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Two lights

عن عبدالله بن عباس -رضي الله عنهما- قال

Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

بينما جبريل -عليه السلام- قاعد عند النبي -صلى الله عليه وسلم- سمع نَقِيضَا من فوقه

While Jibril (Gabriel) was sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), he heard a sound above him.

فرفع رأسه، فقال: هذا باب من السماء فُتِحَ اليوم ولم يفتح قط إلا اليوم

He lifted his head, and said: “This is a gate which has been opened in heaven today. It was never opened before.”

فنزل منه مَلَكٌ، فقال: هذا ملك نزل إلى الأرض لم ينزل قط إلا اليوم، فسلم وقال

Then an angel descended through it, he said:
“This is an angel who has come down to earth. He never came down before.”
He sent greetings and said:

:أبشر بنُورين أُوتِيْتَهُما لم يُؤتهما نَبِيٌّ قبلك)

“Rejoice with two lights given to you. Such lights were not given to any Prophet before you.
These (lights) are:

، فاتحة الكتاب، وخَوَاتِيمُ سورة البقرة

Fatihah-til-Kitab (Surat Al-Fatihah), and the concluding Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah.

لن تقرأ بحرف منها إلا أُعْطِيتَهُ

You will never recite a word from them without being given the blessings it contains.” [Muslim]

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Founder’s Corner: Dr. Emdad Khan

The Almighty declares:, ” Do they not know that God extends the provision for whom He wills, and restricts it ? 

 Indeed , in this are signs for the community who have Faith! (39.52)

Even in calamity or crisis, every one of human being will get the provisions, we simply try in a ethical way and have our faith and trust in God.

أَوَلَمۡ يَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَبۡسُطُ ٱلرِّزۡقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقۡدِرُ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ (39.52)

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Imam Zijad’s Corner: Importance of Life and Health in Islam

Imam Zijad’s Corner:    Importance of Life and Health in IslamAs we read through the texts of Islam, we find that our faith promotes a set of values in all its teachings, rulings, laws and guidance. Behind all teachings, rulings, laws and guidance, Muslim classical and modern scholars found reasons, purposes and wisdom and thus draw our attention to their objectives.

These objectives are explicitly mentioned in the two main sources of our faith – The Qur’an and the Sunnah. These sources are implicitly understood through deep examination of the texts by great Muslim scholars such as Imam Al Ghazali, Imam Ash Shatibi, Imam Ibn Ashur, etc.

These objectives are:

1.      Nurturing and developing the righteous and caring individuals

2.      Establishing the healthy society of the righteous and caring individuals and

3.      Attaining real benefits for individuals and the society (Maslaha) by preserving:

·         Religion

·         Life

·         Intellect

·         Progeny and

·         Property

One of these objectives is preservation of life since it is the sacred gift/blessing of God. For that reason Muslims are commanded to take care of it, preserve it and are not allowed to harming it in any way, physically or symbolically. Any action against the sacredness of life is prohibited in Islam (Haram).

Consequently, Islam obliges Muslims to take care of themselves both spiritually and physically. Islam thus stresses that our health and well-being, as well as health and well-being of other human brothers and sisters, are each and everyone’s responsibility.

Contributions to saving life of a person is greatly acknowledged by the Creator who said:  “And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (Qur’an, 5:32)

One of the objectives of Islam and its laws is preservation of life because life is a sacred gift of God and Muslims are commanded to preserve it. Harming it in any way, physically or symbolically, is prohibited (Haram).

Health is a necessary condition for the preservation of life. It is only healthy humans that could establish healthy societies and implement ethical and just system for all.

Al Ghazali points out: “A proper understanding and implementation of religion, from the standpoint of knowledge and worship, can only be arrived at through physical health and life preservation.”

Health is indeed important in human life as we were taught by our Messenger Muhammad (S):

“Second to faith, no one has been ever given a greater blessing than health.” (Tirmizi)

“To God-fearing (people), health is better than wealth.” (Ibn Majah, Al Hakim, Ahmed)

“Whoever of you gets up in the morning feeling physically healthy, enjoying security and having his/her food for the day, is like one who has the world under his/her fingerprints.” (Ibn Majah)

As Muslims, we are all responsible for our health and will be questioned “How did we spend our lives and in what pursuit we used our health?” (Tirmizi)

Why? Because health is a blessing of God bestowed upon us and we are asked to “seize it before we become sick.” (Al Bayhaqi) But unfortunately, “many of us become careless about it” (Bukhari), as stated by Messenger Muhammad (S).

From an Islamic standpoint, the responsibility to take care of health and its protection is a duty on each one of us by:

a) caring about our bodies (“Your body has right on you,” as our Messenger Muhammad (S), taught us) and

b) protecting ourselves and others from infectious viruses and diseases in the present and the future [la darada wa la dirar].

So, Islam gave us set of instructions regarding health and our well- being by first appreciating the gift of health, taking care of it and protecting it from any harm.

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Imam Zijad’s Corner: Tie Your Camel First – Do Your Share

Tie Your Camel First – Do Your ShareReported by Abu Huraira (r) that Muhammad that: “One day Prophet Muhammad (S) noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, Why don’t you tie down your camel? The Bedouin answered, I put my trust in Allah. The Prophet (S) then said, “Tie your camel first and then put your trust in Allah.” (Tirmidhi)

Transliteration: “I’qilha, fatawakkal ‘alallah.”

How many of us tie our camels first, before putting our trust in Allah? Muslims must never become fatalistic.  Although we know only Allah is in control and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives.  We must take action. We must work to alleviate the hardships that we face.

We must remember that while we need to carry out our duties to the best of our abilities, we always also need to remember that we don’t control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets did not control the outcome of their efforts. Some were successful, others were not.

Once we have done our duty, let’s leave the results to Allah. Regardless of the results, we will be rewarded for our good intentions and the actions that followed those intentions. We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances.

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SNMC CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

What is the current situation in Ottawa, Ontario — Canada?

(The material is compiled from the sources of Ottawa Public Health, Ontario Government, Public Health Canada and World Health Organization with the link to their web pages)

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html

https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/novel-coronavirus.aspx

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Introduction to Coronavirus

There are currently no confirmed or presumptive positive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ottawa. In Canada, there are 30 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of March 4th, 2020 – 20 in Ontario, 9 in BC and 1 in Quebec.

Every week day at 10:30 a.m. ET, the Province of Ontario’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19) web page https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus will be updated with the most up-to-date information including the status of cases in Ontario.

Background and Origin

On December 31, 2019, a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China (Hubei province) was reported to the World Health Organization and the cause has been confirmed as a new coronavirus that has not previously been identified in humans.

The current situation is evolving. More information is expected to emerge in the coming days and weeks. New information is becoming available daily and a clearer picture is being formed as this information is analyzed by provincial, national and international health agencies.

Canada’s Government Public Health

Stay up to date on emerging travel health notices from the Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is evolving rapidly. Outbreaks of COVID-19 are being reported throughout the world. Mainland China (including Hong Kong) is  the primary location where COVID-19 infections are spreading. However, other areas such as Iran, Northern Italy, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea are now reporting spread of COVID-19 within the community.

Advice to Travellers returning to Ottawa from affected areas

If I recently travelled outside of Canada, when should I contact a doctor, Ottawa Public Health or a health care professional?

Travellers who have returned from Hubei province (China) and Iran should:

  • call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 within 24 hours of arriving in Canada if they plan on travelling to Ottawa;
  • stay at home and avoid close contact with others, including those in their home,  for a total of 14 days from the date they left Hubei province or Iran;
  • call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 if they experience symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you have travelled to other affected areas (e.g., mainland China [excluding Hubei province], Hong Kong, Japan, Italy, Singapore, South Korea), you may have come in contact with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). For 14 days after the day you left the affected area, the Public Health Agency of Canada asks that you:

  • monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing; and,
  • avoid crowded public spaces and places where you cannot easily separate yourself from others if you become ill.

If you start having symptoms, isolate yourself from others as quickly as possible. Immediately call a health care professional or Ottawa Public Health (613-580-6744). Describe your symptoms and travel history. To further protect those around you, wash your hands often and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

You will need to stay home and self-isolate if:

You have a confirmed 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection and do not need hospitalization and can receive care at home.

You are being assessed for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection by a healthcare provider.

What is the risk to residents of Ottawa?

The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in Wuhan, China as low for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.

How is Ottawa Public Health monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation?

Ottawa Public Health is following the lead of the Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario, and the Public Health Agency of Canada in responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  Ottawa Public Health has a strong partnership with local hospitals who have put measures in place to screen individuals who are suspected of being infected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Please read signs and follow all instructions when visiting a hospital.

The Ministry of Health has added novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a designated disease reportable under Ontario’s public health legislation. Now, physicians, hospitals and other care facilities will be required to report a suspected or confirmed case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to their local Medical Officer of Health.

If a suspected or confirmed case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) were to be identified in Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health would work with the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario Laboratory, and local hospitals in the management of the case and any contacts.

How can you protect yourself and your family?

To reduce the spread of germs including the flu and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) we recommend that you:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands with soap
  • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand
  • If possible, stay home if you are sick
  • Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick
  • It is still recommended to get your flu shot if you haven’t already as the flu virus is still circulating in the community
  • Learn more on how to stop the spread of germs 

 Symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause:

  • very mild to severe illness consisting of fever,
  • and/or cough, other upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and
  • difficulty breathing (shortness of breath).

If your symptoms are MILD

  • Call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 or your health care provider
  • Call your health care provider or a walk-in clinic prior to visiting them in person

If your symptoms are SEVERE

  • Contact your Health Care Provider first (if available)
  •  

If you cannot reach your Health Care Provider,

  • go to the Hospital Emergency Department and pay attention to special signage

Other frequently asked questions – please visit the following link https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/novel-coronavirus.aspx

World Health Organization (WHO): Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public and through your national and local public health authority (as above). COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

1. Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

2, Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

4. Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

5. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

6. Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves. 

7. Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

Follow the guidance outlined above.

* Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.

Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

* If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.

Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

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CORONAVIRUS AND HOW TO TACKLE IT FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE?

CORONAVIRUS AND HOW TO TACKLE IT FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE?

By

Imam Dr. Zijad Delic

Imam Dr. Mohsen Al-Nadi

Introduction to Coronavirus

The global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that was first reported in China at the end of December 2019, has spread into more than 80 countries as of today, March 5th, 2020 (3:30 pm Eastern Standard Time, Ottawa, Canada) and is taken much of the social media time and space.

97,971 people are affected and as of today 3,354 deaths are recorded. The virus spreads from one person to another more easily than in the case of SARS, some studies suggest. The coronavirus is the type of viruses that cause symptoms similar to the common cold. Its intensity could vary from mild to moderate but could also cause severe illness and even lead to death, as current death numbers suggest. Good news is that large number of the people affected by coronavirus recovered/discharged from it. As of today their number is 54,124.

There are currently no confirmed or presumptive positive cases of novel coronavirus in Ottawa. In Canada, there are 37 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of today – 20 in Ontario, 13 in BC and 1 in Quebec (3 new cases not yet associated with any province). Of total 37 cases 29 are active, 8 recovered and 1 in a serious critical condition.

Al Hamdulillah! No death related to coronavirus was reported in Canada!

At the greatest risk with the coronavirus are elderly people and people with health conditions such as diabetes.

Coronavirus, according to the current information available, is less deadly than SARS.

As Muslims, we share with the rest of the nation and the world the feelings of fear and hope in times as coronavirus is spreading globally. We all are standing together in this state of emergency and are obliged to work together for the common good of all. Our faith Islam commands us to do exactly so! And we Canadian Muslims are ready for that, if and when needed!

Health in Islam

Islam obliges Muslims to take care of themselves both spiritually and physically. Islam thus stresses that our health and well-being, as well as health and well-being of other human brothers and sisters, are each and everyone’s responsibility. Contributions to saving life of a person is greatly acknowledged by the Creator who said:  “And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (Qur’an, 5:32)

One of the objectives of Islam and its laws is preservation of life because life is a sacred gift of God and Muslims are commanded to preserve it. Harming it in any way, physically or symbolically, is prohibited (Haram).

Health is a necessary condition for the preservation of life. It is only healthy humans that could establish healthy societies and implement ethical and just system for all.

Al Ghazali points out: “A proper understanding and implementation of religion, from the standpoint of knowledge and worship, can only be arrived at through physical health and life preservation.”

Health is indeed important in human life as we were taught by our Messenger Muhammad (S):

“Second to faith, no one has been ever given a greater blessing than health.” (Tirmizi)

“To God-fearing (people), health is better than wealth.” (Ibn Majah, Al Hakim, Ahmed)

“Whoever of you gets up in the morning feeling physically healthy, enjoying security and having his/her food for the day, is like one who has the world under his/her fingerprints.” (Ibn Majah)

As Muslims, we are all responsible for our health and will be questioned “How did we spend our lives and in what pursuit we used our health?” (Tirmizi)

Why? Because health is a blessing of God bestowed upon us and we are asked to “seize it before we become sick.” (Al Bayhaqi) But unfortunately, “many of us become careless about it” (Bukhari), as stated by Messenger Muhammad (S).

From an Islamic standpoint, the responsibility to take care of health and its protection is a duty on each one of us by:

a) caring about our bodies (“Your body has right on you,” as our Messenger Muhammad (S), taught us) and

b) protecting ourselves and others from infectious viruses and diseases in the present and the future [la darada wa la dirar].

So, Islam gave us set of instructions regarding health and our well- being by first appreciating the gift of health, taking care of it and protecting it from any harm.

Caring about the Weak and the Sick People

Infectious diseases like coronavirus reminds us of our collective responsibility to each other.

We are reminded that our health is tied directly to the health of the weakest among us. If we ignore the most vulnerable people, leave them without care and support, then the disease only becomes more widespread and vicious. Our strength is only in the strength of others.

When the Messenger Muhammad (S) would meet a new tribe, instead of asking to meet the nobles and the chieftains, he would say “bring me the weak among you”. The Messenger (S) would wisely judge the true nature of a society based on how they treated the weak, sick and vulnerable in their society.

The Messenger (S) would then say: “Truly you are only aided and provided for (i.e. by God) because of your weak”. Meaning that God’s aid, strength and support is lent to those who are in the aid and support of the most vulnerable people.

It might seem strange to think of the positives when dealing with infectious diseases, but the believer should see positives in all matters of life. The truth is that we often forget the root of much of our strength and prosperity when we ignore the poor, the weak and the sick.

Infection Control in Islam – preventative measures and general guidelines

Infection control in Islam includes prevention measures and a treatment. Following the rules and recommendations, with regards to personal hygiene and cleanliness, is a part and parcel of our faith and Allah loves people of such attitude “Cleanliness is a half the faith.” (Muslim) “Allah loves those who purify themselves.” (Qur’an, 2:222)

Thus, infection control, through preventatives measures, is inherent in hygiene behavior in Islam. Measures taken in the 21st century to prevent the spread of infections and viruses conform almost exactly to the hygiene and health practices taught by Messenger Muhammad (S) such as washing hands on regular bases (before and after food, after using washroom, etc), during the wudu (ablution before the prayer) during which we are to wash the hands, face, rinse the mouth, nose, etc.

As we do these religious rituals, we take care of our health and curb the spread of infectious diseases. Simply put, if we would perform five daily prayers regularly, as commanded, one of the prerequisites is the wudu. Imagine, how much we would reduce the risk of infections by the wudu without even trying!

Islam encourages proactive preventative measures if there is any risk of harm of the diseases to us or anyone else. Such an approach has been an essential component of Muslims’ tradition, their behavior and attitude towards health.

The Islamic primary sources – The Qur’an and the Sunnah – contain numerous teachings that promote personal and environmental hygiene and preventative measures in that regard as a religious obligation technically known as jurisprudence of cleanliness (Fiqh ul Taharah). Some of these are mentioned below.

  • As Muslims, we must be careful not to get harmed, and must protect ourselves appropriately.
  • As Muslims, we must avoid harming others if we are affected with a disease that has a likelihood of harming another person/people. Muhammad (S) said, “Do not cause harm, and don’t get harmed [la darar wa la dirar].” (Malik)   
  • As Muslims, we are encouraged to use medicine, and this does not violate the concept of trusting in Allah. Muhammad (S) said: “O people! Treat yourselves medically! For, there is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment.” (Abu Dawud)
  • The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S) has encouraged the discovery of treatments for diseases. He (S) said: “For every disease there is a cure,” (Abu Dawid, Tirmizi) suggesting to us to look for it.

Protecting Yourself and Others by

  • Regularly washing hands. Messenger Muhammad (S) encouraged Muslims to wash hands: “Whoever would like Allah to increase the goodness or blessings of his/her family, should wash hands when his/her meal is brought to him/her and when it is taken away.” (Ibn Majah) Certainly, one of the blessings for such a person and all those around him/her (his/her family particularly) is related to health.
  • Covering your mouth and nose (face) when coughing or sneezing (Narrated Abu Hurairah: “that when Messenger Muhammad (S) would sneeze, he would cover his face with his hand or with his garment.” (Tirmizi)
  • Not mixing with healthy people if we are sick. Messenger Muhammad (S) said: “A sick person should not be taken to a healthy person.” (Muslim)
  • Isolation and quarantine. Messenger Muhammad (S) commanded his followers not to travel to places known to be afflicted with infectious diseases and he also advised those in the contaminated regions/communities not to leave and spread illness further afield. He said: “If you hear that there is a plague in a land, do not enter it; and if it (plague) visits a land while you are therein, do not leave it.” (Bukhari)

Attending the Mosque: People with symptoms of the disease (like flu)

Individuals with symptoms of the disease should avoid coming to the mosques if they suspect that they may be infected until they check with their health providers and ensure that they are not.

This is because the harm of spreading this virus is much greater than the bothering the people with the odor of garlic, about which Messenger Muhammad (S) stated the following: “He/she who eats of this plant (garlic) should not come near our mosque and should not bother us with the odor of garlic.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Subhanallah! If eating food with offensive odor is a reason for not engaging with the congregational prayers for the fear of people being offended, then imagine… how we should look at the issues related to infectious and dangerous diseases such as coronavirus!

If, in the event of spread of the virus, the local public health authorities advise the suspension of the services in the places of worship and avoidance of large public gatherings, the SNMC Masjid/Center management (and other Muslim institutions) should comply with such instructions. This would be a sufficient excuse to pray Jumu’a prayer at home (as Zuhr prayer) until the restriction is removed. (AJMA Resident Fatwa Committee – Declaration Regarding Coronavirus Disease)

Conclusion

In conclusion, let us share several action items regarding Muslims’ attitude towards the infectious coronavirus.

First of all, our faith Islam gave us guidelines regarding our health and told us that it is one of the greatest blessings bestowed upon us. As a blessing, we have to acknowledge it, take care of it and protect it from any harm.

Secondly, SNMC and all Canadian Muslim institutions should follow the updates that are regularly updated by the Public Health Agencies (the city of Ottawa, the Province of Ontario and Public Health Canada) and comply with their instructions.

Thirdly, all Muslim Medical doctors, researchers and others in the service of this noble profession, are encouraged by our faith and the community leaders to contribute as much as humanly possible they can to assist with safety of all Canadians and people beyond Canada.

Lastly, as people of prayer, we should not allow panic to spread; but be sober citizens and Muslims, put trust in God and pray to the Creator to bring safety and well-being to us and all of our human brothers and sisters in Canada and across the globe! Ameen!

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Imam Zijad’s Corner: Say Good or Keep Silent

Say Good or Keep Silent
Reported by Abu Hurairah (r) that Muhammad (S) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good things or keep silent.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Transliteration: “Man Kana Yu’minu Billahi Wal Yawmil Akhir Falyaqul Khairan Aw Li Yasmut.”
Note: The saying of the Prophet (S) starts with the explicit mention of belief in God and the coming of the Last Day.
This is a reminder to us of the motivating factor behind all our actions.
We will be called to account by God on the Last Day. Everything we do will come before us on that day so we should call ourselves to account before we are called to account, and we are reminded to be careful about what we say.
Speaking good words implies refraining from bad speech. For example, saying something about someone that they would not like to hear, even if it is to say that they are short or fat etc, is considered backbiting in Islam and is a punishable sin.
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an: “And do not backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it [so hate backbiting]. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.” [Surah Al Hujuraat:12]
The Prophet (s) once stated that nothing caused people to enter Hellfire like the actions of their tongue. So we need to weigh our statements before we make them.
If they contain good then we can say them, but if they contain bad then we should refrain from speaking the words and that will be recorded as a good deed for us, Insha Allah
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Imam Zijad’s Corner: Muhammad (S): Islam is a Faith of Ease

Imam Zijad’s Corner:  Muhammad (S): Islam is a Faith of EaseAs both prophet and human, Muhammad (S) lived and taught Islam as a life of ease! Now this clearly needs some explanation; that is, a truthful application, or praxis… “Ease” is not always “easy”!

For example, he was a discreet and discerning preacher who knew that honey is more effective than vinegar, for people are often soothed into deep learning instead of scolded towards it.

He won his followers’ hearts with flexibility and empathy. As we already know, the concept of forced conversion is alien to the core of Islam and to Muhammad’s (S) own teachings. He knew, as an experienced and compassionate professional, that rigidity is counter-intuitive: you cannot force somebody to believe, for when people are externally forced or compelled, how can you even call the resulting compliance “belief”?

Submission and fear are not belief! They do not result in valid faith. Rather, belief is a conscious choice; it comes from deep within, from one’s heart, and nowhere else. So Muhammad (S) refused to make Islam a hard and complex path.

In the same vein he was meticulously devoted to God, but never the obsessive fanatic: “Woe to those who exaggerate, who are excessive, who make things hard, who are rigid and too strict,” he warned, cautioning those who tended toward extremes in any aspect of belief or tradition.

He was also a man of moderation, telling his followers at one point: “Moderation! Enlightened Moderation! The best of all dealings are those done in moderation! It’s God’s intent for the community.” (the Ummatan Wasata – His Sunnah).

Muhammad (S) also knew that maintaining balance (or Mizan) is the greatest spiritual challenge we humans have: we strive to achieve it in personal life; in family, work, feelings, friendship, love. In the 21st century, we strive the same way to find balance in how we use our IPhones, our e-mail, our social networking sites. In considering the use of electronic devices alone, to what degree have we become their slaves? How can we regain our balance in using them productively?

Here, the example of Abdullah ibn ‘Amr comes to mind: “Have I heard it [correctly] that you fast during the day and pray during nights? …Your Creator has [a] right over you, your family … your body … so give to each of them their right.”

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Imam Zijad’s Corner: Compassion for Children/Respect for Elderly

Compassion for Children/Respect for Elderly
 
Reported by ‘Amr bin Shu’ayb that Muhammad (S) said: “One who has no compassion for our little ones and does not honour the elderly, is not one of us.” (Abu Dawud & Tirmithi)
Transliteration: “Laysa Minna Man Lam Yarham Sagirana Wa Lam Ya’rif Haqqa Kabirina.”
Note: Islam is unequivocal about the parents’ duties towards their offspring.
To comprehend those duties, first we have to understand that God has not given parents an opportunity to be parents without a purpose.
Creation of human beings is not merely the manifestation of God’s creative power, but it is also the manifestation of His supreme attribute – Rahmah (mercy, compassion, kindness, grace).
In its human dimension, these attributes of mercy, compassion, etc. are reflected in the parental instincts of affection and sensitivity toward their offspring.
That divine fountain of love and mercy continues to manifest through the feelings and heartbeats of parents.
Traditionally Muslims have accorded their elders this lofty status, and the decline in this practice we see in some Muslim countries (communities) is concomitant with the overall decline in adherence to Islamic principles.
In the cycle of life, the youth and old age are only a matter of time, for one who is young, must surely grow old one day.
Islam reminds the young of this basic truth of the human condition, through a narration of the Prophet in which he stated “If a young man honors an elderly on account of his age, God appoints someone to honor him in his old age.” (Tirmidhi
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Imam Zijad’s Corner: Thinking of God

Thinking of God
 
Reported by Abu Hurairah (r) that Muhammad (S) said:
“God said, ‘I am to my servant as he or she thinks of Me.'”
Source: Bukhari
Transliteration: “Qalallahu: Ana ‘Indaz Zanni ‘Abdi bi.”
 
Note: This is a Prophetic narration of profound meanings. God, the Creator, the Sustainer, the Nourisher, wants us to know Him, remember Him, think about Him, and yearn for meeting with Him.
God wants us to believe that He is the Compassionate, the Merciful and always expect the same from Him in both the worlds.
He wants us to have the conviction that He cares about us and loves us more than any other being can show love to one another.
He wants us to have faith that He always keeps His promises, and His promises of the eternal Home of peace and happiness are true.
To paint our relationship with Him with our imagination and expectation in the opposite way would be almost self-fulfilling. He wants our thoughts about Him be most nice and decent!