Zwink is also David. He heads the Muslim Scouts in Toronto. But David Suzuki is not a mere coincidence to him. They both share aboriginal nuances and scouting history. So Toronto made history having the famous 75 years old environmentalist veteran attend an event in Richmond Hill meant to raise awareness for Muslim scouting. With so many issues with youths in the community scouting is definitely needed. Many who attended the event felt their money worth for listening to David Suzuki speak with intelligence, care and experience.
http://iqra.ca/?p=5049
ANTI Drugs campaign – help from Faith
Scientology held their founders birthday L Ron Hubbard 1911 at the Metro Convention Centre. He gave the world a strong sense of spirituality away from materialism coming from a Christian tradition mixed with eastern philosophy. But what strikes me most is his work with drug addicts and people of depression and violence. His work has helped thousands see a meaningful life and the school board and police in Toronto have been working closely to distribute these booklets that help youths make a meaningful choice in the face of drugs and suicide.
A page we can take. They have an interfaith perspective to life.
Rev Earl Smith and Pat have been friends of the Muslims for years and have helped many Muslims off the streets.
http://www.scientology.org/
JamiatulUlama held meeting Madina Masjid
The members of the JamiatulUlama meet every month to discuss issues of halal monitoring, fatwa questions and cases of fasakh and divorce. They held their meeting at the now beautifully finished Madina masjid. The hospitality here was amazing and the group of scholars in attendance have grown over the years to help Canadian Muslims deal with their many religious problems meaning fully.
http://www.jucanada.org/
Professor Mishka Lysack visits Imams
Working on the Green project for years, it has been a challenge to get mosque leaders to come on board. Imams may know about greening the mosque in Islam but to get it done is another thing. Recently Prof Mishka from Calgary has been visiting Toronto. He met with Habeeb Alli and ever since done several seminars, attended the NAMF Family fair and more recently met with leaders in Ottawa and Toronto. Bosnian Islamic Center hosted him in his presentation on Islam and the Environment and many imams attended and interacted meaningfully with him. The thrust now is to go for a Green Ramadan and anyone wishing for posters for their mosques and schools check www.greenkufi.ca
Habeeb presented on this topic with the Prof at the Redeemer Church retreat and the United Church seminar. Other Muslims were in attendance and Yusuf Badat of IFT also spoke at that seminar. It’s nice to see more Muslims involved in something that is a part of our Deen- we are Allah’s Khalifa and must take care of this trust!
TARIC mosques hosts Restorative Justice dinner.
Speaking with passion and jumping like a butterfly Saturday night was Spider Jones. No it wasn’t Muhammad Ali in the ring but it looks like. And this is not strange since Spider was the greatest boxer’s friend and ally. He now inspires thousands with his talk and books. He is phenomenal and Michael Taylor couldn’t find a better speaker to motivate Muslims to act on behalf of the men and women incarcerated than Spider. Among others were Abulhai Patel President of the Ontario Multifaith Council that over sees this project of Restorative Justice in partnership with Justice Canada. The aim is to provide alternative dispute resolution for Muslim offenders and their victims. The funding is needed to keep these programs running and help facilitate well trained and professional chaplains like Michael and others. It’s time the community act before it’s too late!
The attendance was fair and the food was excellent and no other than the legendary Adnan Sirajudden was on show with Ibrahim Shallaby doing his unique Art exhibition!
www.omc.ca
Mufti Abdurrahman visits Toronto
Students and scholars attended a two day seminar on Beliefs in Islam. This may sound simple but for many this was a refresher course. The Zulfa Academy hosted the program at Imdadul mosque and those who attended felt accomplished. Mufti AbduRahman has written extensively on Islam and teaches in the UK after spending many years in California. He is one of those young vibrant Western Scholars in Islam that may look up top. His book on Hanifi Fiqh has been a best seller for years. Fiqh Sunnah.
Moulana Ahmed Ibrahim of Brampton Islamic Centre was his main host and organiser.
www.zulfa.org
Golden rule day April 5th
Today is recognised as the Golden Rule day. Every day is the Golden Rule day. The way the universe works is simply Golden Rule by act and virtue.
However precious this is to me it is to you- that we live by the fact, without reference to one hundred alternative religious and philosophical Golden Rule statements: - that I will do unto others what I would love others to do to me.
So congrats to Mussie Hailu! He pioneered the Golden Rule poster in Ethiopia with Scarborough Missions and has ever since made it global.
It's a shame that world leaders need this reminder but hardly children. Have you seen how much fun children and seniors could be- just innocent laughter; they may hurt each other yet quickly say sorry and move on; because it’s just fun-filled living!
Be and let others be! The Ghandhian rule is live and let others or the traffic rules of give way safely so others may drive safely or political integrity requires giving credence to the action based profile and not the character-attack loud-speak:- all contribute to this rich mosaic of living the art of not hurting others.
The famous Rabbi who announced his faith in the sound bite of not harming others and the rest is commentary so study it, is as good as the elevator ride message of the Imam who announces Islam is living peacefully not living in pieces and folly!
So with the environment live so others may live and with love make it the best and not fight over silly things and with world religions blasphemy of one is desecration of all and with geopolitics supporting tyranny is allowing your own to be oppressed. The list goes on! Mother Nature always has the golden rule as number one! So when disasters strike it’s not God’s wrath and human sin clashing but nature of things- just as you would not liked to be judged in such a situation think the same for the victims of nature’s unfortunate victims. When you retaliate with human lives and burning of your own scriptures you violate the Golden rule of Islam- Do not blaspheme the religions of others because of their attack on yours. Quran 6:108
What you like on Facebook or what you enjoy on the telephone must carry that intrinsic element that that the other side of the world may happily enjoy and if they chose not to, that too is their right- the reciprocal right not to be offended because in the end there is no police to the heart and no judge to the mind and no priest to the words nor jury to our actions but you and your God! No one goes to the grave with you!
As one would say what would be would be and yet the power of now is usually robbed by the instinct to control and be in control some how. The Golden Rule for that would be- do you like to be controlled so why fight to control others? Do you want to enjoy life? So how about love for your self what you love for your brothers!
I remember, working with the accomplished Peace Activist Tina Petrova on the The Golden Rule movie, and having promoted her Rumi-Turning-Ecstatic movie before, saying that it’s the passion to make others feel belonged that is more important that trying to show how superior your faith is.
For me, that is the most powerful rule of living and Islam stands for making you feel ‘You’!
However precious this is to me it is to you- that we live by the fact, without reference to one hundred alternative religious and philosophical Golden Rule statements: - that I will do unto others what I would love others to do to me.
So congrats to Mussie Hailu! He pioneered the Golden Rule poster in Ethiopia with Scarborough Missions and has ever since made it global.
It's a shame that world leaders need this reminder but hardly children. Have you seen how much fun children and seniors could be- just innocent laughter; they may hurt each other yet quickly say sorry and move on; because it’s just fun-filled living!
Be and let others be! The Ghandhian rule is live and let others or the traffic rules of give way safely so others may drive safely or political integrity requires giving credence to the action based profile and not the character-attack loud-speak:- all contribute to this rich mosaic of living the art of not hurting others.
The famous Rabbi who announced his faith in the sound bite of not harming others and the rest is commentary so study it, is as good as the elevator ride message of the Imam who announces Islam is living peacefully not living in pieces and folly!
So with the environment live so others may live and with love make it the best and not fight over silly things and with world religions blasphemy of one is desecration of all and with geopolitics supporting tyranny is allowing your own to be oppressed. The list goes on! Mother Nature always has the golden rule as number one! So when disasters strike it’s not God’s wrath and human sin clashing but nature of things- just as you would not liked to be judged in such a situation think the same for the victims of nature’s unfortunate victims. When you retaliate with human lives and burning of your own scriptures you violate the Golden rule of Islam- Do not blaspheme the religions of others because of their attack on yours. Quran 6:108
What you like on Facebook or what you enjoy on the telephone must carry that intrinsic element that that the other side of the world may happily enjoy and if they chose not to, that too is their right- the reciprocal right not to be offended because in the end there is no police to the heart and no judge to the mind and no priest to the words nor jury to our actions but you and your God! No one goes to the grave with you!
As one would say what would be would be and yet the power of now is usually robbed by the instinct to control and be in control some how. The Golden Rule for that would be- do you like to be controlled so why fight to control others? Do you want to enjoy life? So how about love for your self what you love for your brothers!
I remember, working with the accomplished Peace Activist Tina Petrova on the The Golden Rule movie, and having promoted her Rumi-Turning-Ecstatic movie before, saying that it’s the passion to make others feel belonged that is more important that trying to show how superior your faith is.
For me, that is the most powerful rule of living and Islam stands for making you feel ‘You’!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Islamise Civilization
The compass
The astrolabe
the Al-hambra
Or magnificent Taj Mahal
A thousand years
Thousands of gardens
Islamic civilization
Networked India to Spain and beyond
In celebrating that past
At the ROM we gather
Marvelling at such wonder
But no my child you too could make us proud
Avicenna and his medicine
Zero and the computer
Ibn Firnas and the first flying machine
Even NASA have many such Quran inspired heroines
So let not the dream be broken
Let the world not be surrounded
But by minds deeply reflective
Filled by faith and wisdom, you'll someday stand great!
The astrolabe
the Al-hambra
Or magnificent Taj Mahal
A thousand years
Thousands of gardens
Islamic civilization
Networked India to Spain and beyond
In celebrating that past
At the ROM we gather
Marvelling at such wonder
But no my child you too could make us proud
Avicenna and his medicine
Zero and the computer
Ibn Firnas and the first flying machine
Even NASA have many such Quran inspired heroines
So let not the dream be broken
Let the world not be surrounded
But by minds deeply reflective
Filled by faith and wisdom, you'll someday stand great!
Environmental Islam
Beautiful foliage
Deep blue sea
A raining sky
Sunshine out on its hue
Then the ice breaks
The floods unstoppable
Lakes drying
Children dying from corporate poverty
They ask what can I do?
Does Islam say destroy where you inhabit?
With your plastic rosarys and bottles of blessed water
Do you think you can pray and sit idly?
Muhammad on whom be peace was a Greenie
He said conserve water even when washing in a stream
And the food of two is enough for four
He repminded every sermon- oh trustees of Allah on earth
So when they tell you
Your petrol and religion make us suffer
Remember every act of saving the planet
Is a deed counted, not a carbon credit, in the Herafter
Do your part
Every recycling, every letter writing
Every act of compassion
Makes a deed grow on the tree of spiritual climbing.
Deep blue sea
A raining sky
Sunshine out on its hue
Then the ice breaks
The floods unstoppable
Lakes drying
Children dying from corporate poverty
They ask what can I do?
Does Islam say destroy where you inhabit?
With your plastic rosarys and bottles of blessed water
Do you think you can pray and sit idly?
Muhammad on whom be peace was a Greenie
He said conserve water even when washing in a stream
And the food of two is enough for four
He repminded every sermon- oh trustees of Allah on earth
So when they tell you
Your petrol and religion make us suffer
Remember every act of saving the planet
Is a deed counted, not a carbon credit, in the Herafter
Do your part
Every recycling, every letter writing
Every act of compassion
Makes a deed grow on the tree of spiritual climbing.
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