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Updated Prayer Registration Information

Starting Sunday, January 3, SNMC will release the prayers’ spots every two days.

In order to make things easier and give more people the ability to pray at the masjid at least once every two days, SNMC has made the following improvement in the system:

Every daily prayer is grouped with the same daily prayer of the following day.

You can still book spots for more than one daily prayer. So for example, you can book for Fajr, Zuher and Isha on the same day or over the two grouped days, but you cannot book at the same time Fajr for the next day and the day that follows.

We would like to remind the community that if you book a spot and then you find out that you will not be able to use it, please release it so that someone else can grab it and pray at the masjid.

We are constantly improving the booking system and the way the prayers are organized. Please be patient with us. We ask Allah to help and guide us.

We would like to thank our software developer volunteers for their continuous work to make matters easier for the mousaleen and more manageable on the ground. Jazakoum Allah khairan.

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Sister Activities Survey

Dear sisters, in order to better serve you, please fill out the attached survey. JazakAllahu khayran.

Click here to respond to the survey

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Updated SNMC Prayer process due to Ontario Lockdown

Please visit snmc.ca to get an update

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Intensive Islamic Knwoledge Program

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Importance of Interfaith in the Lives of Canadian Muslims

Importance of Interfaith in the Lives of Canadian Muslims

A Moment with Our Prophet, Muhammad (S) Day 178

By Imam Zijad Delic

Narrated by Jabir (r) that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: “The believer is friendly and befriended, for there is no goodness in one who is neither friendly, nor befriended. The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.”

عَنْ جَابِرٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْمُؤْمِنُ يَأْلَفُ وَيُؤْلَفُ وَلا خَيْرَ فِيمَنْ لا يَأْلَفُ وَلا يُؤْلَفُ وَخَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ

Source: At Tabarani (in Mu’jamul Awsat)

Transliteration: “Al Mu’minu Ya’lafu Wa Yu’lafu. Wa La Khaira Fiman La Ya’lafu Wa Khairun Nasi Anfa’ahum Lin Nasi.”

Loving your God and loving your neighbor; these two basic and enduring principles are at the heart of the world’s great religious faiths!

At the early stages of this new century, I am struck by the realization that at no other time in history have we been more deeply and urgently challenged to live these two principles fully – not only within our distinctive faith communities (intra-faith), but just as importantly, to live them in relation to those with whom we differ with (interfaith).

Spiritual and intellectual leaders of the world should be urging that sincere and renewed efforts be made to achieve mutual understanding and openness among all faiths, for the benefit of the entire human family.

As members of that global family, all Canadians share an obligation to work for the common good, to do justice, act in solidarity, and – sometimes the hardest of all – to forgive one another’s failings and shortcomings.

In fact, all of the foundational scriptures of world religions stress those four obligations as essential to our collective well-being.

And today, we are especially challenged by the obligation of forgiveness which, as Pope John Paul II have suggested, is a vital component of our present and future relationships.

But rather than asking us merely to forget the sins and tragedies of the past, the late Pontiff developed and interwove the core themes of peace, justice and forgiveness in his memorable 2002 message for the World Day of Peace.

His theme was visionary in its scope: No Peace without Justice, no Justice without Forgiveness!

In the spirit of John Paul II and other enlightened peace-messengers of our era, I fully believe that our respective religious traditions do have the necessary resources and collective will to overcome past and present misunderstandings and foster true mutual friendship and understanding among all peoples.

In fact, our challenge goes far beyond the cliché of “forgive and forget”; we are doubly challenged to forgive and remember, so that we will not repeat our past failures and injustices.

Our religious traditions – their prophets, scriptures, and teachers — are all clear on this!

The prophets of God stirred human memories to guide our conscience, not our revenge.

But are we clear as we stand here at the crossroads at the end of second decade of the 21st century?

It is up to us now to translate these traditions into substance…into action items that the Creator will be pleased with.

This new opportunity of forgiving, remembering, overcoming, and collaborating does not imply giving up your tradition (faith), suppressing, or diluting our distinct religious identities; far from it.

Rather, we should embrace our future as a shared journey toward new discoveries, growth, common respect and common good.

Actually, more I am rooted in my own faith; more I will be open towards others – since I am confident and secure.

Through collaboration we can learn a deeper understanding and respect for one another as members of the global human family and appreciate the values that bind us together in spite of our differences.

As God Almighty declared in the Qur’an: “O humanity! We created you from a single (pair) … male and female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Truly, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous [among] you … God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Qur’an 49:13)

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَى وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ

Anas bin Malik (r) reported that the Prophet (S) said: “”None amongst you believes (truly or has a perfect faith) until he/she loves for his/her brother/sister” – or he (S) said “for his/her neighbor” – “that which he/she loves for himself/herself.” (Muslim)

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ لاَ يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لأَخِيهِ – أَوْ قَالَ لِجَارِهِ – مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ

So, what are the principles that guide me in relating to my brothers and sisters from other religious traditions?

In a talk long ago in Cairo, Bishop Kenneth Cragg stressed the importance of openness with “others”: an open door, an open hand, an open heart, an open mind and, yes, an open creed.

I could not agree more fully with his insight.

Let me explain myself!

OPEN DOOR: The open door, for me, represents hospitality — something I have experienced from the very first day I set foot in Canada amid the mosaic of all differences among all brothers and sisters in humanity – all Canadians.

An open door suggests that meaningful interfaith dialogue can happen when each partner feels secure and trusted enough to freely extend, and receive, the other’s hospitality.

That spirit of security and trust comes from the experience of self-knowledge, strong identity, and confidence in one’s own faith and principles.

On the other hand, when one’s sense of security and identity is lost, the doors to genuine dialogue close.

So, I am convinced that the more at-home and confident I am in the principles of my own faith — that is, the more deeply I understand and am rooted in my formative Islamic beliefs — the more open and hospitable I can be to my brothers and sisters of other religious traditions.

Conversely, the less securely I am rooted in my formative Islamic principles (or the less I know and can act upon them), the less open and hospitable I will be to others.

The same logic applies to the people of other faiths.

OPEN HANDS: When hands are open in greeting, others are immediately put at ease.

For me, open hands symbolize honest intentions, a gesture to show you that I have no hidden agendas; no desire to trick you, harm you, or hurt you.

My open hands also show that I am not afraid to be vulnerable; to give myself over to you in a moment of trust.

What greater test of faith can there be?

OPEN HEART: And what about the open heart?

When I attend interfaith meetings or talk to Canadians of other faith traditions, even to those who do not adhere to any faith, I work hard on building trust by being as honest and transparent as I can.

I become very uncomfortable with those who say one thing in our meetings as colleagues, but another in different company, among different friends.

Such duplicity, or fragmented identity, generates only suspicion; it can only impede the progress of our dialogue and intentions toward the betterment of this great country.

OPEN MIND: Then there is the continual struggle to maintain an open mind.

In life, we must learn not only what to think, but how to think.

And for this to happen we need more than mere knowledge or data about our faith and beliefs; we need true wisdom.

We need leaders who are dedicated to “walking the talk,” according to the core teachings of their respective scriptural texts.

In Bosnia we used to say: “Before cutting, measure three times!”

Similarly, I would earnestly suggest to our leaders: “Before saying anything, think three times!”

OPEN FAITH: Finally, a few words about having an open creed.

The broader and deeper our understanding of faith becomes, the better and more open human beings we can be.

Faith opens our eyes and clears our vision; we see others through a more empathic lens, from a more attuned spiritual perspective — which is in complete accord with what the will of God Almighty desires for us.

Ignorance and misunderstanding about our respective faiths close the doors of dialogue, co-operation and ethics.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught something very similar to the Christian “golden rule” when he said: “Love for your brother/sister (others) what you love for yourselves and you would attain the status of the best believer; be good to your neighbor, and you will be the best Muslim.”

In our present era of rapid globalization and the ever-expanding information highway, one powerful tradition of Prophet Muhammad (S) guides my daily thoughts and actions.

Jabir (r) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: “The believer is friendly and befriended, for there is no goodness in one who is neither friendly, nor befriended. The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.” (At Tabarani)

In Canada, we have a far greater opportunity and potential for achieving genuine openness and of doing “good” to others than in perhaps any other place on earth today.

What could be more challenging and hopeful as we stand at the end of 2020 and the dawn of a new year?

That is why we chose to make our home here in this magnificent country!

Ya Rabb! We ask of you to guide us understand our faith so that we could live it fully, as you intended! And we ask of you that we become the most useful to all brothers and sisters in humanity!

Allahumma Amin!

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Founder’s Corner: Diverse, Respect, Tolerance, and Inclusiveness

By Dr. Emdad Khan.

Allah swt created human being to be diverse and inclusive.

Races and Tribes: Surah Al-Hujaraat v49.13

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ۬ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبً۬ا وَقَبَآٮِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ۬ (١٣) سُوۡرَةُ الحُجرَات

O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into races and tribes, so that you may identify/know one another. Surely the noblest/most honoured of you, in Allah’s sight, is the one who is most pious/God Conscious of you. Surely Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49.13) Surah Al-Hujraat

Languages and Color: Sura Al-room v30.22

وَمِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ خَلۡقُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱخۡتِلَـٰفُ أَلۡسِنَتِڪُمۡ وَأَلۡوَٲنِكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّلۡعَـٰلِمِينَ (٢٢) سُوۡرَةُ الرُّوم

And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours.  Indeed, these   are signs for the persons of knowledge. (30. 22)

If analyze these two verses, we see our ethnicity, community or our body color or speaking languages, the Almighty created so we may know each other and deal with each other with respect and we are near to the Creator by our righteous actions only.

Arab /Non- Arab Superiority: “All humans are descended from Adam and Eve,” said Muhammad. “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, or of a non-Arab over an Arab, and no superiority of a white person over a black person or of a black person over a white person, except on the basis of personal piety and righteousness.”

Here our beloved prophet, PBUH, also explicitly declared Arabs or non-Arabs or blacks or whites, each one is equal except piety and righteousness.

No Racism in Islam: Everyone equal, no difference based on ethnicity, color, language, let us all learn and respect, tolerance, and inclusiveness and accept the ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity in a multicultural Canada. The integration of ethnic and religious minorities with larger immigrants and mainstream Canadian society is an important social issue for Canadian mosaic.

Religious freedom and Tolerance: In Canada everyone have guaranteed freedom to practice religion, build religious institutions and celebrate religious festivals. So, it is important, we all be tolerant towards those whose religion or ethnicity or opinion differs from ours. We should not oppose or discriminate other religious or ethnic minorities. We may not agree with their practices, but we should be tolerant and inclusive.

 

 

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Embracing the True Mercy (Ar Rahmah)

A Moment with Our Prophet, Muhammad (S)

By Imam Zijad Delic

Day 194:

Embracing the True Mercy (Ar Rahmah)

 

Narrated by Abu Musa Al Ash’ari (r) that the Prophet (S) addressed the companions and told them:

“By the One in whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you are merciful to others. They said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, all of us are merciful.” The Prophet (S) said: Verily, it is not only mercy between yourselves (your family members and friends), but rather it is mercy in general (to ALL).’”

إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ بِرَحْمَةِ أَحَدِكُمْ خَاصَّتَهُ وَلَكِنْ رَحْمَةُ الْعَامَّةِ

Source: Nasai

Transliteration: “Innahu Laysa Bi Rahmati Ahadikum Khasatahu, Wa Lakin Rahmarul ‘Ammah.”

When I attend interfaith meetings and discussions, visit schools or universities, I hear Christians often asserting that Christianity is the faith of love and they asked how we could qualify Islam.

On the basis of textual references in Islam – the Qur’an and the Sunnah, the Sirah (history) of the Prophet Muhammad (S) and the scholarly discourses, we could with some certainty claim that Islam is the Din of Rahmah (Mercy) and thus the Prophet is the Prophet of Mercy and Muslims therefore must be the people of Rahmah (Mercy)!

Actually, if we would like to define the whole mission of the Prophet (S), then there is one term that defines it the best – Rahmah!

The total objective of the mission of the Prophet (S) was described by Allah as “Mercy to the Worlds,” in the Qur’an: “We have sent you (O Prophet) as Mercy to the whole worlds.” (Al Anbiya’ 107)

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ

In one of the statements by the Messenger (S), as reported by Hudhaifa (r), described himself as ‘Nabiyyur Rahmah – the Prophet of Mercy (to humanity): “I am a Prophet of Mercy.” (Ash Shama’il Al Muhammadiyyah)

عَنْ حُذَيْفَةَ، قَالَ‏:‏ لَقِيتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم، فِي بَعْضِ طُرُقِ الْمَدِينَةِ، فَقَالَ وَأَنَا نَبِيُّ الرَّحْمَةِ

All his life, he was the best example of mercy. He was merciful on far and near, friends and enemies. That was the psychology of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S). That was a standard of this great man!

Abu Salih (r) reported: The Messenger of Allah (r) would address the people saying: “O people, I am only a mercy and a guide.” (Sunan al-Darimi)

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّمَا أَنَا رَحْمَةٌ مُهْدَاةٌ

The classical Muslim scholars such as Ibn Qayyim Al Jawzi () rightly pointed out: “That the goal of life is to be beneficial to all the creation of the Creator and be merciful to all under all circumstances. And then he concluded by saying: “Wa Hadhihi Hiyar Rahmatullati Bu’itha Biha Muhammad (S) – And this is the mercy by which Muhammad was sent.”

Therefore, it is so simple to conclude from this introduction that: a) by embracing true rahmah (mercy) we will be able to enhance our faith in action and b) anything which conflicts with this mercy does not run parallel with the mission of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S) and thus contradict our Din.

Yet, some Muslims are impervious to this concept of mercy!

They want to make themselves judges of others, passing judgments in situations where it is only for Allah to pass judgment!

To have the courage to speak on behalf of Allah, and to condemn, for example, a Muslim, calling him/her ‘Kafir, Fasiq, etc. or not shoving kindness to others, looks like the ethic of cruelty and meddling into the field of the Creator, where only Allah is a Judge.

And cruelty is incompatible with Iman, as mentioned earlier!

I have been saying often that to some Muslims Islam begins with the knowledge of the rules and regulations.

However, one can have a full Islamic library in his/her head, yet, s/he sees a tree and is blind to the forest.

Before the stage of rules and regulations, before the stage of Haram, Halal, Makruh and Mandub, before memorizing and learning, one should not miss the total picture of Islam, the holistic picture, and the totality of this beautiful Faith.

We can ask ourselves then: why is this so important?

This is so that peoples’ everyday living is facilitated, made easy and enjoyable within the framework of Islam, so that good feelings are shared among people so to develop better community and acceptance of each other increases in it.

If there is ‘Rahmah’ among people then it would be noticeable, because, the Din (Islam) is associated with working with other people, as the Last Messenger Muhammad (S) said.

Every Muslim should interact with other people in order to get by, otherwise, life would be very difficult.

Reward for one who interacts with people, even if he endures any harm from them, is better than one who avoids people, as narrated by Abdullah ibn Omar (r) that the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S) said: “The Muslim who mixes with people and endures any harm from them is better than one who does not mix with them and does not endure any harm they may do.” (Al Adabul Mufrad)

عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ‏:‏ الْمُؤْمِنُ الَّذِي يُخَالِطُ النَّاسَ، وَيَصْبِرُ عَلَى أَذَاهُمْ، خَيْرٌ مِنَ الَّذِي لاَ يُخَالِطُ النَّاسَ، وَلاَ يَصْبِرُ عَلَى أَذَاهُمْ‏

Alhamdulillah!

You and I know that the essence of Islam is Rahmah!

One who hopes to receive the Rahmah of Allah Almighty, has to build up a stock in his/her account by being merciful to others as narrated by Jarir (r) that the Prophet (S) said, “Allah will not show mercy to a person who does not show mercy to other people.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ قَالَ‏:‏ أَخْبَرَنِي قَيْسٌ قَالَ‏:‏ أَخْبَرَنِي جَرِيرٌ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ‏:‏ مَنْ لا يَرْحَمُ النَّاسَ لا يَرْحَمُهُ اللَّهُ‏.

On another occasion, as narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As (r), the Prophet (S) said: “The Merciful One shows mercy to those who are themselves merciful to others. So, show mercy to whatever is on the earth, then He, Who is in the heaven, will show mercy to you.” (Abu Dawud, At Tirmidhi)

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، يَبْلُغُ بِهِ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ الرَّاحِمُونَ يَرْحَمُهُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ ارْحَمُوا أَهْلَ الأَرْضِ يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاءِ

If there is this quality of Rahmah in our dealings with Muslims and with others, we and others will prosper.

But, if this quality, which is the backbone of the society, is not present, then hatred, envy, ill-feelings, and divisions will arise.

To understand this quality of Rahmah (mercy), how we can practically bring it about and gain some benefits from it, let us remind ourselves on several important points related to the topic:

  1. The first point is that there does not exist, on this earth, any person who is perfect in every single respect and who is free from defects and shortcomings.

For example, when the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S) advised believers about their dealings and life with their wives, as narrated by Abu Huraira (r), he (S) informed us: “A believing man should not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another.” (Muslim)

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ لاَ يَفْرَكْ مُؤْمِنٌ مُؤْمِنَةً إِنْ كَرِهَ مِنْهَا خُلُقًا رَضِيَ مِنْهَا آخَرأَوْ قَالَ ‏”‏ غَيْرَهُ

What is important in this Hadith is the realization that we must look at positive qualities of others and sometimes turn away from their faults and shortcomings.

We also understand from the Hadith that there is no Muslim who is completely wicked and evil and deserves to be fully condemned by the community of believers.

It is also very important to notice that the Messenger of Allah (S) pointed out that there is no Muslim who is perfect as well.

In fact, every one of us has some good qualities and characteristics as we all have some faults and shortcomings.

Where is that person in our community who is fully perfect in all respects?

Please, help me to find him or her!

One who is not able to see this as a reality, one who does not realize this point, will be most annoyed, most anxious and most worried person.

His/her heart will always be moving here and there.

He/she will always see people’s faults and never see their good sides and qualities.

This will annoy him/her and he/she will always be worried when he/she deals with people.

  1. The second point is: How should a Muslim view himself/herself?

He/she should look at their own shortcomings as well as good qualities and better themselves in those fields where they feel discomfort with their standard.

One of our early predecessors used to say: “If you knew what I know about myself then you would have thrown dust over my face.”

If people would know about us what we know about ourselves, I am positive they will not be able to see us as role models.

I am positive that they will not even talk to us.

If that is the case then we better rectify our faults and feel comfort with who we are.

  1. The third point is how we should view other Muslims and other peoples?

A pious predecessor once said beautiful words: “One of you knows all his/her own faults and mistakes and he/she still loves himself/herself, and prefers himself/herself over others, yet he/she dislikes his/her Muslim brother/sister on account of suspicion. So, where then is the ‘Aql (intellect, sanity).”

It does not make sense! How could we ignore obvious things that we know about ourselves and so easily engage into mistakes of others on the basis of our assumptions?

  1. Lastly, the fourth point is about us mutually helping each other to remove the bad characteristics and defects from ourselves, by informing each other, with extreme sincerity and concern for each other.

It was said to a wise man: “How do you feel that a person comes and informs you of your faults?” He said: “If a person comes to me and rebukes me and starts criticizing me for my faults, then no (I will not feel good). And if he/she comes to me with sincere advice and proper way, then yes (I will not have resentment towards it).”

My wish and du’a is that Allah makes us instruments of His mercy so that we receive His mercy on the Day we will need it the most!

Those of us who do not have mercy in our hearts will not be able to give to others what we do not have!

Only those who have mercy in their hearts will be able to share it with others!

Ya Rabb! Fill our hearts with mercy so that we will be able to share it with others and thus gain Your mercy in the Hereafter!

Allahumma Amin!

 

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The Science of Snowflakes – Event

The SNMC GEMS are happy to invite you to another exciting event “The Science of Snowflakes”. Let’s observe and learn about snowflakes and reflect on Allah’s (SWT) Majesty and Power. Plus enjoy creating a DIY snow globe with us! Please join us to learn new skills while having FUN!
Date: Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020 (5:00pm-7:00pm)
Age: Girls 11y to 13y old (the Pearls) and 14y+ (the Rubies)
Location: Virtual!
Registration fee: Free
Registration required!
To Sign up, Click here
Registration for this event is now open and will close on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 11 pm (or before if the event reaches capacity)!
SNMC GEMS Team                          
SNMC Youth Committee