Organ donation still a challenge for Muslims
Imagine living without a kidney not because it failed you but you had it donated to suffering Ontarians. Well every three days someone in Ontario dies and could have been saved had they receive an organ donation. Muslims are among the many others who fail to sign their donor cards. Trillium gift of life organization is trying to make a difference in this regards.
Last Tuesday, Feb 17th, many faith leaders attended a special breakfast meeting at Queens Park elegant Victoria room in order to preside over this burning issue. Among the speakers was a Rabbi, an Aboriginal leader from Sudbury, a pastor and an Islamic scholar. The emphasis was resoundingly common: donating to save a person is like doing God’s work and it’s a charity with perpetual rewards.
Habeeb Alli, secretary of the Canadian Council of Imams, prayed for the well being of sufferers and implored upon all to join this sacred mission. More importantly the Council and the JamiatulUlama have been instrumental in preparing a brochure aimed at the Muslim community and their fears of organ donation. That impressive brochure is now in circulation.
See more at giftoflife.on.ca
Synagogue hosts panel on Sacredness of the human body.
You’ve seen students escape prayers although they attend Islamic schools. Well have you heard of Jewish private schools? Some students have issues with not being allowed body piercings or tattoos! Sounds familiar? The Mount Sinai Temple in Toronto thought of having not only a Jewish view point on the body and religion but a Christian and Islamic worldview too.
The event was hosted in the synagogue’s prestigious hall and was attended mainly by Grade 8 students and their parents. The female Rabbi Polonsky of the Temple spoke eloquently on how the body is a temple of the soul and must be respected. Sister Audrey of a Toronto church spoke about ensuring this body returns wholesome. Shaikh Habeeb spoke on how the hygiene of the body leads to safety from satanic whispers, which leads to a more holistic view of the body including avoiding cutting, tattooing and piercing. He also said that contemporary scholars have allowed temporary tattoos and earring piercings as beauty is part of Faith.
One of the parents raised the issue of how gender bias has been influenced by religion and there needs to be some correction to this. And most would concur that while modesty and respect is tantamount to girls this does not debar her from enjoying her life let alone seeking the highest ideals of achievement and worldly status.
Interfaith dialogue really is more than Abrahamic niceties- it helps us have a rounded view of everyday issues- if only we can be open.
Golden rule movie portrays Islam positively
How many times haven’t you heard your mother saying do good unto others as you will want them to do to you? Well that is the age old truth known as the golden rule. Nowadays it’s not only written in scrolls but produced in a movie format. The Scarborro Missions, a leading name in Interfaith in Toronto, is behind the scenes.
Originally, a poster was created with thirteen world religions and their sayings on the Golden rule. Islam was represented by the Hadith- none of you truly believes until he loves for himself what he loves for others. As a matter of fact, this Hadith has been quoted by President Obama, recently, in a national breakfast meeting!
The Mission hosts regular retreats for world religion classes. It had in the past students enacting this rule by skit, songs, art, and poetry. This time a movie was produced by the famous Tina Pretrova, who had earlier produced the film on Rumi- the Poet. Acting are students from a school and their teacher- all representing the different faith through varying fine arts. The quotes of some world religions on the golden rule of life- do unto others what you want them to do to you. Love others the way you want to be loved!
Paul McKenna, the original producer of the golden rule poster and who made a feature appearance in the movie, reminds us that there are over 100 statements from people around the world and from time immemorial that we should live life in a way that we would like others to live with us.
For a copy for your viewing contact Tina at http://www.rumi-turningecstatic.com/ or http://www.scarboromissions.ca/
Family fair second year at NAMF
In the mid winter Toronto is screaming for a getaway. And for one day we have it- the second Monday in February has been declared for Ontarians Family day. And what do you do with this holiday? Definitely a well organized family fair is a smart place to be on that day. NAMF has successfully done that at its large premises in Scarborough.
This year saw a huge crowd of happy participants despite the cold weather. There were lots of ethnic foods, bazaar buzzing with sellers and shoppers, kids jumping on the castle and buying cotton candy and lots of entertainment from comedians, nasheed artists and drummers.
One family commented that they had a wonderful time, especially the affordable food prices at the end! Proceeds of this event go towards paying for the Masjid at Finch and Midland. This 34 000 sq feet property also houses a fulltime Islamic school, a hall for multi functions and a gym. The Masjid is always open to the public, with five daily prayers and Jumauh. Isn’t a Masjid more than a place of worship? Shouldn’t it be the hub of the community?
Mufti Habeebullah Khairabdi visits GTA from India.
Toronto is a famous destination for many top people and Islamic scholars are no exception. Many scholars of varying backgrounds arrive here yearly. This time around Mufti Habeebullah of India visited several mosques in GTA, delivering lectures on Islam in Urdu, which was translated into English.
NAMF hosted the venerable Mufti last Thursday Feb 19th for a session specifically on Questions and Answers on any Fiqh topic. Among the many questions asked and answered were on abortion, organ transplantation, praying in a mosque with gaps in-between, Islamic banking models, domestic violence, etc.
As can be seen there is a thirst for knowledge in the community and many more such forums are needed. One attendee was keen in asking a question on hijab and wants to continue this discussion with others. It’s time our local Ulama jump on this call!
The JamiatulUlama of Canada and Canadian Council of Imams co-hosted this program with NAMF. The Council has started a program of a monthly forum in different masajid where different topics are discussed- the last one was held at Islamic Foundation with Lawyer Mendel Green on immigration and Muslims. The next on is at Dawah Centre, Toronto, on March 21ST.
Dinner held at NAMF on Palestine.
The recent crisis in Gaza is not hidden from anyone. Muslims in Toronto galvanized to different events in order to show their humanitarian solidarity towards the suffering Gazans. North American Muslim Foundation held a dinner in their cause, late January and had a full house.
Ayman Tahir, an original Palestinian, now a chaplain in Toronto, spoke about the issue, both from a historical and Islamic textual point of view. Imam Hamid Slimi fundraised that evening towards helping the cause. A Toronto Rabbi and Pastor also attended, expressing their solidarity.
The question has been how the money will reach the victims, knowing there has been a tight siege and security issue around Gaza.
NAMF has been doing relief work for the last 30 odd years and has a reputation of integrity and effectiveness wherever it went. It has now partnered with a UK based organization- Human Appeal Int, which has legal access into the besieged neighborhood. Again all legalities are been explored and complied with, accordingly, to ensure that money donated doesn’t only reach the needy but arrives there legitimately.
The evening ended with a sumptuous West Indian cuisine and entertainment by Kamal, the Muslim rapper from Mississauga.
Additionally, a group of masajid in Toronto came together to fundraise for the same cause at the Woodbine Banquet Hall in Mid February. Dr Munir elKasem raised the funds that evening, while a few politicians attended, among a myriad of 600 attendees. This group has named its conglomerate ACMO- Association of Muslim Originations.
See www.namf.ca for more details.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Slumdog inspires
Dear Editor
Exhilaration exploded Sunday night on the platform of this year's Oscars. How long can you contain the back-burnering of Indian-movie- lovers? Slumdog Millionaire did not merely grab numerous awards alone but like Obama, returned smiles on the faces of billions and tears on millions around the world.
I was intrigued to hear AK Rahman humbly but distinctly included the gift of motherhood in his acceptance speech; the divine nature of her love makes it inevitable to celebrate. Added to this awe was his unabashed mention that gratitude belongs to God: God is great, he said.
In deed this was the handing over of recognition not so much to stars and Bollywood optics, a historical page, but rather to Indian civilization and a world once ruled by neo imperialists, who used even the big screen to trivialize dominated nations.
The movie plot attracts special relation to the poverty stricken around the world; that with all the sacrifice one makes in life, there is a lesson to be leant. Sometimes, that lesson becomes the destiny for you to make it and be successful. Also it reminds us that love has no set time or rules, although the destiny that love follows reassures the millions in the world that faith in love is still alive, regardless of the timing and the discipline that may endure.
What may need noting is the statement of Jamal, the main character, when over struck by the massacre of his Muslim mother, that Allah and Ram has caused this grief. Such a statement may had been said at the irresponsible time of grief but the truth of the matter is no God let alone a true faith ever has at its epicenter hate; rather the basis of all faiths is the Golden rule. President Obama has been commended for stating at a breakfast prayer recently, that in Islam there is a statement of the Prophet, Hadith, which declares none of you are true believers until you love for yourself what you love for others.
When a few are ripped by disaster it doesn't mean that the whole world has; when a few are struck by humanity’s iniquity to another it doesn't mean that God is to be blamed. If religion is to be blamed for violence against people, then how come the vast majority of people of faith are peaceful?
Praying that inspiration continues to be our companion and truth the solace of life, sometimes overtaken by disappointments and that hope lights our candle of faith, patience and love always.
Now try being a millionaire!
Yours truly,
Habeeb Alli
Exhilaration exploded Sunday night on the platform of this year's Oscars. How long can you contain the back-burnering of Indian-movie- lovers? Slumdog Millionaire did not merely grab numerous awards alone but like Obama, returned smiles on the faces of billions and tears on millions around the world.
I was intrigued to hear AK Rahman humbly but distinctly included the gift of motherhood in his acceptance speech; the divine nature of her love makes it inevitable to celebrate. Added to this awe was his unabashed mention that gratitude belongs to God: God is great, he said.
In deed this was the handing over of recognition not so much to stars and Bollywood optics, a historical page, but rather to Indian civilization and a world once ruled by neo imperialists, who used even the big screen to trivialize dominated nations.
The movie plot attracts special relation to the poverty stricken around the world; that with all the sacrifice one makes in life, there is a lesson to be leant. Sometimes, that lesson becomes the destiny for you to make it and be successful. Also it reminds us that love has no set time or rules, although the destiny that love follows reassures the millions in the world that faith in love is still alive, regardless of the timing and the discipline that may endure.
What may need noting is the statement of Jamal, the main character, when over struck by the massacre of his Muslim mother, that Allah and Ram has caused this grief. Such a statement may had been said at the irresponsible time of grief but the truth of the matter is no God let alone a true faith ever has at its epicenter hate; rather the basis of all faiths is the Golden rule. President Obama has been commended for stating at a breakfast prayer recently, that in Islam there is a statement of the Prophet, Hadith, which declares none of you are true believers until you love for yourself what you love for others.
When a few are ripped by disaster it doesn't mean that the whole world has; when a few are struck by humanity’s iniquity to another it doesn't mean that God is to be blamed. If religion is to be blamed for violence against people, then how come the vast majority of people of faith are peaceful?
Praying that inspiration continues to be our companion and truth the solace of life, sometimes overtaken by disappointments and that hope lights our candle of faith, patience and love always.
Now try being a millionaire!
Yours truly,
Habeeb Alli
Thoughts on VALENTINE
What amazes me is people who feel they have a franchise over religion quickly leaps on the fatwa bandwagon of condemning anything seemingly Western, regardless if that original history still abides in people's psyche or not. Hajj has had Arab pagan incursions but is quite embraced because Islam restored its purity by modifying it to suit. Why can't that be an example, knowing it's harder to make something allowed and rather maintaining its mubahat than granting it the hot handle of prohibition and hell blazing tiltes. Anyways, I can't contest this cultural lash out as only those who live away from the ghettoes of immigation on the lawns of Western socoieties may be able to avoid tunnel visions.
Where are the thinkers? Yes, Valentine may have origins on whatever Greek myth and Christian reformist doctrines but the question always is: Does Islam allow, pronmote and nurtur Love or not? Yes, this may be a business ploy for globalisation but again the question is can people trade and use and gain from these love exploits? By the way Sunday also has pagan origins and so many other holidays but Muslims still trade on these days, enjoy a day off and accept charities from those businessmen! The World is least concern about the hidden textual debates archaic traditions murmur from their pulpits- they want concrete time tested solutions to their challenges and modern evolving lifestyels.
They want guidance as a Westerner in interacting with a Muslim and a Muslim wants sensible guidance while living in the West. Lashing out will not help. It has never. Sera taught us that the man who loved is a shahid and the girl who disliked her partner was given the right to divorce. Can we start thinking of helping mend hearts and opening avenues of dialogue rather than throwing love in the Fire of harams and bidahs and castigating Islam as the religion of the hateful?!
Where are the thinkers? Yes, Valentine may have origins on whatever Greek myth and Christian reformist doctrines but the question always is: Does Islam allow, pronmote and nurtur Love or not? Yes, this may be a business ploy for globalisation but again the question is can people trade and use and gain from these love exploits? By the way Sunday also has pagan origins and so many other holidays but Muslims still trade on these days, enjoy a day off and accept charities from those businessmen! The World is least concern about the hidden textual debates archaic traditions murmur from their pulpits- they want concrete time tested solutions to their challenges and modern evolving lifestyels.
They want guidance as a Westerner in interacting with a Muslim and a Muslim wants sensible guidance while living in the West. Lashing out will not help. It has never. Sera taught us that the man who loved is a shahid and the girl who disliked her partner was given the right to divorce. Can we start thinking of helping mend hearts and opening avenues of dialogue rather than throwing love in the Fire of harams and bidahs and castigating Islam as the religion of the hateful?!
congratulating awardees
Awarded on grounds of appreciation
Years of toiling on various hearts
Making some smile
While many pray for your life
Garlanded by the oscar of divine success
You humbly included others
A gesture well meant for angels to cry
How did you do it when he's not at your side?
But hope
Lights the candle of faith, patience and giving
Walk brave young heart
And let the world smile from your soulful sacrifice!
Years of toiling on various hearts
Making some smile
While many pray for your life
Garlanded by the oscar of divine success
You humbly included others
A gesture well meant for angels to cry
How did you do it when he's not at your side?
But hope
Lights the candle of faith, patience and giving
Walk brave young heart
And let the world smile from your soulful sacrifice!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
eulogy for an outstanding imam
Allow me to express my sincerest condolence to the family and friends of Hajji Hyderali of Logwood, who was recently placed to rest after eighty five years of tireless toil. A son of the soil, his love for his the navel string burial site returned him frequently from his new domicile in North America, and now the same soil has received him with thousands of Guyanese hailing what a brave soul and loving heart we just lost.
This father of many wonderful children was a popular name among Guyanese as he plied his trade of tailoring and textile with many across Guyana. I remember his bringing his morning bag to the bank and I was always greeted with a smile- I know how proud he was for me as a student of his madarsa who went onto higher studies. His dedication to politics was one that revelled in the idea that there is no racism in religion and as a nation we must live as one- so when we walked the streets of Golden Grove, his original homeland, in the early 90's, seeking to resurrect the bombed masjid there- all came out to greet, hug and lend a helping hand. Today the mosque by the seaside sings a happy prayer for a servant who left love as the legacy of his religion; not schism.
As most learnt men, the realities of theological differences do not always sit well and this Imam of imams was not left out of this hotbed. He did not refrain from defending his staunchest beliefs of traditionalism and yet he embraced his comrades on the opposite side with respect. This so true that his sojourn in the diverse Americas seem to entrust him further with acceptance- he was seen in Toronto as the emblem of a charismatic, tolerant leader, whose works continue to benefit far and wide. In New York, he is no different as the many lives he has touched has swell the seas with tears and the oceans with grief. A rest is well deserved not in the bowel of soil but in the deeper abyss of Heavenly bliss.
May the leaders, businessmen, fathers and spiritual enthusiast take a page among his many chronicles- that when it's all over and the dust settles on the haven of any soul- it's the passion that you loved with, even if it was for seemingly less bigger things! One saying of the Prophet that resonates from his personal class is -whosoever threads the path of knowledge God facilitates his way to Paradise.
May his loved ones receive solace and inspiration to continue.
This father of many wonderful children was a popular name among Guyanese as he plied his trade of tailoring and textile with many across Guyana. I remember his bringing his morning bag to the bank and I was always greeted with a smile- I know how proud he was for me as a student of his madarsa who went onto higher studies. His dedication to politics was one that revelled in the idea that there is no racism in religion and as a nation we must live as one- so when we walked the streets of Golden Grove, his original homeland, in the early 90's, seeking to resurrect the bombed masjid there- all came out to greet, hug and lend a helping hand. Today the mosque by the seaside sings a happy prayer for a servant who left love as the legacy of his religion; not schism.
As most learnt men, the realities of theological differences do not always sit well and this Imam of imams was not left out of this hotbed. He did not refrain from defending his staunchest beliefs of traditionalism and yet he embraced his comrades on the opposite side with respect. This so true that his sojourn in the diverse Americas seem to entrust him further with acceptance- he was seen in Toronto as the emblem of a charismatic, tolerant leader, whose works continue to benefit far and wide. In New York, he is no different as the many lives he has touched has swell the seas with tears and the oceans with grief. A rest is well deserved not in the bowel of soil but in the deeper abyss of Heavenly bliss.
May the leaders, businessmen, fathers and spiritual enthusiast take a page among his many chronicles- that when it's all over and the dust settles on the haven of any soul- it's the passion that you loved with, even if it was for seemingly less bigger things! One saying of the Prophet that resonates from his personal class is -whosoever threads the path of knowledge God facilitates his way to Paradise.
May his loved ones receive solace and inspiration to continue.
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