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Imam Zijad’s Corner: AL ‘ASR: THE TIME

Imam Zijad’s Corner:   AL ‘ASR: THE TIME

Allah informs us in the Qur’an: “By the Time! Insan (human being) is indeed in loss, except those who believed and did good deeds, exhorted one another to Truth, and exhorted one another to patience and constancy.”                    {Al ‘Asr 1-3}

This short Surah of the Qur’an sums up all the elements of individual and social success in life. Human being has been created in the best mold and equipped with all abilities and faculties necessary for achieving this success. But it is up to him/her to utilize these tools properly and wisely.

How important this Surah was in the sight of the companions of the Rasul (SAWS) can be judged from the tradition that says whenever any two of them met, they would not part company until they had recited this Surah to each other. Imam Shafi’I has said if the people only considered this Syrah well, it alone would be enough for their guidance.

The Surah opens with a reference to the Time, which is presented here to show that human being is a loser if he fails to realize the real significance of the time given to him before he is called back to his Lord. The message of the Surah is very clear: “Man’s single greatest asset in life is the time at his disposal.”

Whatever man achieves during his short sojourn upon the Earth is crucial for his future in the life to come. In short life of Duniya, he can achieve eternal bliss and peace, if he would use it wisely and in accordance with the laws laid down for him by his Creator. A misuse or neglect of this opportunity, on the other hand, can lead man to disaster and unhappiness.

The word time is used for the past as well as for the passing time in which the present, in fact, does not signify any long stretch of time. Every moment, when it has passed, becomes past, and every moment of the future, when it is passing, becomes present, and when it has passed, becomes past. Here, since the oath has been sworn by time absolute, both kinds of time are included in its meaning.

The oath by the time means that human history testifies that the people who were without these qualities eventually incurred loss, and in order to understand the significance of the oath by the passing time, one should understand that the time which is now passing is, in fact, the time which has been given to every single individual and every single nation to work in the world and better the world.

Bur man has no control whatsoever over the time itself. It goes away, and there is no way we can stop its flight. Man can learn a lot from the past and one has to look back into the past for the lesson and ask himself about the day (s) which passed: ‘What he did in it? What he left in it and was supposed to accomplish? Why has he done so? The Qur’an confirms it: “There have been examples that have been passed away before you (such as an example of the ancient people of ‘Ad, Thamud, the people of the Prophet Nuh), so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected the Truth.”         {Ali ‘Imran 137}

But it is only the present time that we can usefully for the betterment of Duniya and Akhirah. Today, the present is our real hope and opportunity. Our success or our failure depends on how well we utilize it or how foolishly we waste it.

How one can utilize the asset of time properly and wisely? What does it take to succeed? In just a few words, this Surah outlines the formula of success. It gives the man the road map he must have in order to move forward and make progress.

Everyone is in loss except those who a) believe (the principles of Islam), b) do good deeds (salihat). Man’s actions are the outward expression of his belief. The light of faith shows in a believer’s deeds – in his moral character. Belief and deeds go together, and one cannot be valid in the absence of the other. A belief that fails to induce a believer to act is defective (weak) – a worthless seed that gives no produce. Like a dead seed, it cannot grow into a plant or tree.  For this reason, some commentators say that the good deeds are here mentioned as an extension of belief, a logical result that flows from belief. Good deeds are faith in action. This part of Surah deals with man’s individual life, but in the second part, we are given the rest of the formula that ensures ultimate success and salvation.

The words: Exhort one another to Truth and Patience (constancy) mention two main elements of success in social life: a) collective struggle for the establishment of the Truth, and b) patience and constancy in the difficult struggle against the forces of evil. This means that a believing and righteous people should not live as individuals but should establish a believing and righteous society by their combination and that every individual of the society must feel his/her responsibility not to let the society degenerate. Thus all its members – both men and women – are duty bound to exhort one another to Truth and patience (constancy).

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! No matter how much we are good as individuals, if we do not serve the community, we would fail. Here is the formula which can help us save ourselves, our families and our community…and consequently the world: Believe in Allah by Ikhlas for good deeds help develop man’s physical, moral and spiritual potentials, do good deeds (salihat) in the name of Almighty Allah, join together in mutual teaching of truth – encourage your brother/sister towards this great feature that of  all prophets (‘alayhimussalam) practiced and encouraged others to do, and  encourage one another to be patient (sabirin).                                Allahumma Amin!

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Weekly Verse

وَالْعَصْرِ

إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

“By the Time! Insan (human being) is indeed in loss, except those who believed and did good deeds, exhorted one another to Truth, and exhorted one another to patience and constancy.” (Al ‘Asr 1-3)

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If you loan God a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you, so donate to needy or any charity!

If you loan God a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you, so donate to needy or any charity!

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Umrah & Hajj Services by Visaenterprise

Disclaimer
All the information on this page has been provided by external sources. The SNMC is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information supplied by external sources. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information.

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Prayer Times-March 11th: Fajr-6.30am, Zuhr-1.30pm, Asr-5.30pm,  Maghrib 7.15pm, Isha 8.45pm

Prayer Times: March 11th, 2018

Fajr: 6.30am

Zuhr: 1.30pm

Asr: 5.30pm

Maghrib: 7.15pm

Isha: 8.45pm

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Announcement

SNMC 12th AGM and new members of Board of Directors

Al-Hamdu Lillah, SNMC 12th AGM was held on Sunday, March 4, 2018.

2017 Activities Report was presented by President Br Raheem, Dr. Asma, followed by Br. Tariq Syed’s presentation of the financial report.

50 brothers/sisters attended the AGM and light refreshments were served.

SNMC is happy to announce the following members of the Board of Directors for 2018;

Raheem Uddin Syed, President

Dr. Nabil Bouzoubaa

Dr. Asma Amjad

Br Mourad Khalil

Sr Asma Abdullah

Sr Samia Ali

Dr. Shamraiz Khan

Br Mohammad Sharaf

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Announcement Featured

SNMC Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (SNMC – CVITP)

SNMC Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (SNMC – CVITP)

The SNMC-CVITP will host free tax preparation clinics by qualified volunteers to complete and submit income tax returns for eligible individuals/families who have a modest income and a simple tax situation.

The following individuals are eligible for free tax preparation services:

·         Families with a modest income ($30,000 – individuals); $47,000 (Family with children)

·         Social assistance recipients;

·         Newcomers to Canada;

·         Persons with disabilities;

·         Seniors; and

·         Students

Please don’t forget to bring your photo ID, SIN card and the tax information slips as applicable (T4, T5007, T4A(OAS) &T4A(P), T2202A etc) and the last year’s  notice of assessment

Tax Clinic Schedule: Every Sunday from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Dates: from Sun March 11 – Sun April 29, 2018

Location: SNMC Basement D

For any question please email: communitytaxclinic@gmail.com

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Reminder: Day Light Time Changes on Sunday, March 11th, 2018.

Day Light Time Changes on Sunday, March 11th, 2018. SNMC will follow the following schedule starting on Sunday, March 11th;

Fajr-6.30am, Zuhr-1.30pm, Asr-5.30pm,  Maghrib 7.15pm, and Isha 8.45pm

The timing for Friday (Juma) Prayer will also change on March 16th, 2018.

1st: 1.15 pm

2nd: 2.15 pm

 

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2017 CRA Tax receipts–Issued

2017 CRA Tax receipts 

Dear SNMC Donors,

SNMC has completed issuing 2017 CRA tax receipts to donors via email by February 12th.

If you need information on your donor profile (i.e., mailing address, e-mail address, phone number etc.) to be updated, please send us the up-to-date information along with the previous one to update your profile.

Thanks so much for your continued support to the SNMC community.

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ILEAD 2018 is Coming. Get Your Tickets Today!

ILEAD 2018 Is Coming. Get Your Tickets Today!

ILEAD 2018 Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8cFXqT9nu0&feature=youtu.be

Join us at the region’s largest Muslim community conference:

·The exciting line up of speakers for everyone in the family

· Bazaar with your favorite vendors

· Convenient location just 5 minutes from downtown Ottawa

iLEAD Tickets at the door will be limited, please purchase online at ileadcanada.ca

Please visit the website for more information: ileadcanada.ca

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Looking forward to seeing you all there!