June is remembered as Enmore Martyrs day in Guyana. It’s also Father’s day. The sacrifice fathers endure on behalf of their children is no less than the martyrdom the five Enmoreans underwent on behalf of their country in the fight against imperialism. It’s as significant and civilly acceptable as the Arab Spring presently demonstrates, albeit some peculiar cases.
I hope that in the wake of continued battle for the electorate’s support we don’t miss the essence of this critical aspect of our history. Just as Walter Rodney and others were gifted historical eminence in this month, many years ago, leaving a light of hope against tyranny, the words of Asma Mahfooz of Egypt resonate similar platitudes of hope. ‘That if I should think there is no hope there will be no hope but if I should take a stand there will be hope.’
Yes, I can! The embryo of Faith is hope. Hope that one day the wicked will be brought to justice. The hope that one day the single father will be repaid. The hope that hope will keep up in order to repair the wrong, to love the unloved and to seek reconciliation among the conflicted.
This month internationally is also Restorative Justice. Reading about the inadequacies in the prison system reminds us that this concept of restoring balance in real justice is so much needed. This system affords many victims and offenders to discuss what happened rather than why it happened and to seek ways to repair the damage and ask for forgiveness.
I met a man at a conference in Peterborough, ON, Canada recently who spoke about his journey of forgiveness. He left home when he was a teenager because he could no longer take the incessant and cruel beatings of his father and thereby the lack of focus on school. He subsequently spent most of his life in the streets and in the pen. One day he received a call from his mother saying his father died. He was most disappointed; not that he died but he did not hear ‘I’m sorry’ from the man who birthed him but failed him. He was hurting from an abusive father. He lived out that abuse and not until recently was he able to forgive his own father.
The act of restorative justice education gained him that insight that when you forgive your perpetrator you relieve your soul of a lifetime burden.
This is the story that may apply to many. Among the endless list are pain from betrayal; the hurt of physical and sexual abuse; the innocent sentencing; the wrongful shooting of alleged criminality; the sold out of voters’ trust, etc. While God has not given up on us by sending new babies everyday we seem to give up on man by judging each other daily.
The bouquet of appreciation that father’s may truly respect is respect for their feelings and their legacy. Regardless of how bad a father he is, he is still the source of one’s birth. Regardless of how much one tries to be the best nurturer and friend of ones’ child there will always be one who is better and more successful than you. Therefore it’s the sincerity that counts; that you are a father because of God’s command. You love your father because that is the rightful divine thing to do. Thank you God, for my father! Thanks Mom for my father!
In conclusion I take lessons from Prophet Jacob as a remarkable father of Biblical and Quranic reference. When Jacob lost his son Joseph/Yusuf he cried for forty years. Yes men do cry! He wallowed in grieve over his missed and beloved little Joseph more than you can think. The worse is he knew intuitively that jealousy of his sons caused him this lost. However, after a life time there was reconciliation. Joseph forgave his brothers and rejoined them with his father!
Like father like son! Is that what most fathers want? Is that what most sons and daughters remember about their daddies? What’s your legacy is yours; no matter how meagre it may seem it’s still yours.
Quran 17:23 Thy Lord hath decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Parenting- how to balance restrictions and trust.
Parenting- how to balance restrictions and trust.
Parenting is not a new concept but it seems odd to many that a person can have a PHd in parenting these days. Given the importance of training one’s children properly, both for the secular world as well as the needs of an Islamic personality then learning about parenting becomes essential. But who knows better?
The famous adage that it takes a village to raise a child holds true. Many parents these days will tell you that for them to enjoy some good positive characteristics they display today are because of some tough love their parents and their neighbours imparted. While I don’t condone beating it’s not hidden that physical discipline was part of the routine!
Nowadays children are more open to society. As much as they know the rules of good behaviours and haram activities they are challenged by friends to cross those limits.
The Quran reminds us that parents have a trust when it comes to raising their children. It also reminds us that crossing those boundaries is a transgression in the eyes of Allah.
8:28 And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with Whom lies your highest reward.
How do you ensure a balance.
2:187 Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint.
I conduct a weekly session with youths and issues. Our open talk and non judgmental attitude makes them ask the most intimate questions and allows others to debate the pros and cons. Sometimes it’s the listening that matters most than the reminder or the lecture.
The story of the youths during pre-Islamic period of Bani Israel is very telling. These were boys who were full at their game but were more conscious than many pious souls today. They believed in Allah and rejected the idol worship of the present day King. The result was devastating. It’s like what’s happening in the Arab Spring right now. They resisted through peaceful means. This is the concept that freed India from the clutches of British colonialism and was expounded by no other than Mahatma Gandhi- a student of Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace.
Those in the above mentioned verse were believing youths of Bani Israel who took refuge in a cave and was followed by a dog. Later awoken to find they were hungry. After sending one of their companions to buy bread the others fell asleep again for good. The shop keeper realised that this coin is from that era some three hundred years go when the King reigned over the Believers. He was now living in a time where the Kind believed in God and the people didn’t. He so badly needed a proof. So the story of seven sleepers and the cave became his living proof that there is life after death and there is a living God!
18:13 We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance:
The vast majority of Muslims are youths- some 65% and parents must understand that children grow soon around age 12 to have a sense of autonomy and that is where being their friend is more important than being their boss! I met someone who said that her father told her after thirty years that he was wrong not to trust her judgement as to who to fall in love with. She suffered immensely because of his misjudgement!
This balance between trust and restriction is vital in training students and nurturing one’s children.
It’s the concept of Taqwa that the Quran refers to. Where you are conscious of Allah wherever you are, without need to feel you are policed constantly or having to report hour by hour! Inmates out on parole have to do that and even so they report maybe twice a week or are traced electronically but they are free to work, school and travel within certain boundaries and timings every day.
2:197 Whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise.
The fundamental consciousness of morality and values is ingrained into a child’s psyche like a stone carved and ingrained from inception. Rain and sunshine, wind and snow do not destroy those writings. That is why until today we can read and understand hieroglyphics. Once a person knows how to swim or cycle they do not forget. I have met so many people who learnt Islam in childhood from their parents or from the madressa and then left Islam. However, at a later stage in life when they realised they need to go back to their roots and return to Allah these teachings were there to assist them. They did not forget the prayers or mannerisms and they talked proudly of the values and even defended those teachings in some of the most unbecoming places. I met one person such who lived in a foster home and then a half way house and later he lived in a shelter but throughout that time he recite sura fatiha and remembers how to make wudu. I recently read of man who was on the streets homeless. He had to share a sandwich one day with his partner. It was the last pennies available to get a meal. However, when he realised the sandwich was not a veggie burger but a bacon meal he refused his half. This act of self preservation even in such dire straits made is non-Muslim partner think about it for years after and this lead him into accepting Islam, when he became settled and successful in life. So the noor and light that Allah places in one’s heart out of Iman and Faith is dynamic. It lives through battles but nothing extinguishes it. This is the self responsibility I tell clients about, parents and students to hold true and young lovers to abide by.
9:32 Fain would they extinguish Allah's light with their mouths, but Allah will not allow but that His light should be perfected, even though the Unbelievers may detest (it).
Placing curfew timings on teenagers, placing passwords on computers and leaving computers in the open hall while checking cell phone bills and a host of other disciplinary restrictions do help. The fear of the law, the worry of traffic laws and the scare of police patrols all help to make people stay in line. But stricter the government smarter the population. If you will not allow for hiccups and violations there will be no need for courts, prisons and lawyers! Life is not a straight road. There are five fingers to the every hand. So God allows for these mistakes because he wants to forgive us. He wants to teach us forgiveness he wants to let us know what it means to love and hurt, be good and bad and what it means to be close to Him and far.
3:135 And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah.- and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.
I have seen men cry in prison and women weep in the pen. Why? One can repent anywhere. The heart can be touched anywhere and anytime. But penance and repentance is the objective of having a penitentiary. Here is where reflection and resolution happens. So don’t judge those that make mistakes. They have a life and heart too. And Allah is there for every one.
I was asked by one student about going out to his friends’ birthday party. His parents don’t want him to. He knows he will not drink alcohol and he knows that other parents will be there too. The views in my class differed immensely. It made me think that in life there is not one rule for every situation and not all Muslims think alike. It’s about self control and trusting your child now so that when he or she is way from you studying or living alone they will do the right thing. I wonder sometimes at parents who ask that I help finding a girl or boy for their grown ups. But these very parents while praising the beauty and character of their children will not allow them to see a potential suitor in public by themselves. They would not trust them to talk to someone equally conscious and self confident! This is the lack of balance.
24:62 Only those are believers, who believe in Allah and His Messenger. when they are with him on a matter requiring collective action, they do not depart until they have asked for his leave; those who ask for thy leave are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger. so when they ask for thy leave, for some business of theirs, give leave to those of them whom thou wilt, and ask Allah for their forgiveness: for Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.
There is no doubt that the environment is infectious and poisonous and these days it’s not physical but mental thanks to the internet access everywhere and rebellious thoughts. However, a person can be in Mecca and do bad things and a person can be in Georgetown and do pious things. It’s the matter of creating positive activities, alternative programs and cultures that answer to the social and entertainment values of our youths that is crucial. Whether these are educational debates or social networking events, excursions and or concerts of nasheeds they need to constantly create alternative so the boredom so much available in our youths is not exploited by evil doers. The power of the youth is immense- they made up a third of the Companions and they are the leaders of tomorrow. They can be trusted with the freedom to think and the power of faith or left to the dungeons of restrictions and fear only to suffer their self worth and self growth in the process. As Umar bin Khattab used to say I fear the person’s Islam who don’t experience Jahilliya! And as Khalil Gibran rightly put it you made them but not their minds! So trust in Allah and check on them!
Parenting is not a new concept but it seems odd to many that a person can have a PHd in parenting these days. Given the importance of training one’s children properly, both for the secular world as well as the needs of an Islamic personality then learning about parenting becomes essential. But who knows better?
The famous adage that it takes a village to raise a child holds true. Many parents these days will tell you that for them to enjoy some good positive characteristics they display today are because of some tough love their parents and their neighbours imparted. While I don’t condone beating it’s not hidden that physical discipline was part of the routine!
Nowadays children are more open to society. As much as they know the rules of good behaviours and haram activities they are challenged by friends to cross those limits.
The Quran reminds us that parents have a trust when it comes to raising their children. It also reminds us that crossing those boundaries is a transgression in the eyes of Allah.
8:28 And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with Whom lies your highest reward.
How do you ensure a balance.
2:187 Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint.
I conduct a weekly session with youths and issues. Our open talk and non judgmental attitude makes them ask the most intimate questions and allows others to debate the pros and cons. Sometimes it’s the listening that matters most than the reminder or the lecture.
The story of the youths during pre-Islamic period of Bani Israel is very telling. These were boys who were full at their game but were more conscious than many pious souls today. They believed in Allah and rejected the idol worship of the present day King. The result was devastating. It’s like what’s happening in the Arab Spring right now. They resisted through peaceful means. This is the concept that freed India from the clutches of British colonialism and was expounded by no other than Mahatma Gandhi- a student of Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace.
Those in the above mentioned verse were believing youths of Bani Israel who took refuge in a cave and was followed by a dog. Later awoken to find they were hungry. After sending one of their companions to buy bread the others fell asleep again for good. The shop keeper realised that this coin is from that era some three hundred years go when the King reigned over the Believers. He was now living in a time where the Kind believed in God and the people didn’t. He so badly needed a proof. So the story of seven sleepers and the cave became his living proof that there is life after death and there is a living God!
18:13 We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance:
The vast majority of Muslims are youths- some 65% and parents must understand that children grow soon around age 12 to have a sense of autonomy and that is where being their friend is more important than being their boss! I met someone who said that her father told her after thirty years that he was wrong not to trust her judgement as to who to fall in love with. She suffered immensely because of his misjudgement!
This balance between trust and restriction is vital in training students and nurturing one’s children.
It’s the concept of Taqwa that the Quran refers to. Where you are conscious of Allah wherever you are, without need to feel you are policed constantly or having to report hour by hour! Inmates out on parole have to do that and even so they report maybe twice a week or are traced electronically but they are free to work, school and travel within certain boundaries and timings every day.
2:197 Whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise.
The fundamental consciousness of morality and values is ingrained into a child’s psyche like a stone carved and ingrained from inception. Rain and sunshine, wind and snow do not destroy those writings. That is why until today we can read and understand hieroglyphics. Once a person knows how to swim or cycle they do not forget. I have met so many people who learnt Islam in childhood from their parents or from the madressa and then left Islam. However, at a later stage in life when they realised they need to go back to their roots and return to Allah these teachings were there to assist them. They did not forget the prayers or mannerisms and they talked proudly of the values and even defended those teachings in some of the most unbecoming places. I met one person such who lived in a foster home and then a half way house and later he lived in a shelter but throughout that time he recite sura fatiha and remembers how to make wudu. I recently read of man who was on the streets homeless. He had to share a sandwich one day with his partner. It was the last pennies available to get a meal. However, when he realised the sandwich was not a veggie burger but a bacon meal he refused his half. This act of self preservation even in such dire straits made is non-Muslim partner think about it for years after and this lead him into accepting Islam, when he became settled and successful in life. So the noor and light that Allah places in one’s heart out of Iman and Faith is dynamic. It lives through battles but nothing extinguishes it. This is the self responsibility I tell clients about, parents and students to hold true and young lovers to abide by.
9:32 Fain would they extinguish Allah's light with their mouths, but Allah will not allow but that His light should be perfected, even though the Unbelievers may detest (it).
Placing curfew timings on teenagers, placing passwords on computers and leaving computers in the open hall while checking cell phone bills and a host of other disciplinary restrictions do help. The fear of the law, the worry of traffic laws and the scare of police patrols all help to make people stay in line. But stricter the government smarter the population. If you will not allow for hiccups and violations there will be no need for courts, prisons and lawyers! Life is not a straight road. There are five fingers to the every hand. So God allows for these mistakes because he wants to forgive us. He wants to teach us forgiveness he wants to let us know what it means to love and hurt, be good and bad and what it means to be close to Him and far.
3:135 And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah.- and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.
I have seen men cry in prison and women weep in the pen. Why? One can repent anywhere. The heart can be touched anywhere and anytime. But penance and repentance is the objective of having a penitentiary. Here is where reflection and resolution happens. So don’t judge those that make mistakes. They have a life and heart too. And Allah is there for every one.
I was asked by one student about going out to his friends’ birthday party. His parents don’t want him to. He knows he will not drink alcohol and he knows that other parents will be there too. The views in my class differed immensely. It made me think that in life there is not one rule for every situation and not all Muslims think alike. It’s about self control and trusting your child now so that when he or she is way from you studying or living alone they will do the right thing. I wonder sometimes at parents who ask that I help finding a girl or boy for their grown ups. But these very parents while praising the beauty and character of their children will not allow them to see a potential suitor in public by themselves. They would not trust them to talk to someone equally conscious and self confident! This is the lack of balance.
24:62 Only those are believers, who believe in Allah and His Messenger. when they are with him on a matter requiring collective action, they do not depart until they have asked for his leave; those who ask for thy leave are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger. so when they ask for thy leave, for some business of theirs, give leave to those of them whom thou wilt, and ask Allah for their forgiveness: for Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.
There is no doubt that the environment is infectious and poisonous and these days it’s not physical but mental thanks to the internet access everywhere and rebellious thoughts. However, a person can be in Mecca and do bad things and a person can be in Georgetown and do pious things. It’s the matter of creating positive activities, alternative programs and cultures that answer to the social and entertainment values of our youths that is crucial. Whether these are educational debates or social networking events, excursions and or concerts of nasheeds they need to constantly create alternative so the boredom so much available in our youths is not exploited by evil doers. The power of the youth is immense- they made up a third of the Companions and they are the leaders of tomorrow. They can be trusted with the freedom to think and the power of faith or left to the dungeons of restrictions and fear only to suffer their self worth and self growth in the process. As Umar bin Khattab used to say I fear the person’s Islam who don’t experience Jahilliya! And as Khalil Gibran rightly put it you made them but not their minds! So trust in Allah and check on them!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Love in Islam
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.
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.
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’!
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