Reflections

A collection of 412 posts

Reflections

Dr. Wael Shehab's "Islam 101": A Guide for Understanding Islam

In a Canada grappling with persistent misconceptions about Islam and its Muslim citizens, Dr. Wael Shehab's book, "Islam 101", arrives as a timely and vital contribution.  Muneeb Nasir, a well-known Muslim community leader and interfaith activist, aptly highlights the book's significance in addressing the

Reflections

Toronto's Mosques struggle to meet Iftar demands

By Washim Ahmed As we embrace the holy month of Ramadan, a time for reflection, prayer, and community, I've come across a pressing concern that requires our immediate attention and collective action. After conversations with several mosques and community organizations in Toronto's east Danforth area, it

Reflections

Spread kindness this Ramadan! 5 ways to get involved locally

1. Donate Iftar meals: Help those in need break their fast by donating meals to a local shelter. (e.g. ANSAAR Foundation: @https://www.facebook.com/AnsaarFoundation1/; Sakeenah Homes: @https://www.facebook.com/SakeenahCanada) 2. Offer support to others: Reach out to those who are grieving, having lost a loved

Reflections

Arundhati Roy on Gaza: N̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ Again

The richest, most powerful countries in the western world, those who believe themselves to be the keepers of the flame of the modern world’s commitment to democracy and human rights, are openly financing and applauding Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The Gaza strip has been turned into a concentration

Reflections

A vigil for Gaza with The Revd Dr Munther Isaac

On Sunday 18th February 2024 at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, The Revd Dr Munther Isaac, pastor of Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, issued an uncompromising call to the UK church. He said that they are called “to be the church, and to act in costly solidarity towards an immediate

Reflections

Friday Reflection: Cultivating empathy - A crucial element for fostering peace

By Muneeb Nasir Our global landscape is dangerously divided, and many perceive this era as one of the most perilous in recent history. Numerous policies, practices, and ways of life no longer appear sustainable, neglecting the fact that we are all interconnected neighbors. In the face of these challenges, we

Reflections

Irish lawyer tells court of ‘a crisis of humanity’ in Gaza trial

On January 11, South Africa said Israel was perpetrating genocide in Gaza, before the International Court of Justice – the UN’s top court. The country, which moved this court, asked it to issue orders that will compel Israel to suspend military operations in the Palestinian region.  Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh is

interfaith

Pope Francis: "War is ..a useless slaughter that offends the dignity of every person on this earth"

Civilian victims of war are not “collateral damage." They are men and women with names and surnames, who lose their lives. They are children who are orphaned and deprived of their future. They are individuals who suffer from hunger, thirst and cold, or are left mutilated. Civilian victims of

Reflections

Winter is here…

By Imam Shaykh Imran Ally Winter officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere on December 21 with the winter solstice, the day with the least amount of possible daylight and the longest night! Winter keeps us indoors, please benefit from the time indoors to create memorable moments with all your loved

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!

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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,

Editor

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&

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

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

Editor

Friday reflection: We all have a defined benefit plan

By Muneeb Nasir 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

Editor

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