Reflections

A collection of 378 posts

Reflections

Our eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved

By Muneeb Nasir When the infant son of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Ibrahim, was dying the Prophet cradled him in his arms and he started to shed tears. One of his companions, Abdur Rahman bin ‘Auf said to the Prophet, “O Messenger of God, even you are weeping!

Reflections

Friday reflection - In these times..

By Muneeb Nasir Grave injustices are unfolding right before our eyes, and we are witnessing brutal killings, war, death, destruction, and immense human suffering, including heinous acts committed against innocent civilians.  Every day, we are confronted with distressing images of civilian casualties, traumatized children, cities in ruins, and landscapes scarred

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Friday reflection - The success of Canadian Muslims lies in our relationship with Indigenous peoples

By Muneeb Nasir We are all settlers on Turtle Island. As settlers on Turtle Island, I believe we have much to learn about right relations, reconciliation and the rights of Indigenous peoples and their traditions. The Indigenous peoples have always been gracious and welcoming of newcomers. This welcome has been

Reflections

Friday reflection: The path to virtuous living through education

By Muneeb Nasir It is reported that the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, engaged in a thorough learning process. They would diligently memorize ten verses from the Qur'an as taught by the Prophet, may peace be upon him, and only proceed to the next

Reflections

Friday reflection: Do not lose hope in God's mercy

By Muneeb Nasir A consistent practice marked the life of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him — an act of such significance that he engaged in it countless times each day. This vital practice, he vowed to perform daily, saying, ‘I swear by Allah, I seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent

Reflections

An introduction to Muslim philanthropy in Canada

By Muneeb Nasir and Irshad Osman Philanthropy holds a vital place in Islam, deeply ingrained in principles of compassion, charity, and social responsibility. Islamic teachings intertwine philanthropy with various acts of worship, making it a mandatory aspect of a Muslim's life. Giving back is not limited to financial contributions but

Reflections

Friday reflection: Pursuing more distracts us until the journey's end

By Muneeb Nasir In our era, abundance coexists with persistent feelings of anxiety, stress, and unhappiness. Despite technological advancements and material wealth, the pursuit of a peaceful, fulfilled, and satisfied life seems to be regressing. This imbalance is highlighted in an early Meccan surah from the Qur'an, At-Takathur, which warns

Reflections

Friday reflection: Rectifying the remaining chapters of our life

By Muneeb Nasir A man once approached Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, inquiring about the Day of Judgment, asking, "When will the Hour be?" The Prophet responded with a thought-provoking question of his own, saying, "What have you prepared for it?" He redirected the man's focus to what truly

Reflections

Friday reflection: In search of sanctuary: The enduring quest for refuge

By Muneeb Nasir The migration (hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his companions from Mecca to Medina stands as one of the most significant events in Islamic history. Faced with persecution, these early believers were compelled to leave their homes behind. The hijrah holds significant historical

Reflections

Friday reflection: Journey Towards the Eternal - Navigating challenges and strengthening Faith

By Muneeb Nasir During the early days of Prophet Muhammad's, peace be upon him, messengership, Muslims faced constant pressure, threats, and abuse. Allah's early revelations aimed to fortify the early believers with eternal principles of faith. These revelations taught them and teach us that the power of any faith comes

Reflections

Friday reflection: Building blocks for a flourishing Muslim presence

By Muneeb Nasir When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought refuge in the city of Madina, having migrated from his hometown of Makkah, it was predominantly populated by non-Muslims. However, the atmosphere in Madina was filled with anticipation and excitement as the residents eagerly awaited the arrival of the

Reflections

Friday reflection: 'My Lord! Let me go back'

By Muneeb Nasir We perceive time passing swiftly, reminding us that one day we will face God on the Day of Judgment. On that day, it will feel as if we have lived, dreamed, and aspired for merely a fleeting moment. Our worship of the Creator will appear incomplete and

Reflections

Friday reflection: What leads to happiness?

By Muneeb Nasir What leads to happiness? Is it by acquiring wealth and having many luxury possessions? Today it seems as if there is no stop to the excessive greed and reckless living of people in societies around the world. One of the signs of these conditions is the relative

Reflections

Ethical concerns arise over Canadian Muslim relief agencies' voluntourism practices

By Muneeb Nasir and Irshad Osman Muslim Relief organizations are in overdrive, aggressively marketing to the Canadian Muslim community, and a new form of fundraising practice is cropping up among the larger charities - voluntourism, which combines tourism and volunteering. As a background on the extent of Muslim donations in

Reflections

Friday reflection: We all have a defined benefit plan

Good deeds are our investment for the everlasting future and the returns are defined – it is our defined benefit plan. All of us should be looking to live, not just ‘a good life’, but a life of goodness. ‘A good life’ is generally understood as having a successful career, a

Reflections

Friday reflection: Turn to God - He is Loving and Merciful

By Muneeb Nasir Among the main purposes of religion is to heal the brokenness in our relationship with God as well as with fellow human beings and other creations of God. Indeed, the purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to restore consciousness, awareness and mindfulness of God leading to such

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Friday reflection: The Muslim community’s beautiful traits - generosity, compassion and hospitality

By Muneeb Nasir Generosity, compassion and hospitality are defining features of the Muslim community and they are on full display during the month of Ramadan. In homes, neighborhoods, and mosques, Muslims are engaged in hosting friends and neighbors for iftar (fast breaking meals), giving to the less fortunate and those

Reflections

Friday reflection: Ramadan - a wellspring for the spiritually dry

By Muneeb Nasir Ramadan is a sacred time - it is the ‘anniversary of anniversaries’, a time that the One God, Allah, singles out sincere believers for rewards. God's Apostle, peace be upon him said, "God said, 'All the deeds of sons of Adam (people) are for them, except fasting

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Friday reflection: In today’s world people could all do with a dose of Ramadan

By Muneeb Nasir There is great anticipation in the air - families are making plans, children are getting excited, homes are being cleaned and spruced up, special foods and ingredients are being purchased to welcome a most noble guest, Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, set to begin next week.

Reflections

Friday reflection: ‘The real House of God - where those who have lost God will find Him’

By Muneeb Nasir Outside the sacred sanctuary of houses of worship, hospitals and health institutions are  among places where the most sincere prayers are offered. They are places where many people seek God for solace and comfort, and where they may rediscover and reconnect with God. Many years ago, I

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Friday reflection: Let's change our way of relating to each other

A successful life is one in which we develop, maintain and nurture meaningful relationships with the One Transcendent God, Allah, with our fellow humans and other creations. We are a growing and beautifully diverse Muslim community in this city. However, one of the greatest challenges we face is how to

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Türkiye and Syria Earthquake - Which charities to support?

By Muneeb Nasir and Irshad Osman Two devastating earthquakes hit southern and central Türkiye in the early hours of February 6, 2023, and it also affected regions of north-western Syria. This is the fourth costliest earthquake in world history. The property damages and the financial loss are estimated at USD

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Friday reflection: Those who walk on the earth ever so lightly

By Muneeb Nasir The world is full of self-important, self-absorbed, self-promoting, brash, egotistical and arrogant people.  These are the people who lead the news. Look at the recent headlines – it is all about political leaders who are arrogant and brash; who proudly display their character flaws and feel no shame

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Friday reflection: These words will change your life

By Muneeb Nasir Say, “Bismillah Hir Rahman Nir Raheem - In The Name of God, the All Merciful, the Mercy-Giving before you do anything,” was the first lesson that our parents taught us. “If you say ‘Bismillah’ you would not do anything wrong,” they reasoned with us. These words, ‘In

Reflections

Friday reflection: Who are the Muslims next door?

By Muneeb Nasir Canadian Muslims truly stand out as being among the most enthusiastic group of Canadians - 83 percent of Muslims feel very proud to be Canadian. However, because Muslims have a religious and cultural background unfamiliar to most other Canadians they face questions about their commitment to becoming