Ramadan 2021

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

A Year On

Seeing The Hope And Keeping The Faith Taqwa (God Consciousness) Dr. Mahmoud Haddara

Reconnecting With Our Identities Zeba Hashmi

The Fasting and Restraint of The Companions (ra) Michael Vader

2

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Inside 1 Editor's Letter 2 Message from Mayor Ed Holder 3

Ramadan Basics

20 A Ramadan Reflection

Ali Jomaa 22 Me, Myself & Isolation

Spiritual, Physical and Mental Imam Aarij Anwer

5 Taqwa (God Consciousness)

26 Duas for Breaking The Fast + Reminders

Dr. Mahmoud Haddara

6 Reconnecting With Our Identities

Zeba Hashmi

8 Ramadan During Lockdowns:

Opportunities for Reflection

Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal

10 Ramadan Greetings from the Chruch

Fr. Kevin George

12 Return to the Abode

Rediscovering the Treasure of Home

Asad Choudhary

13 A Blessing During Hard Times

Sahar Zimmo

Lena Hassan

24 Deeper Dimensions of Fasting Omar Sallam

28 Dear Masjid

Ali Abdul Rahim Chahbar

30 The Concept of Taqwa & Ramadan

Sara Elsadik

31 Advice On Marriage

Sohail Makhdoom

33 The Fasting and Restraint of

The Companions (ra)

Michael Vader

34 In Solidarity

Nawaz Tahir

14 After Black History Month

35 Improving Ourselves One Ramadan At A Time

36 Book Review

Duretti Hassen

16 Addiction: An Islamic Perspective

37 Word Search + Recipes

Dr. Munir El-Kassem

18 Islamic Organizations' Ramadan Programs

Mariam Hamou

38 Forest City Islamic Organizations

19 Ramadan Checklist In the spirit of unity and collaboration, leaders from the London Muslim Mosque, Islamic Center of Southwestern Ontario, Muslim Association of Canada London Chapter, Muslim Youth Association of London, Bosnian Canadian Islamic Centre London, North London Islamic Center, Hyatt Mosque and AlTaqwa Academy formed a City-wide COVID-19 Muslim Organization Task Force. The mandate of this Task Force was to establish evidence based guidance and coordination of a unified response among all Muslim organizations in light of the evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, one year later, we find ourselves on the eve of Ramadan with another lockdown. The variants of Covid-19 seem to be more powerful and easier to spread. The consequence of this is a third wave that is just as intense (if not more) than any previous wave. The message from our medical experts is clear: Intensive Care Units ("ICU") are at capacity. This dangerous state of the department that treats the most seriously ill should be an eye opener for us. As a result of this deadly third wave, the consensus of the London Muslims Covid-19 Task Force was to leave the Friday congressional prayer ("Jummah") as the only prayer open to the public. All other prayers, including Taraweeh, are postponed. This reflects the proper risk analysis - we must do our part to help our city fight the spread of Covid. So as we fight this deadly virus, let us make sure we show kindness and compassion to our fellow humans and in particular that we check in on our family and friends to make sure they are ok during this lockdown and beyond. And please make sure to get your vaccination when your time comes. The medical research is clear, so please do not rely on what you might see on social media.

Jazaka Allah Khairan,

DESIGN

Haris Iftikhar Ali D. Chahbar EDITING

Ali A Chahbar Darwish A. Chahbar Mariam Hamou Nawaz Tahir Michael Vader Sahar Zimmo COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Haris Iftikhar Cover Photo of the Bagzat Family

A Big ‘Thank You’ to Tarek Soufan and Jumana Zabian for their hospitality.

Thanks to all our contributors.

Br. Nawaz Tahir, Chair, London Muslims Covid 19 Task Force.

If you have any questions/comments, please email us at

forestcitymuslim@gmail.com

Also available online at:

www.forestcitymuslim.ca

© 2020 Under The Sun. For permission to reproduce any article or content in this magazine, contact forestcitymuslim@gmail.com

Editor's Letter Here we are again - time flies, as it has been a full year since Ramadan and the first edition of this magazine. Unfortunately, it has also been a full year since this pandemic. So, while so much has changed in the last year, so much is still the same.

So, with another Ramadan and another lockdown, this edition comes to you with a message of hope. Perhaps a second chance at directing ourselves toward the right path and taking another self-reflection to see if there are other ways we can improve ourselves or our situation.

We have tried to cover a wide array of topics in this edition, over and above the main theme of Ramadan, including a look at topics such as addiction and racism. We hope that you find it informative and beneficial and that you are able to draw some strength from this edition.

We thank you for all your comments and feedback. It truly helps us tailor each edition to your needs. We also thank the contributors to this edition for being generous with their time.

This Ramadan, let’s help and give where we can and let’s keep those who are struggling, wherever they may be, in our sincere and thoughtful prayers.

May Allah accept from us our good deeds and forgive our sins and shortcomings.

Ramadan Kareem.

Ali D. Chahbar

FOR PAST EDITIONS OF THE MAGAZINE PLEASE VISIT

www.forestcitymuslim.ca Eid ul-Fitr 2020 Eid ul-Adha 2020

Ramadan 1441 AH / April 2020

REFLECTION. RENEWAL. REWARDS. Preparing for Ramadan

Beyond Ramadan: A River of Hope

Sh Aarij Anwer

So This Is Eid And What Have We Done?

Reflections on Ramadan Past

Lena Hassan

Zeba Hashmi

Eid Reflections

Filling The Void

Yasin Dwyer

Zoltan Kiss

Faith Into Action

Youth Have A Unique Edge With Ramadan

Faisal Joseph

Omar Sallam

An Interview With Nazem Kadri ForestCityMuslim | Eid ul-Adha 2020

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

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1

May 2020 Dear2020 Friends, May

Dear Friends,

On the behalf of London City Council, I'm honoured to wish you a blessed Ramadan. We are Dear Friends, On behalf of London City Council, it’s my sincere pleasure fortunate in our city that people of all backgrounds and religions support each other. We mourn to extend my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating Eid-elOn behalf of London City Council, it’s my sincere pleasure together, we comfort each other, and onto blessed occasions this, weMuslims celebrate together.

Fitr.

Ramadan an end, it’sEid-elasuch timeaswhen in to extend my As warmest greetingscomes to everyone celebrating ThisAs is what Ramadan teaches, andtogether those lessons neededinperhaps now more Fitr.

Ramadan comes to come an end, it’s a time when Muslims our community andare celebrate the fasting ofthan ever as our community come together and celebrate the fasting of Ramadan.

It is seen as a spiritualglobal celebration Allah’s provision we navigate our way through this unprecedented pandemic.of Beyond discipline, Ramadan Ramadan. It is seen as a spiritual celebration of Allah’s provision strength and and endurance. instills aofsense empathy compassion. It teaches us how to strengthen our relationships, and of strength and of endurance. it teaches us how to be welcoming to all non-Muslims who share this common bond of humanity.

Ramadan is a month is of spiritual renewal and recommitment to the recommitment to the Ramadan a month ofMuslims spiritual renewal and Ramadan is a month of mercy other values of gratitude, charity, andwhere compassion.

Ashelp youeach rejoice to and assist those in need from our values ofmoon, gratitude, charity, and compassion. As you rejoice to welcome the newcommunity.

I hope you findteaches much delight greater London Ramadan us to appreciate our blessings, and as Mayor, I see welcome new moon, I hope you find much delight and fulfillment in thisthe sacred celebration. that you are a blessing to London. All Londoners benefit from your generosity, your kindness, your

and fulfillment in this sacred celebration.

With heartfelt enthusiasm pride, I applaud for your goodwill, since the 1880’s,and when Muslims first you started arriving in London, Ontario. Today, 1 in 20 commitment to preserving the significance of Eid-el-Fitr. A time to Londoners is Muslim, Arabic the most spoken language in London after English. The With heartfelt andcultural pride,and I applaud you today for your appreciate the freedomand weenthusiasm have toiscelebrate religious tradition in Canada. preserving the not significance Eid-el-Fitr. time allow to me to Londoncommitment Ontario all of usto know and love would be the city it of is without you. So,Aplease,

appreciate the freedom we have to celebrate wish each you a Ramadan full -ofyour blessings.

Shukran.

Diversity isof our greatest strength community initiatives and in Canada. cultural tradition outreach have made a tremendously positive impact in our community.

Kind regards,

cultural and religious

Diversity is our greatest strength - your community initiatives and positive impact in

Let me also thank you for diligently working and finding ways cultural outreach have made a tremendously during this pandemic to maintain fasting, spiritual reflection and service our to those less fortunate. community.

Best wishes for continued peaceful prosperity, and Eid Mubarak.

Ed Holder Let me also thank you for diligently working and

finding ways this pandemic to maintain fasting, spiritual reflection and Mayor, during City of London Kind regards, service to those less fortunate.

Best wishes for continued peaceful prosperity, and Eid Mubarak.

Ed Holder Mayor, City of London

Kind regards,

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Ed Holder Mayor, City of London

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Ramadan Basics

Spiritual, Physical and Mental Imam Aarij Anwer Ramadan is the 9th lunar month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. The month lasts 29 or 30 days, from one sighting of the moon to the next. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr.

The word Ramadan is a derivative from the Arabic root Ramiḍa or Ar-rama "scorching heat," or "dryness." The sensation of being dry-mouthed while fasting is perhaps a reason for this linguistic reference. Another reason offered is that the month of Ramadan cleanses a believer of sin just like scorching heat burns away contamination.

Ramadan is the most significant month of the Islamic calendar. Here are a few reasons why:

The Pillar of Fasting

the post-partum stage have to make up the fasts after

Fasting from dawn to sunset is an obligation for all adult

Ramadan.

Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: the testimony of faith, the

The elderly and chronically ill (whose illness affects the

establishment of prayers, the fasting of Ramadan, the

ability to fast) must feed a poor person per missed fast.

giving of Zakat (obligatory charity) and pilgrimage

The food provided is between 0.75 – 1.5 kg of food items.

to the House (Hajj) for the one who is able to do so.”

A donation can also be made to a charity that can provide

(Reported by Bukhari)

food.

Every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty is

The pregnant and breastfeeding women are to make up

required to fast from dawn to sunset. Fasting requires

the fast after Ramadan if they fear harm to themselves.

the intention of fasting, refraining from food, water and

However, if they fear that they are harming the baby, they

marital relations during the duration of the fast. After

must make up the fasts after Ramadan and feed a poor

sunset, all these restrictions are removed.

person per missed fast.

The following categories of people are exempted from

Breaking a fast intentionally is a major sin. The following

fasting: • The ill

actions during the fasting hours will invalidate the fast:

•

The elderly

•

•

The travelling

Eating or drinking intentionally. Unintentional consumption does not invalidate the fast.

•

Pregnant and breastfeeding women

•

Marital relations.

•

Menstruating women or women in the post-partum

•

Vomiting intentionally. Unintentional vomiting does not invalidate the fast.

•

Ejaculating intentionally. A wet dream does not invalidate the fast.

stage The traveler, ill, menstruating women and women in

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

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For all of these transgressions intentionally, the person

Recommendations during Ramadan

must repent, complete the fast of the day and then make

•

Supplicate (make dua) daily

it up after Ramadan. In the case of marital relations

•

Read Qur’an with translation daily

during the fasting hours, the couple need to fast 2

•

Eat the Suhoor meal

•

Calculate your Zakat and give it in Ramadan

•

Give charity (even if a small amount) every night of the last ten nights to ensure you have donated something on Laylatul Qadr

•

Pray Isha at the mosque in congregation; if not possible, then pray in congregation at home. The reward for praying Isha in congregation is half the night’s worship, along with 27 times the reward for an individual prayer

•

Pray Fajr at the mosque in congregation; if not possible, then pray in congregation at home. The reward for praying Fajr in congregation is half the night’s worship, along with 27 times the reward for an individual prayer

•

Break the fast on time, and with dates, if not then, with water

•

Partake in as many good deeds and actions as possible

•

Reply to anyone looking for a fight with “I am fasting”

consecutive months after Ramadan.

The First Revelation The first revelation of the Qur’an took place in the month of Ramadan in the year 610 AD. This is when archangel Jibril (AS) revealed to him the beginnings of what would later become the Qur’an. The first five verses of chapter 96 were revealed.

This momentous occasion took place on the night of power – Laylatul Qadr.

The Night of Power – Laylatul Qadr The Qur’an mentions, We sent it [Quran] down on the Night of Destiny. (1) And what will make you comprehend what the Night of Destiny is? (2) The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months; (3) on that night, the angels and the Spirit come down by the permission of their Lord with His decrees for all matters; (4) it is all peace till the break of dawn. (5) The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Whoever

Zakat Al-Fitr •

Zakat Al-Fitr is Wajib (obligatory) upon every single individual who is alive at the time of sunrise on the day of Eid Al-Fitr

•

Everyone should pay his or her own Zakat; except in the case of children who are not earning, then the head of the household should pay on their behalf

•

Zakat Al-Fitr is determined by finding the value of 1.1 kg of barley, which is approximately $15/person.

established prayers on the Night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Reported by Bukhari) Laylatul Qadr is found to be on the last ten nights of Ramadan, mostly on one of the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th) whereby night precedes day.

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ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Taqwa (God Consciousness) Dr. Mahmoud Haddara both a physical body and a soul, the

a great bounty from Allah (swt), (al-

verse explains that both the body

Anfal: 29). The God conscious are

and the soul have to be covered to

protected by Allah (swt), (al-‘Imran:

be protected from the elements.

120); they have been promised

The coverings that Allah (swt) gave

abundance of provision (al-A’raf: 96);

us provide both protection and

and their deeds are accepted, (al-

elegance. The coverings bestow

Ma’ida: 27).

“O you who believe, the fast has

beauty on the body as well as the

been enjoined upon you as it was

soul.

The attributes of the those who are conscious of Allah (swt) are

enjoined upon those before you, so God consciousness is the covering

mentioned in many verses of the

for the soul. It provides protection

Quran. However, the following

The month of Ramadan is one of

against the temptation of Satan

verse outlines these attributes in

the best opportunities for Muslims

and the excesses of our desires. It

a comprehensive way, “It is not

to develop and maintain ‘Taqwa’,

provides an embellishment for the

righteousness that you turn your

“God consciousness.” It is one of

soul. Taqwa shows the beauty of the

faces toward east or west; but

the fundamental concepts in Islam.

soul, as the normal clothes beautify

the truly righteous are those who

It is a comprehensive concept. In this

the physical body.

believe in God and the Last Day,

that you may have taqwa” (2:183).

and the angels, and the Book,

article, we can only briefly discuss some aspects of this concept. A large

Allah promised those who remain

and the Messengers; those who

number of the verses in the Quran

conscious of Him great rewards in

give away some of their wealth -

describe the dimensions of God

this life as well as in the Hereafter.

however much they may cherish

consciousness and the attributes of

The best reward a believer can get

it - to their kin, to the orphans, to

those who are God conscious. Let us

is the love of Allah (swt) (al-Imran:

the needy, to the wayfarer, to those

consider one verse which gives an

76). The God conscious will enjoy the

who ask, and to ransom slaves;

overall description of the concept of

companionship of Allah (swt), (al-

those who establish prayer and

God consciousness.

Baqarah: 194). Allah (swt) promised

practice regular charity; who fulfill

the God conscious to be their

the contracts which they have

"Children of Adam, we have indeed

Protecting Guardian, (al-Jathiyyah:

made; and who are perseverant, in

sent down to you clothing to cover

19). They will enjoy the glad tidings

times of tribulation and adversity,

your shame, and (clothing) for

from Allah (swt), (Yunus: 64).

and in time of peril. Such are

beauty and the clothing of God

Allah (swt) promised to ease their

the people of truth, the God

consciousness, that is the best.

difficulties and to provide for them

conscious.” (al-Baqarah:177)

This is of God’s signs that they

from wherever they did not expect,

may be mindful." (al-A’raf: 26).

(al-Talaq: 2- 4). The God conscious

We pray to Allah (swt) to make us

will be blessed with insight, their sins

one of those who are conscious of

will be forgiven and they will enjoy

Him, during Ramadan and beyond.

Considering that a human being has

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

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Reconnecting With Our Identities Zeba Hashmi a struggle for acknowledgement,

but it is up to us to re-connect and

acceptance, and equity for many who

maintain a bond and relationship

may be deemed different or as the

with our Creator during times

‘other’.

of stability and during times of difficulty. The Mercy and Love of

As immigrants whose families

Allah (swt) to move closer to Him is

perhaps arrived here 100 years

ever-present. As the following hadith

The month of Ramadan has become

ago, 30 years ago or five years ago,

states:

a known time of the year in Canada

we see the cultural hybridization

comparably with even ten years

of the identities transforming

“I am as My servant thinks of Me.

ago. We find grocery store flyers

and adapting to the dominant

I am with him when he remembers

acknowledging the month offering

environment. However, belief and

Me. If he mentions Me within

specials on cultural grocery items.

faith can be strong convictions and

himself, I mention him within

We are able to find Ramadan and

can enable a strength in identity to

Myself. If he mentions me in an

Eid décor at big box stores and

navigate through challenges. Of

assembly, I mention him in a better

many specialty businesses are

course, depending on the level of

assembly. If he comes near to Me a

now easily available to enable an

the struggle, supports are always

handspan, I come near to him the

improved celebration of the month.

necessary. Faith is the internal force

distance of a cubit. If he comes

The Ramadan greetings by our

that keeps us afloat throughout

near to me the distance of a cubit,

governmental representatives add to

many difficult occasions. Faith

I come near to him the distance of

the acknowledgement of acceptance.

alone can at times not be sufficient,

two outspread arms. If he comes

With these advancements, the

and so professional support should

to me walking, I come to him

acknowledgement of the month and

always be accessed when difficulties

running.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

the ability to supplement the month

arise, as we are instructed to do as

with the goods, it helps increase the

Muslims.

Ramadan is the month that beckons even those not practicing and

connection of faith to the identity.

Ramadan allows nourishment of

brings individuals closer to Allah

Muslims who have grown up

the identity, allows for a period of

(swt). Ramadan is a month of

being a visible minority, have not

contemplation, and reflection. The

introspection, discipline, worship,

always had the advantage of being

month demonstrates our ability to be

and when doing for others is

acknowledged. Even now, being

the best we can be. To self-actualize

accelerated. Even those struggling

Muslim remains a foreign concept

psychologically and physically as

with their identities are able to

to many, rather than an identity that

individuals who can minimize the

connect to their Islamic faith in this

is the norm within the Canadian

superfluous aspects in our lives

month and worship through fasting,

landscape. We are truly blessed

and can maximize the essentials

praying, and giving for the Sake

to be part of the beautiful mosaic

of spirituality is incredible. Our

of Allah. The acknowledgement

presented, but equally there remains

identities as Muslims can falter

and acceptance at a societal level

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ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

certainly demonstrates a new level of acceptance of Muslims as part of the fabric and can assist with re-affirming and building confident identities.

Ramadan is a beautiful month that inspires reflection, discipline, and renewal to improve as human beings. The nature of the month and the worship involved provides Muslims with a time of internal and external contemplation where there is a potential growth in spirituality in oneself and an acquired deeper understanding of those suffering and marginalized in our environment As Ramadan becomes more known in society, it allows knowledge of this beautiful month to be shared with others and hopefully understood by others.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Ramadan.

Ramadan During Lockdowns: Opportunities for Reflection Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal

It has been over a year since the

entering Makkah to perform their

it solely as the House of Allah,

‘umrah, many of the Companions

Glorified and Exalted be He. Some

did not see the long-term positive

scholars even stated that the verses

impacts that lay ahead for the

of Surat al-Fath were in fact referring

community and were disconcerted.

to the opening of Makkah. Thus,

However, it was about this treaty

despite the initial concessions

that Allah Almighty revealed to

that many Companions felt were

the Prophet (s) on his way back to

being made at Hudaybiyyah, great

COVID-19 pandemic began in March of 2020, yet we continue to feel the impacts of the health regulations, restrictions and lockdowns to this day. Ramadan of 1441AH/2020CE was a very different experience for everyone in our community, where

openings were given to the Muslims

Madinah:

َ‫) لِ َي ْغ ِف َر لَك‬1( ‫إِنَّا َف َت ْح َنا لَكَ َف ْت ًحا ُمبِي ًنا‬ ‫اللَّهُ َما تَ َقدَّ َم ِم ْن َذنْبِكَ َو َما تَأَ َّخ َر َو ُي ِت َّم‬ )2( ‫يم‬ ً ‫صا ًطا ُم ْس َت ِق‬ َ ِ َ‫ِن ْع َمتَهُ َعلَ ْيكَ َو َي ْه ِد َيك‬ )3(‫َصا َعزِي ًزا‬ ً ْ ‫صكَ اللَّهُ ن‬ َ ُ ‫َويَ ْن‬

for the first time in our lifetimes, the mosques were closed to the public with no nightly communal tarawih prayers or iftars to come together and worship. This year will also likely be different from what we are accustomed to due to the continued restrictions and possible lockdowns, however, we know that our faith teaches us to see the hope in difficult

Truly We have opened up a path to clear triumph for you [Prophet], so that Allah may forgive you for

the openings when and where there are closures.

perfect His favour upon you, guide you along the Straight Path, and so that Allah will help you tremendously. (Qur’an 48:1-3)

of Divine openings. When the treaty of Hudaybiyyah was concluded in the sixth year after the Hijrah, part of which stated that the Muslims had to turn back to Madinah without 8

event that came to pass. Other great historical events that took place in Ramadan, despite difficult circumstances, include the great Battle of Badr, where the angels themselves fought alongside the Prophet (s) and his Companions in this decisive victory for the Muslims.

When we consider the many great blessings of Ramadan and opportunities that we are given, it behooves us to take full advantage of them. We know that during

This fath, or opening and clear triumph, ultimately led to the great Opening of Makkah (Fath Makkah) which took place two years later

Know that Ramadan is a month full

month of Ramadan during this great

your past and future shortcomings,

situations, to focus on blessings despite the challenges, and to seek

thereafter, and especially in the

during the blessed month of Ramadan, when the Messenger of Allah and the Muslims entered Makkah triumphantly under the banner of tawhid, cleansing the Ka‘bah of the idols and rededicating

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Ramadan, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of the Fire are closed. There is Laylaut-Qadr, the Night of Power, worth more than a thousand months, alongside mercy, forgiveness and liberation from the Fire. The gates of prayer, charity, generosity, and immense rewards are all opened during the month of Ramadan where the rewards given

for our good acts and deeds are

will be invited to enter by the gate

What is important is that when we

multiplied manyfold than if they

of jihad; those who give charity will

experience limitations or lockdowns,

were done outside of Ramadan.

be invited to enter by the gate of

we look for the openings offered by

As all these gates are opened, all

charity; and those who observe fast

Allah Almighty through His infinite

we need to do is knock on them

will be invited to enter by the gate

grace and immense blessings upon

in order to enter through them.

ar-Rayyan. Abu Bakr Siddiq said:

us, sincerely ask for His guidance,

How do we knock on these doors

Messenger of Allah, is it necessary

assistance and knowledge that opens

of opportunity? By actually doing

that a person be invited through

closed minds, hearts and souls, all

these acts of prayer, supplication,

one of these gates? Will anyone be

the while having faith, expectation

fasting, charity and generosity during

invited to enter by all those gates?

and hope in His rewards—and

Ramadan and beyond. When we

The Messenger of Allah (s) said:

Ramadan is a perfect time to do this.

knock and enter through these gates

Yes, and I hope you will be one of

For every door that closes, there are

in this world, we then will be blessed

them.1

ten that will be opened for us. We

to enter through these designated

simply need to seek them out, knock

gates of Paradise on the Day of

Imagine receiving the invitation

and then walk through them, while

Judgment. Consider the following

from Allah to enter Paradise through

acknowledging the One Who opened

hadith:

any one of its eight gates, because

them for us is none other than Allah

you knocked and entered through

Almighty, for He indeed is al-Fattah,

Abu Huraira reported Allah's

them in this world by means of your

the One Who opens all things. May

Messenger (s) as saying: If anyone

actions. That is, what you do in this

He open all doors of goodness for

contributes a pair of anything

world has true meaning and impact,

us in this world, during Ramadan

for the sake of Allah, he would be

which will become manifest as an

and throughout the year, and in the

invited to enter Paradise (with

even greater reality in the next world.

Hereafter for all of eternity. Ameen!

it is good (for you). Those who

There is no denying that we are

____________________________

engage in prayer will be invited to

being tested by our current situation

enter by the gate of prayer; those

through the COVID-19 pandemic,

who take part in jihad (struggle)

alongside other various tribulations.

these words): O servant of Allah,

1

Sahih Muslim, hadith no. 1027

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

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Ramadan Greetings from the Chruch Fr. Kevin George

Ramadan Mubarak to all of my friends. It is a pleasure to bring greetings to you this year at the time of your holy feast. I trust and pray that in the middle of these very unusual and unpredictable times, you have all managed to rely on the hope given to us in God Almighty. I pray you are all well and flourishing as much as can be expected in these times.

It strikes me that in these past months we have, each of us, become increasingly more aware of the vulnerability and the fragility of human life. The pandemic that has been wreaking havoc in our world since January 2020, has been apocalyptic in many ways. This past 12 months has been a time of unveiling. Things which were previously hidden, are becoming exposed. Willful ignorance is becoming increasingly more difficult.

Without question, we know now that there is a disparity between peoples. Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour have suffered disproportionately during this

10

pandemic, just as they had suffered

We cannot un-see what we have

disproportionately before it. The

seen in this past year. As I said

COVID-19 pandemic has only

earlier, willful ignorance is not an

served to pull back the curtain on

option. Archbishop Desmond Tutu

long-term and systemic injustice.

reminds us that, “If you are neutral

We can no longer deny the ravages

in situations of injustice, you have

of anti-Asian hate, Islamophobia,

chosen the side of the oppressor.

anti-black racism, and of course the

If an elephant has its foot on the

injustice and systemic effects of

tail of a mouse and you say that

colonialism and white supremacy on

you are neutral, the mouse will not

our indigenous brothers and sisters.

appreciate your neutrality.”

If the old adage “seeing is believing” is true, then this should be good

I am thankful that a new day is

news indeed. We can no longer afford

dawning where more people are

to look away.

prepared to understand that we cannot afford to be neutral when

As painful as these revelations have

brothers or sisters are suffering.

been, I do honestly believe they are

We have heard many people say

the Good News. I have great hope

throughout this past 12 months that

that God is unfolding incredible

we are all in this together. For those

things in the midst of these very

of us to walk in faith journey this is

tumultuous times. The numbers of

not new to us. We know that we are

people we have seen come together,

many members of the one body. In

both virtually, and in person over this

St Paul’s first letter to the people in

past year — to demonstrate, to speak

Corinth we read in chapter 12, verses

out, and to speak for those whose

12-27:

voices are not being heard, to stand in solidarity — has been incredible.

For the body does not consist of

As always, it is no surprise to me

one member but of many. If the foot

that London’s Muslim community

should say, “Because I am not a

has been at the forefront of these

hand, I do not belong to the body,”

demonstrations — standing up for

that would not make it any less a part

justice for all people in our city. I offer

of the body. And if the ear should say,

my gratitude for the example that

“Because I am not an eye, I do not

Muslims in our area have provided

belong to the body,” that would not

for me on my journey, and the

make it any less a part of the body. If

witness that you are providing for my

the whole body were an eye, where

own faith community.

would be the sense of hearing? If

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

the whole body were an ear, where

compassion for each other is

where all of God’s people will know

would be the sense of smell? But as

that of a body. When any limb

they do not walk alone! Tables where

it is, God arranged the members in

aches, the whole body reacts with

no one hungers and non are turned

the body, each one of them, as he

sleeplessness and fever.”

away.

where would the body be? As it is,

In seeing the ways London’s Muslim

We are blessed in the city to have

there are many parts, yet one body...

community has consistently taken

such a strong, vibrant, and active

there may be no division in the body,

a stand for justice, I am hopeful that

Muslim community. Thank you

but that the members may have the

we will listen to the voice of God

for the many ways you witness

same care for one another. If one

who loves us all and submit to the

to humility, justice, kindness, and

member suffers, all suffer together; if

will of God; that our submission

hospitality. I am glad to join you in

one member is honoured, all rejoice

will diminish our arrogance and

this time of celebration. It is a gift to

together.

increase our humility. I pray that our

walk beside you in times of challenge,

submission to God will lower the

and an honour to break bread with

Paul was not alone in his

walls we have built and extend our

you in our days of feasting. I look

understanding. In the Hadith on

tables. I expect that our submission

forward to the day when we can

Brotherhood we read that the

to God will mean that we will reject

share across the table with one

Prophet (PBUH) said:

scarcity, and embrace generosity and

another. Until then, I send my love

“The parable of the believers

a hospitality that will make for lavish,

and respect to you all.

in their affection, mercy, and

well appointed tables — Feast tables

chose. If all were a single member,

Charbel & Maren Trad ___________

Westmount Shopping Center Unit J16 785 Wonderland Rd. S London ON N6K 1M6 Email trad1@hotmail.com

Ramadan Kareem!

Ph 519.675.1535 Fax 519.673.5509

Happy Ramadan to Our Muslim Friends!

Return to the Abode

Messenger (s) and found only a handful of barley equal to one sa'

Rediscovering the Treasure of Home

and an equal quantity of the leaves

Asad Choudhary

of Mimosa Flava placed in the nook of the cell. I was moved to tears (on Ontario, we have been encouraged - and forced - to stay home as much as we can. Our beloved Prophet (s) taught us the importance of our homes being free of norms that would decrease us in faith and

The home is defined as the social

love. Being frequent dwellers in

unit formed by members living

our homes recently, we have been

together. By its very definition, it

given the opportunity to rediscover

is a place of love, tranquility, and

this treasure. The last year has

togetherness. When the COVID-19

brought family members together,

pandemic started over a year ago,

with more time to spend, and more

levels of anxiety increased and the

fruitful discussions at the helm.

unknown of the disease, its spread,

However, such an opportunity is

and cure had our global community

only rewarding when it is rightfully

up in arms about the growing

acknowledged, and one takes

health risks to our everyday lives.

advantage of the blessing of time. If

Although reactions differed between

we look back at the Prophet’s time,

communities around the globe, the

we know that his home was a simple

common denominator was unease

abode in which relationships were

of the indefinite uncertainty ahead.

treasured, with love and connection.

To this day, many parts of the world

Umar bin Khattab (ra) frequently

are still unsure what the next several

visited the Prophet’s home and

months will bring, with growing

described the simplicity of his

variants of concerns still increasing.

lifestyle, as well as his insights and

As Muslims, faith is the central factor

perspective of setting up the home.

which aids in driving our emotions

Umar said:

and actions. Hence, due to our

of the Prophet), and he said: “Ibn al-Khattab, what makes you weep?”

I said: “Apostle of Allah, why should I not shed tears? This mat has left its marks on your sides and I do not see in your home (except these few things) that I have seen. Persian and Byzantine sovereigns are leading their lives in plenty, whereas you are Allah's Messenger, His chosen one, and this is your home!” He said: “Ibn al-Khattab, aren't you satisfied that for us (there should be the prosperity) of the Hereafter, and for them (there should be the prosperity of) this world?” I said: “Yes”.

(Muslim, Sahih Muslim, bk. 009, # 3507.)

In our pre-pandemic normal, much of our focus was outside of our homes, with only a few hours - or less - spent with family. The opportunity that Allah has given us at this time requires us to understand and cherish the importance of spending quality time with our families, especially children under our care.

understanding that Allah (s) is the

I visited Allah's Messenger (s) and

best of planners and our trust is

he was lying on a mat. I sat down

solely in His decree, we learn to make

and he drew up his lower garment

the best of our situation.

over him and he had nothing (else) over him, and that the mat had left

Since the beginning of the

its marks on his sides. I looked with

announced state of emergency in

my eyes around the home of Allah's

12

seeing this extremely austere living

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Our place of residence is best valued as an environment of peace and tranquility, which is not made of complicated expectations, but rather one that allows the inhabitants to rest and relax with one another; in their abode.

A Blessing During Hard Times Sahar Zimmo I was sent home due to risk of

stores to shop at, and restricted in

contracting the virus. While being

the amount of visitors and places we

disappointed and bored at home, I

could visit. But, we were also granted

channeled my energy and motivation

plenty of time to grow and connect

by continuing to volunteer virtually,

as a new family. We have gotten to

and preparing for my newborn.

know the newest member of our family quite well and have dedicated

Over the past year, the COVID-19

On June 26, 2020 my life became a

our attention and time to her, without

pandemic has significantly impacted

lot busier, and very blessed. This was

the ‘normal’ hustle and bustle of our

the globe. From cancelling gatherings

the day that my daughter, Madinah,

‘normal’ world. We have been able

and vacations to enforcing

was born. The overwhelming feeling

to witness her milestones, capture

lockdowns and masking, our world

of a newborn is no surprise to any

family moments, and maintain our

has truly changed, and may never

parent. However, being on maternity

home.

return to ‘normal’. But, amidst the

leave and fortunate to have my

chaos, confusion, and crisis, we have

husband work from home was

As I reflect on the previous year, I

been afforded slivers of blessings, to

more blessings and mercy from the

ask Allah (SWT) to bless us with

which we are grateful to Allah (SWT).

Almighty.

undivided time and attention to spend on ourselves, our families,

Last year at this time, and at six

Beginning our family in lockdown,

and our communities, without the

months pregnant, I began a new

during COVID, was definitely a unique

risks of this dreadful virus, nor the

position in my dream career. Soon

experience. We were limited in the

compromise to our health, comfort,

after the first lockdown, however,

selection of products to buy and

and future.

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After Black History Month Duretti Hassen

do not get enough attention. As

Person, feel objectified and othered.

customary, once the month-long observance is over, some of us pack

I encourage my fellow Muslim

our bags and return to our normal

Londoners to make an effectual

lives until February revisits us again

change. These changes start with

and we repeat the same observance.

talking about racism with our relatives, children included, and

As individuals, what was our take

understanding what our Prophet

home message? What changes are

(s) taught us during his Farewell

we going to implement to combat

Sermon. Our khutbahs need

racism and racist practices around

to provide us with incremental

us and within ourselves? How do

actionable changes we can make

we plan to address and combat our

from one week to the next. It needs

unconscious biases?

to educate the community as

February, the month-long observance

much as possible about different

of black history, came to an end a

As a community, do we have long

forms of racism including macro

few months back. As a community

and short-term goals established

aggression and provide examples

here in London, ON, we were

for combating racism in our

as reference. Additionally, we must

provided with ample opportunity

communities? What role does

check for unconscious biases

to observe and be reminded of

the observance of Black History

and examine why we sometimes

the heinous atrocities people with

Month play in achieving these

gravitate towards making not-so-

African heritage experienced and

goals? How are we going to instill

positive assumptions when we deal

continue to experience. Even during

the word of Allah and the prophetic

with those that look different from

the pandemic, our community

teachings of eliminating racism

us. We need to understand that

organizations put on their creative

from our organizational policies and

discrimination and racist practices

hat and ensured the Black History

practices?

occur not only towards Black or

Month observance occurred by

marginalized groups, but also

hosting educational and enlightening

Let me be honest, as a Black Person,

within the vast majority of different

events. These events included

there is no month I dread more than

subcultures. We as Muslims must

presentations by world-renowned

February, why? It is because the

be leaders in actively combating

historians and Muslim scholars, as

Friday Khutbahs during this month

racism through the teachings of

this is what is traditionally included

are repeatedly about historical acts

our Prophet(s); further, we need

in Black History Month in North

of racism and the story of Bilal (ra).

to lead by exemplary action for

America. For that, I want to thank our

My brothers and sisters in Islam

the rest of our city and country. I

organizations for their efforts. May

change into my “allies”. My peoples’

hope, inshallah, next February I can

Allah(swt) reward everyone involved

enslavement is “celebrated”. Many

witness our community sharing

immensely.

empty promises to combat racism

successes on this front and visions

are made. Black People are pushed

for continuously combating racism

What now? What comes next?

to the stage, in front of cameras

instead of being part of another

Reflecting on such questions is

so our community can show its

history lesson.

very important and these questions

“diversity”. Put simply, I, as a Black

14

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Questions?

Concerns?

Contact YOUR

Member of Parliament

Peter Fragiskatos.ca ‫رمضان مبارك‬

Ramadan Mubarak!

519.663.9777

Addiction: An Islamic Perspective Dr. Munir El-Kassem Addiction is defined as a

due to the intense stigma that many

psychological and/or physical

Muslims associate with substance

inability to stop consuming certain

abuse. Many addicts try very hard

substances or stop certain activities,

to hide their addiction problem

even though they are causing harm.

from friends and family. Some

General signs of addiction are lack of

Muslims, especially those living as

control, or inability to stay away from

a minority, not only fear personal

There was a time, not too long ago,

a substance or behaviour, decreased

embarrassment, but also that shame

when Muslims dismissed addiction

socialization, like abandoning

will come to their loved ones.

as a social problem that did not

commitments, ignoring relationships,

concern them. That quickly changed

or ignoring risk factors despite

I came across an addiction treatment

as cases of addictive behaviour

potential consequences.

program specifically designed for Muslims. “Millati Islami” program

started to surface in large numbers and families showed signs of stress

Islam deals with addiction before

which began in 1989 in Baltimore

as a result. The stigma attached

it even starts, by restricting the

consists of 12 steps which help

to addiction, especially substance

use of harmful substances and by

individuals seek healing in spiritual

abuse, stopped Muslim families

promoting moderation, spiritual

ways. This program sprang out of a

initially from admitting the existence

awareness, and self-discipline.

firm belief that Islamic spirituality

of such problems. Some individuals

Islamic spirituality causes the

and religious practice are the tools

and families refuse to acknowledge

individual to form a strong bond

needed to curb dependence on

the problem despite statistics

with Allah (swt), thus feeling very

addictive chemicals. The 12 steps

indicating otherwise.

little need to engage in any form of

include:

addictive behaviour. Furthermore, In 2019, it was estimated that

Islam prohibits intoxicants and

approximately 21% of the Canadian

declares that any substance which

neglectful of our higher selves

population (about 6 million people)

intoxicates if consumed in large

and that our lives have become

met the criteria for addiction, with

quantities is prohibited even in small

unmanageable.

alcohol being the most common

quantities. This is very helpful in

addictive substance. Even though

preventing addiction.

Muslims did not reach the same

2. We came to believe that Allah could and would restore us to sanity.

levels as the main population,

Despite religious restrictions,

nevertheless they displayed a

many Muslims ended up slipping

similar trend especially among the

into substance abuse due to many

youth. Like the general population,

factors, not the least of which is a

addiction rates are determined by

fragile commitment to Islam as a

biological, social, and environmental

comprehensive way of life. However,

factors among Muslim communities.

their addiction remained hidden

16

1. We admitted that we were

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

3. We made a decision to submit our will to the will of Allah.

4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. We admitted to Allah and to

ourselves the exact nature of our wrongs

or others.

10. We continued to take personal

6. In asking Allah for the right guidance, we became willing and open for change, ready to

Although Millati Islami is very critical

inventory, and when we were

successful when accompanied

wrong, promptly admitted it.

by therapy, counselling and

have Allah remove our defects of

and education to improve our

character.

understanding of Taqwa and

our shortcomings.

medications.

11. We sought through Salaat

7. We humbly ask Allah to remove

Having mentioned all the above, one can appreciate the divine wisdom

Ihsan.

behind prohibition of intoxicants,

12. Having increased our level of

8. We made a list of persons we

as we read in Surat Al-A’araf (7:157)

Iman, as a result of applying

related to Prophet Muhammad (s):

have harmed and became willing

these steps, we carried this

to make amends to them all.

message to humanity and began

9. We made direct amends to such

practicing these principles in all

people wherever possible, except

for treatment of addiction, it is most

our affairs.

“He made lawful that which is wholesome and He made unlawful that which is wicked, and He helped in removing bondages of harmful

when to do so would injure them

traditions.”

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Ramadan Kareem!

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

17

Islamic Organizations' Ramadan Programs London Muslim Mosque

MAC London Chapter

151 Oxford Street W., London, Ontario, N6H 1S3 519-439-9451 www.londonmosque.ca secretary@londonmosque.ca

Westmount Masjid

A Juz A Day by Sh Aarij Anwer Daily @6:30pm starting Monday April 12.

Hyde Park Masjid

A Juz A Day is a summarized tafsir series. In this series, the major themes of each Juz and Surah of the Qur’an are explored. The focus is on understanding the Qur'an wholistically and implementing its teachings in our lives. The stylistic features of the Qur’an such as incredibly precise word choice, narratives and more are also explored.

Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario 951 Pond Mills Rd., London, Ontario, N6N 1C3 519-668-2269 info@islamiccentre.ca A Virtual Halaqa with the Imam Monday and Thursday 5:30-6:30pm Everything you want to know about fasting.

18

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

312 Commissioners Rd W., London, Ontario, N6J 1Y3 519-936-2304 centres.macnet.ca/westmount

1175 Hyde Park Rd, London, Ontario, N6H 5K5 519-936-2304 centres.macnet.ca/machydepark Daily Activities •

Fajr Dars with Sheikh Adnan Rajeh (Immediately after Fajr prayer)

•

Morning Athkar (After Fajr Dars)

•

Quran Read Along with Sheikh Sekta (After Asr Prayer)

•

Ramadan Show (Before Iftar)

•

Quran Tafseer with Sheikh Adnan Rajeh (30 min before Maghrib)

Weekly Activities •

Tues – MAC Youth Junior Show (6-7pm)

•

Thurs – Weekly National Live Show (6-7pm)

•

Fri – MAC Youth Show (6-7pm)

•

Fri – Qiyam Program (After Taraweeh)

•

Sat – Qiyam Program (After Taraweeh)

•

Sun – Sisters Halaqa with Sarrah Lawendy @3pm

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

19

Made Dua’a before going to sleep

Went to sleep in a state of Wudu

I prayed Tahajjud (night prayers)

I helped someone in need

Reflected on my shortcomings and how to improve myself

Did not argue, gossip, or backbite

Gave Charity/Sadaqah

Recited _____ juz of Qur’an

Made Dua’a for myself, family and others

Read one new Hadeeth and its meaning

Memorized a verse(s) of the Qur’an

I read and reflected on the Qur’an

Prayed all 5 Prayers on time

Prayed Fajr on Time

Woke up for Suhoor

Daily Goals

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Ramadan Checklist 18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

A Ramadan Reflection

a sound foundation based on the

Ali Jomaa

patience, sacrifice, etc. If we are through abstaining from any activities that focus on one’s desires, while correcting the verbal slurs

principles of belief, understanding, poised to succeed through righteous intentions and actions, we must plan our path with our Creator in mind.

that may contain obscene and/ or crass dialogue. In this respect, Ramadan has been considered one of the greatest blessings that Allah In our ever changing fast-paced

Almighty has given us. Allah related

world, we always need a reset back

to us in the Quran,

prophets and messengers, who aligned us with a path that helped us recheck our moral and psychological compass. Understanding our limitations when setting our monitor helps us define acts that are considered favorable and accepted.

These are influenced by the way we were programed, both as a creation when God Almighty designed us, and the way our parents raised and nurtured us, based on the values that they’ve been taught by their parents and what religious institutions have handed over to them from the beginning of time. Fasting, as taught to us by the Prophet Muhammed (s), is one of the ways of providing us with a self-check function. Changing our habits through fasting will have a definite impact on the freedoms that we engage in, that is, if they have a greater leaning towards fulfilling one’s material needs and wants. As this can be challenging, one is humbled in his/her activities 20

for us by providing us an example to follow. His actions taught us many variations of fasting throughout the year that will remind us to reflect upon the important things that life

to reality. God Almighty reminds us from the beginning of time, through

Our Prophet (s) has paved the way

‫الص َيا ُم ك َ​َم كُ ِت َب َع َل الَّ ِذي َن‬ ِّ ‫كُ ِت َب َعلَ ْيك ُ​ُم‬ َ‫ِمن َق ْب ِلك ُْم لَ َعلَّك ُْم تَ َّتقُون‬ "O you who have believe, decreed

offers. The Prophet (s) was known to fast Mondays and Thursdays, three days in the middle of every month (The White Days), the 10th of Muharram, and the day of Arafat.

upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you

Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays

that you may become righteous "

were significant to the Prophet (s).

(Verse 2:183)

In this consideration, the Prophet (s) was born on Monday and the

Fasting is not new to humans. It has

Quran was first revealed to him on

been an act of worship applied by the

a Monday. In reaching out to those

nations that preceded us. Though

who are eager to show their love and

the form of fasting may have evolved

respect to the Prophet (s), we should

over time, Muslims have followed

act in the same way as he did and

the exact format and details that the

careful not to add or subtract from

Prophet (s) taught his companions,

his teachings, especially in areas of

and this continues today, some

worship. His focus was on showing

1400 years after the Prophet’s first

his gratitude to his Creator.

revelation.

As time revolves around a continuous rotating clock, and as days, months, and years pass by, we must realize the value in time that we possess.

As we count the blessings, utilizing every minute of the day, we can build

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

َّ‫ض اللَّهُ َع ْنهُ أَن‬ َ ِ ‫َع ْن أَ ِب َق َتا َد َة ْالَن َْصار ِِّي َر‬ ‫َر ُس َول اللَّ ِه َص َّل اللَّهُ َعلَ ْي ِه َو َسل َ​َّم ُس ِئ َل َع ْن‬ ‫ ِفي ِه ُولِدْ ُت َو ِفي ِه ُأنْز َِل‬: ‫َص ْو ِم ِالثْ َن ْ ِي َفق َ​َال‬ ‫ل‬ َّ َ ‫َع‬

Narrated from the authority of Abu

this respect, the Prophet Muhammed

So, whoever sights [the new moon

Qataadah al-Ansaari (ra) that the

(s) was acting in unison with Prophet

of] the month, let him fast it; and

Messenger of Allah (s) was asked

Moses, may the peace and blessings

whoever is ill or on a journey - then

about fasting on Mondays and he

be upon them both. For this reason,

an equal number of other days.

said: “On (that day) I was born and

the Prophet Muhammed (s) had

Allah intends for you ease and does

on it Revelation came down to me.”

attributed the cause of Moses as his

not intend for you hardship and

cause as well.

[wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that

The Arabs used to fast on the Day of Ashura before Islam. They

While establishing the link and

[to] which He has guided you; and

used to change the cover of the

understanding that the goal of all

perhaps you will be grateful.’

Kaaba on that day. Knowing this,

prophets is one, that is, calling to

when the Prophet (s) migrated

the worship of One God alone, we

In Ramadan, ‘Laylatul Qadr’ (The

to Madinah, he found the Jewish

understand that the different acts of

Night of Power), held in very high

community fasting on that day and

worship will assist us to synchronize

in status, is the night in which the

he asked them for what purpose

ourselves and our goals with our

Quran was revealed. The Night of

is it that they fasted? And when

Creator.

Power is valued, as mentioned in

they explained to him that this is

the Quran, to be equivalent to 1000

the day that Allah Almighty saved

In our approach to Ramadan, we

months, which is equivalent to more

Moses (as) and his people from

realize the importance given to this

than 87 years. The angels and spirits

Pharaoh, The Prophet Muhammed

month as revealed by Allah Almighty

will descend upon us as an act

(s) joined them on this day of fast

in the Quran:

defining the importance of this night.

and added a day before the 10th day of Muharram, or a day after. On that day through the struggle of Moses and his community, the forces of good had defeated the forces of evil. The Prophet Muhammed (s) understood that Moses was sent with a similar purpose as he himself was sent with. Moses had addressed the misconduct of Pharaoh and his followers and the injustice that was

In this respect we can understand

‫شَ ْه ُر َر َمضَ انَ الَّ ِذي أُنز َِل ِفي ِه الْ ُق ْرآنُ هُدً ى‬ ٍ ‫اس َو َب ِّي َن‬ ‫ات ِّم َن الْ ُهدَ ٰى َوالْ ُف ْر َقانِ َف َمن‬ ِ ‫لِّل َّن‬ َ‫شَ هِدَ ِمنك ُ​ُم الشَّ ْه َر َفلْ َي ُص ْمهُ َو َمن كَان‬ ‫ل َس َف ٍر َف ِعدَّ ٌة ِّم ْن أَيَّ ٍام أُ َخ َر‬ ٰ َ ‫َمرِيضً ا أَ ْو َع‬

‫س‬ َ ْ ‫س َو َل ُيرِيدُ ِبك ُ​ُم الْ ُع‬ َ ْ ‫ُيرِيدُ ال َّلهُ ِبك ُ​ُم الْ ُي‬ ‫ل َما‬ ٰ َ ‫َولِ ُتكْ ِملُوا الْ ِعدَّ َة َولِ ُتك ِّ َُبوا اللَّهَ َع‬ َ‫هَدَ اك ُْم َو َل َع َّلك ُْم تَشْ كُ ُرون‬

inflicted upon the children of Israel.

how Allah Almighty values the importance of fasting.

In conclusion, the month of Ramadan has returned offering a great opportunity to change our ways and improve our lives. It is a time to help us reflect. It is a time to learn how to build a strong bond of love with Allah, Almighty. It is a time to improve our character by following in the example

As a guide and messenger to his

‘The month of Ramadan [is that]

of Prophet Muhammed (s). May

people, Prophet Moses had brought

in which was revealed the Quran, a

Allah Almighty bless this community

forth Allah’s commandments. Their

guidance for the people and clear

and help us grow in our love and

two causes were one in the same. In

proofs of guidance and criterion.

obedience to Him.

“Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

(Surah Baqarah:274)

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

21

Me, Myself & Isolation Lena Hassan each prayer we say, ‘You alone we

for these modern conveniences, but

worship and thine aid we seek.’

have we ever thought about how

Even when we speak to Allah alone,

this may be affecting us spiritually?

we speak in a collective voice.

Fast fashion, fast food, fast news and fast social media responses:

Having a sense of community is

it’s easier to live a fast life when you

an important part of our overall

don’t give time to the reflection of

2020 was a difficult year. Although

well-being. A community unites

who you are, what you’re doing and

many were happy to say goodbye to

us and can give us a purpose

why you’re doing it. The Prophet (s),

a year that had disrupted our lives,

greater than ourselves. We search

before revelation, went to Mount

the beginning of 2021, although

for togetherness because we are

Hira for seclusion; to be still and to

welcomed with a renewed hope,

hardwired for connection.

contemplate his life and the world around him. The Prophet never

shows us that there is still a long road ahead and has us asking, how

In order to create a connection,

returned to the cave after his first

will we get through this?

it’s important to be vulnerable.

revelation, yet solitude remained

But what does vulnerability look

a valued state of being for him,

COVID has challenged the mutually

like in our modern world? During

throughout his life. Even though

exclusive nature of being together

the first lockdown there was a

he lived an extraordinary life, he

or being alone. We know we can

forced Energizer Bunny movement,

remained moderate in his dealings

be in a room full of people and feel

obligating us to make the most of

and with his emotions, never allowing

completely alone, but COVID has

this pandemic by learning a new

his inner pendulum to swing too far

shown us that we can be completely

language or baking our own bread.

one way or the other. Instead, he

alone yet still feel connected. This

Instagram continued to be a veil

had an anchor in his faith that kept

false dichotomy of together vs. alone

by feigning a forced optimism

him judicious, balanced and well-

is also challenged by our faith. Our

and making the mundane overly

adjusted.

worship, even when performed alone

cheerful. From vacuuming to cooking

is strengthened by the fact that we

for our family to cleaning to even

There is a dreamy concept that

know we share these rituals with

lying in bed: Instagram has made

in order to find yourself you must

our brothers and sisters around

it all enviable. What would happen

be removed from your current

the world. Fasting a day during

if we changed and embraced the

surroundings. In the memoir, Eat

Ramadan with the rest of the Muslim

melancholy? Not in a rose-gold hue

Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert traveled

community, even in the summer

but in all its pallor.

to Italy, India and Indonesia in an effort to press the restart button

months, is easier than fasting during a winter day all by yourself. We are

Writer Anais Nin said, "My life is

on her life. This inverted fairy tale

buoyed by our connections.

slowed up by thought and the need

resonated with so many because it’s

to understand what I am living."

a romantic idea to believe that if you

We live a fast life, and we are grateful

hop on a plane you can escape your

When we recite the ‘Fatiha’ during 22

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

pain and find a new you in a new place.

Through all the emotional highs and lows over the past year, we now know that you can be lost and found right where you are.

With borders closed and flights cancelled, and vacations deferred, we have had to re-evaluate: what are our dreams and what keeps our dreams alive when the world around us shuts down? Maybe it’s never been that trip to Paris. Maybe it’s never been that big wedding. Maybe it’s much smaller and much more profound than what we have ever imagined it to be. Maybe in this crazy world of Oz we’re living in, we need to realize that everything we’ve been looking for has been right here with us, all along.

Ramadan Mubarak!

37-699 Wilkins Street, London, Canada, N6C 5C8 www.valsbbq.com

519-601-5955 Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

23

Deeper Dimensions of Fasting Omar Sallam Nothing urges a Muslim to complete

such excellence to rise up above

an entire month of a demanding

the conduct of others and take

worship, at stretches where one is

recourse to better decisions. If one is

invisible from others, except out

confronted with someone insulting

of genuine faith, obedience, and

or quarrelling, one should say “I

awareness of Allah, Most High.

am fasting” either to the person or yourself and not to reciprocate their

Fasting during Ramadan is a unique form of worship. It can effectively turn one’s day into a devotional act of drawing near to Allah and selfpurification. At the same time it is a form of worship that requires patience and restraint, but once one reflects deeper on its dimensions, one can gain appreciation for its wisdom. Fasting is like a tree, whose beauty we marvel at, forgetting it has roots we don’t see.

Fasting and Action (Islam) Not only does one fast the entire month, but one does it in a manner that is outlined by the teachings of the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet (s) for every day of Ramadan that one is blessed to witness.

Fasting is a testimony of action that preserves the Prophetic message in the form of a lived reality. That lived reality is not a physical act only, but a testimony of the moral and spiritual

Fasting and Faith (Iman)

aims one should strive for.

What makes one withhold from

Fasting and Spirituality (Ihsan)

eating and drinking all day? Does anyone see the one working alone in a cubicle or a mom putting a year-old baby to sleep alone at home? What is one sip of water? What if one deals with fasting as one deals with any class, intentionally fasting only 25 days out of the potential 29/30 days to receive a grade over 80 percent.

Is that not good enough? Fasting teaches us about beliefs and faith.

behaviour.

Fasting and the Ultimate Destiny (The Akhira/ Afterlife) The spiritual potential of fasting isn’t just a self-development motif, but a reality that ought to make one genuinely and uniquely happy. It’s a happiness that is related to our deepest reality which is our soul.

That’s why the person fasting is happy to break their fast, because they completed an arduous worship, which is truly a blessing from Allah. More so, one should have high expectations of a generous

This brings us to spirituality, which

Lord, Who has dedicated a gate in

combines the previous points

Paradise, special forgiveness, and

together. This combination of belief

intercession for the people that

and action, when done with the

fast. That’s the destination of every

best of manners and higher levels

human. We will all die one day. But we

of ethical and spiritual awareness,

can bring life to our Hereafter, today,

makes one from the people of

by investing in the whole month

piety and spiritual excellence.

of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak

That’s why the Prophet (s) him

everyone!

instructed people who are pursuing

‫ﷺ‬

The Prophet ( ) said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."

24

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Duas for Breaking The Fast ُ ‫َذ َه َب الظَّ َمُ َوا ْب َتل َِّت الْ ُع ُر‬ ‫وق َوثَ َب َت األَ ْج ُر إِنْ شَ ا َء الل ُّٰه‬

Thirst is gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain if Allaah wills.

‫اللَّ ُه َّم ل َ​َك ُص ْم ُت َو َع َل ِر ْز ِق َك أَ ْفطَ ْر ُت‬

O Allah! For You I have fasted and upon your provision, I have broken my fast.

Reminders ‫ )ﷺ‬mentioned Ramadan and said, "Do not fast unless you see the crescent (of Ramadan), and

Allah's Messenger (

do not give up fasting till you see the crescent (of Shawwal), but if the sky is overcast (if you cannot see it), then act on estimation (i.e. count Sha'ban as 30 days).

‫ َوالَ تُف ِْط ُروا‬،‫َر ُس َول اللَّ ِه صىل الله عليه وسلم َذكَ َر َر َمضَ انَ َفق َ​َال‏ "‏ الَ ت َُصو ُموا َح َّتى تَ َر ُوا الْ ِهال َ​َل‬ ‫‏‬.‫ َفإِنْ غ َُّم َعلَ ْيك ُْم َفا ْق ُد ُروا ل َُه ‏"‏‏‬،‫َح َّتى تَ َر ْو ُه‬ ‫ )ﷺ‬said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his

The Prophet (

leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)"

‫َق َال َر ُس ُول اللَّ ِه صىل الله عليه وسلم‏ "‏ َم ْن ل َْم َي َد ْع َق ْو َل ال ُّزو ِر َوالْ َع َم َل ِب ِه َفلَ ْي َس لِلَّ ِه َحا َج ٌة ِف‬ ‫‏‬.‫شا َب ُه ‏"‏‏‬ َ َ ‫أَنْ َي َد َع طَ َعا َم ُه َو‬ ‫ )ﷺ‬said, "Take Suhur as there is a blessing in it."

The Prophet (

‫‏‬.‫الس ُحو ِر َب َركَ ًة‏"‏‏‬ َّ ‫َق َال ال َّنب ُِّي صىل الله عليه وسلم‏ "‏ ت َ​َس َّح ُروا َفإِنَّ ِف‬

26

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

27

Dear Masjid Ali Abdul Rahim Chahbar Dear Masjid, A full year has come & gone, Since you first closed your door, Opened wide since 1964, As a new home in our core.

Open, then shut down, a cycle repeated, Cancelled Friday prayers & taraweeh, our congregation deleted, Closed down during Ramadan, can’t help but feel cheated, Our collective reality until the virus is defeated.

Dear Masjid, As I lament my inability to enter inside, I feel compelled to write to you & in doing so, I confide, That I feel a piece of me is missing, as if it has died, And that my heart joins my eyes with the tears that they’ve cried.

Dear Masjid, Denied entry & access, I feel locked out of my own home, I find myself reflecting about our youth & how we’ve both grown, And all the times I’d sit within your walls where I’d come to atone, For all my misgivings & shortfalls, intentional and unknown.

As I sit here & contemplate our shared future & past, I reflect on how after I’m gone, I can ensure that you’ll last, I draw my answers from our pioneers, long since passed, And think about our children & the questions they’ll ask.

Dear Masjid,

I remember a time when we were small, And you had plenty of space, When you united us all in a single place, A home for every colour, origin & race, Back when 151 was our only home base.

Dear Masjid, I remember at the end of each Ramadan, We would all gather together on your green lawn, To celebrate Eid as a community, we would all feed upon, The sweets & desserts our mothers baked & brought along.

Dear Masjid, I can still hear the voices, Of our pioneers from days past, Their ambition so magnificent & their vision so vast, Your walls, like their legacy, they were built to last, Like a journeying rider resting in a tree’s shade, time fleets so fast From the villages of Lebanon, They brought a seed to this new land, And planted it in an Oxford garden, by their very own hand, Watering & cultivating the soil upon which you now stand, Sprouting forth a house dedicated to God’s command.

Dear Masjid, As you come of age, you must always recall, That once you were large & we were so small, That we once parked on gravel & had no need of the mall, But just like our city, we grew & did sprawl.

Our fathers, then young, Laid your brick by their hand, Pouring your foundation, they simultaneously planned, For our collective future in an adopted new land, Their vision, like your stature, splendid & grand.

But now we are large & it is you who is small, Despite your expansion, we don’t fit in your prayer hall, Causing our muezzin, on Friday, to three times make the call, Inviting us to good works & prayer, to our knees we do fall.

Dear Masjid,

Dear Masjid,

I remember you when you were young, When your dome was the colour gold, When your carpet was red & old, When your window arches were blue & bold, Even in your youth, you were a sight to behold.

Do you remember back when, Your carpet was red & patterned?

Aging, like us, it was old, worn, battered?

How before it was new & blue, it was all torn & tattered?

28

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Do you remember back when, Our mothers would gather in your kitchen downstairs?

Baking fatayer for sale after Friday prayers?

Donating their profit in exchange for heaven’s shares.

Dear Masjid,

Dear Masjid,

Today we are here, but tomorrow departed, We must continue upon the path that our parents charted, We must build upon the plan that our elders started, So our children will remember us like our pioneers are regarded.

I remember when you were young, There was only one way in & out of your prayer space, Where we’d prostrate in sujood & seek God’s grace, Then like herded cattle we’d mass trying to exit the place, And search for our shoes someone moved from the shoe case.

When the virus is gone, we will stand shoulder to shoulder again, But until that day comes, we shall continue to abstain, To do our part to fight a disease we are obliged to contain, So that our congregation can assemble as per God’s ordain.

Dear Masjid,

Until that day comes, we shall remain transplanted, Away from our home at 151 that we’ll no longer take for granted, And make du’a for our elders & the legacy we’ve been handed, And continue to water the seeds that our pioneers planted.

As a child, I would marvel at your wonder & behold, As I’d sit cross legged & listen to the stories our elders told, Almost all of them are gone & the few remaining are old, Their voices we remember & their memories we hold.

My grandfather & uncle who helped build you, now gone, In their prime they stood so tall, mighty & strong, But time is undefeated & now they lay in a forest city lawn, To God we shall return & to God we belong.

So that just like us, our children will consider you home, And just like us, find truth & guidance under your dome, So that when we are all gone & they are all grown, They’ll pass on your legacy to children of their own.

Dear Masjid.

Ramadan Kareem Warmest blessings of peace, happiness and health. Ramadan Kareem from our family at Siskinds to yours.

Rasha El-Tawil Partner - Personal Injury 519.660.7712

Adnan Chahbar Partner - Business Law 519.660.7804

siskinds.com Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

29

The Concept of Taqwa & Ramadan Sara Elsadik You may have heard of taqwa as

while wearing a long robe?” In

restraint & patience with regards to

being one of the necessary fabrics of

response to himself, he said “I

food, speech, and other activities.

a Muslim’s faith, but what really is it?

lift my robe up to my calves and

To some degree, we are reminded

How does it develop? And how is it

watch my footsteps, and walk very

of those less fortunate than us with

linked to fasting?

carefully so my clothes don’t get

regards to being able to quell our

caught. That is what taqwa is.”

hunger and thirst. Ramadan forces

As with the importance of obligatory

Likewise, taqwa is having enough

us to slow down and to reflect on our

actions prescribed upon a Muslim,

consciousness of Allah in order to

connection with Allah. We are pushed

taqwa is also a very important part

protect ourselves from falling into

to explore the reservoirs of wisdom

of a Muslim’s acts worship and of a

the disobedience of him.

and knowledge within our worship,

Muslim’s holistic journey in Islam. In

so we may come out of Ramadan

short, taqwa is the consciousness

Although it is natural for a

with a renewed sense of purpose and

of Allah. The word ‘taqwa’ originates

Muslim’s level of taqwa to fluctuate

steadfastness.

from the Arabic root letters ‘wa ka ya’,

throughout their life, it is made

meaning to shield. It is the decision

stronger by way of certain acts of

It is in this month that Muslims come

to shield oneself from acts that may

worship such as fasting. This is

together as an Umma to remember

not be pleasing to Allah, and to act

why in Ramadan, as many of us are

the true meaning of our religion,

upon those that are.

fasting, praying, and reading more

and when virtues such as gratitude,

Quran, we often hear of people

compassion, and integrity light.

When Omar (ra), the companion of

experiencing what is termed as a

the Prophet Muhammed (s), was

‘spiritual high’.

asked about the meaning of taqwa by another companion, he stated:

May Allah grant us the ability to develop a deeper level of taqwa

When we are fasting, we abstain

in this upcoming Ramadan, and

from what is otherwise permissible

a deeper adherence to it for the

“What do you do when you have

solely for the sake of Allah. We are

entirety of our lives.

to path through a thorny road,

tested in our ability to practice

30

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Advice On Marriage Sohail Makhdoom all of us to remind ourselves and

relationships with partner, family and

our loved ones that like most other

friends.

things in life, developing such a close, intimate, personal and emotional

A healthy husband-wife relationship

connection, where partners may

goes through hardships but can still

know each other through vulnerable

result in a nurturing and flourishing

and sensitive experiences, can still

source for the respective families and

Marriage is a union that should

have its challenges. There should

generations to come. Children get to

turn into a healthy and beautiful

be enough space to allow the small

see role modeling as a good learning

relationship. There are different

plant to take its roots and grow

guide. Children learn by the example

reasons that can make this union

independently, while being protected

set by people they love and care

successful or unsuccessful.

enough as to be able to survive harsh

about the most. But if this pivotal

weather and tough times.

relationship was made secondary during earlier years, it impacts the

We are naïve if we expect the young generation to not indulge in social,

Culture can play a significant role in

parenting abilities throughout. Also,

emotional or physical aspects of

making or breaking any relationship.

at the end, when the parents pass

marriage before they are officially

For example, if a mother cannot see

away and the children have moved on

married. And, once they get married,

the value in her daughter-in-law

with their own lives, there is nothing

we erroneously expect them to know

and what that means for the family,

to look forward to.

how to establish and balance such

then this relationship has very low

a relationship without any guidance

chances of success or it would

Obviously, there are contexts to

and support from family and friends.

come at the high cost of negatively

every situation that need to be

impacting parents’ relationships

considered in making such decisions,

Human minds and bodies seek

with their children. If a daughter-

but honesty and openness are the

other humans by way of touch, sight

in-law cannot respect and value

only ways to start this conversation

and conversation, etc. Marriage

her mother-in-law’s wisdom and

and deal with personal biases

can provide all of that if husband

experience, it can also become

and misconceptions. Healthy and

and wife are educated and well

a difficult balancing act for the

strong marriages can even have

informed in establishing, maintaining

husband, who cannot divide himself

a deep impact on the community

and growing this relationship. The

into halves and do justice with both

and society at large and as such it

importance and value of nurturing

relationships. Even if he tries to, it

is worth investing in education and

this relationship cannot be over-

can take a significant toll on his well-

training of individuals to set them off

emphasized. It is very important for

being and psyche and this stress can

on the right path.

lead to poor decisions and strained

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

31

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The Fasting and Restraint of The Companions (ra) Michael Vader streets of Madinah at an unusual

when He tests them by limiting their

time. He (s) asked why they were out,

provision, they protest, “My Lord has

they said because they were very

undeservedly humiliated me!”

hungry. The Prophet (s) said he was out for the same reason. He (s) then

Allah (swt) tests us through both

took them (r) to the house of a man

poverty and wealth. Alhumdulillah,

from Madinah, who was very excited

we have immense blessings in

Alhumdullilah, we have made it to

to host them. The man brought red,

Canada and it’s easy to feel as if this

another Ramadan, the best month

ripe and dry dates and cooked meat

is the norm when we see others in

of the year. It’s a wonderful time to

for them. After everyone was done

similar circumstances around us;

bond with our families, and enjoy

eating, the Prophet (s) looked at his

however, let’s not forget that our

nice meals at sunset and before

companions (r) and recited, “Then,

current living conditions are much

sunrise.

on that Day, you will definitely be

more comfortable than previous

questioned about your worldly

generations and our realities are

Ramadan is a time for discipline

pleasures” (Surah 102 Verse 8)

much different than those in different

and restraint as we withhold from

and said, “You left your homes

parts of the world.

food and drink during the day.

extremely hungry, and now you are

Subhanallah though, it’s hard to

going home after enjoying all this

Let’s enjoy our Ramadan, and enjoy

not feel guilty about the excessive

food.”

our meals with our families, but let’s also remember to be grateful to our

luxuries we are able to enjoy as Canadians. We live in amazing times;

The Prophet (s) reminded his

Lord as Abu Bakr (r), Omar (r) and

we have better living conditions

companions (r) to show gratitude

the Prophet (saw) were grateful after

than the Prophet (s) and his

to their Lord when they consumed a

they consumed a simple meal.

Companions (r) did. We can freely

simple meal after being very hungry.

shower whenever we want to, we

Contrast that to us today; how can

“Then, on that Day, you will

have shelter, and food is readily

we show our gratitude and what will

definitely be questioned about your

available. If we are rushed for Iftaar,

we say on that Day regarding our

worldly pleasures”

we can easily throw something in

extravagant Iftaars?

(Surah 102 Verse 8).

the microwave or order from a food delivery service. It makes me think

Allah (swt) says in Surah 89

about the following incident recorded

verses 15-16: “Now, whenever a

by Imam Muslim:

human being is tested by their Lord through His generosity and

One day the Prophet (s) came across

blessings, they boast, “My Lord

Abu Bakr (r) and Omar (r) in the

has deservedly honoured me!” But Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

33

In Solidarity Nawaz Tahir As the gift of Ramadan comes to us for another year, we - and 1.6 billion or so other Muslims around the world - dedicate time to devotion, self-reflection, and prayer. But, for Uygher Muslims, it is - as it has been for a few years now - a time for thinking about freedom and survival. Uyghur Muslims live in the eastern part of China, the Xinjiang region, known for its rich natural resources - particularly natural gas.

Tragically, our Brothers and Sisters are being targeted in what Canada and the United States have now officially called a genocide, defined as "the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group."

As we pray and make dua this Ramadan, please make sure to keep our Uyghur Muslim Brothers and Sisters in your hearts and minds. They are literally fighting for their lives. They need our prayers and they need us to keep up the pressure on governments around the world to call out the Chinese government to end this genocide. Some of their families and friends are here in London - part of our community - and we must stand in solidarity with them.

Loy's Boutique Ramadan, Eid and Special Occasions Decor

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LoysBoutiqueLondon

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loys.boutique

Ramadan Mubarak!

Improving Ourselves One Ramadan At A Time Anonymous Every Ramadan, we start off with

Ramadan, there was one habit you

want to get everything you have on

lofty goals that seemingly motivate

worked on to near perfection, you

your mind on paper.

us to tick off as many boxes on our

would have 3 habits changed or

checklist as possible. We naturally

significantly improved upon only 3

Once you have a list, pick a few that

want to make the most of this

Ramadans later.

you’d want to work on this Ramadan.

blessed time. More often than not

The selection depends on how much

though, we haven’t prepared well

Instead, every Ramadan, we go in

time and effort you can exert. But

enough for the month. Fasting by

without a real plan. As we try to do

whatever you do, make sure they are

itself can be a big change to our

too many things, we get burnt out

light enough to not burn you out in

routine, let alone accomplishing all

by the middle of the month. We

10 days.

our ambitious Ramadan goals.

drag ourselves to the end and then once the month has passed, we go

Throughout the month of Ramadan,

We usually start the month strong;

back to our ‘regular’ routine, without

ensure you check off the tasks you’ve

however, almost every single one

implementing much of a real change.

committed to work on. These are the

of us experiences the Ramadan dip

primary tasks you will accomplish no

within a week or two. As we approach

Sure, we feel the highs, and some

matter what, inshaAllah. Commit to

the best part (the last ten nights), a

of us really do a lot in Ramadan,

them and perform them throughout

lot of us are just dragging ourselves

but without focus, we let many

the whole month. Once the month

through to get to the end. That’s if

Ramadans pass by without any real

of Ramadan is over, commit to

we’re able to keep up the motivation

lasting transformations.

continuing the few things or changes

to begin with. On Eid, we celebrate

you have chosen to work on. Make

but then the days after that seem to

We know, through the Prophet

them part of your daily routine. Then

go back to normal.

Muhammad (s), that Allah loves

soon enough, they WILL become part

deeds that are consistent, even if

of your routine, inshaAllah.

What happened?

they are small. Consistency requires a sense of discipline. That discipline

As you focus bit by bit each

Wasn’t Ramadan supposed to

stems out of will power, which is like

Ramadan, after a few years, you will

change us?

a muscle that can be strengthened

notice significant change in yourself.

with the right set of exercises.

They will be changes, inshaAllah, that

What are we missing?

can form a meaningful part of your Therefore, let’s picture what a more

Well, quite frankly, we’ve put too

disciplined and focused Ramadan

much on our plate!

can look like. First, reflect on a list

routine and become permanent.

of things you’d like to improve upon.

Think of it this way: if every

Be exhaustive at this point, as you’d Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

35

Book Review Mariam Hamou What I like about books is their versatility. I’m a big advocate for didactic books because education and good information is always important, but on occasion, a journal to help us organize our behaviour, habits and keep us accountable is useful, specifically in Ramadan. A journal or planner also creates a Ramadan filled with intentional acts, less heedlessness with our thoughts, teaching us to slow down and focus on the crucial relationship with our Creator.

To maximize our experience in Ramadan, it’s helpful to keep track of our actions through an organized plan. Etsy has many planners, both adult and child oriented and most can be printed as PDFs. Good planners will have daily tasks, prayer check lists, Qur’an trackers, deeds of the day, supplications and daily hadith. There are some more aggressive planners where meal planning, workouts, children’s activities, groceries are tracked - every family has different needs, and with COVID still impacting our lives, we need all the help we can get.

Child-oriented Ramadan planners are all over the Internet (for free!) with varying categories and activities for different ages. For younger children, there are great resources from this website: http://www.amuslimhomeschool.com/2020/02/ kidsramadanjournal.html Planners from this site include doodle style pages that can be coloured and the following topics covered: Ramadan, the 5 Pillars of Islam, Fasting, The Night Prayer, Laylat-ul-Qadr, Zakat, Eid-ul-Fitr, Ramadan Goals, and Good Deeds. The daily log in this planner tracks daily prayers completed, helps sets goals, and allows children to colour their attempts of fasting (full fast or part fast) and records the good deed(s)they’ve done.

It also encourages daily reflection of the Qur’an with a place to record progress. Ensuring you have helpful tools for a blessed and productive Ramadan is important, so do some research on a resource to organize this Blessed month – may Allah provide all of our families with a spiritually rewarding Ramadan.

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ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

Word Search BADR

ZAKAT

LAYLATULQADR

SUHOOR

LMM

CHARITY

ICSWO

RAMADAN

MAC

EID

BCIC

IFTAR

HYATT

CRESCENT LONDON

MYAL

ALTAQWA

NLIC

ISOLATION

MSA

FIQH

TARAWEEH

DATES

TAHAJJUD

Holiday Recipes Atayef Ingredients •

1½ cups All-purpose Flour

•

2 tsp. Baking Powder

•

2 tb. White Granulated Sugar

•

1½ cups Water Room Temp.

•

2 cups Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese

•

¼ cup Nestle Table Cream

•

¼ cup Crushed Pistachios

Instructions 1. Place all the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Add the water and mix well. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes.

2. Heat up a non-stick pan medium-low heat. Drop 1 tablespoon of batter and spread lightly using the bottom of your spoon or ladle.

3. The Atayef will begin to bubble. Once there is no more shiny (raw batter) areas, remove the pancake using a spatula and place on a light kitchen towel or paper towels. The Atayef should cook for 1-2 minutes.

4. To prepare the filling, add the ricotta and table cream to a small bowl and mix together.

5. Once the Atayef have fully cooled, place about 1 tablespoon of filling on the pancake and pinch the sides together to close it ¾ of the way.

6. Dip the open area into the crushed pistachios. Serve with simple syrup or as is.

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

37

Forest City Islamic Organizations Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario 951 Pond Mills Rd London, ON, N6N 1C3 (519) 668-2269 info@islamiccentre.ca

Al-Taqwa Elementary School 1837 Churchill Ave. London ON, N5W 2L4 (519) 951-1414 www.altaqwa.org/elementary Head: Farouk Kaloti

President: Najey Mankal

London Muslim Mosque 151 Oxford Street W. London, ON, N6H 1S3 (519) 439-9451 londonmosque.ca secretary@londonmosque.ca

Bosnian Canadian Islamic Association 41 Holborn Ave London, ON, N6J 2P9 bkic.ca Imam: Avdija Ramic

Chairman: Bilal Rahhal

MAC London Chapter 312 Commissioners Rd W, London, ON, N6J 1Y3 macnoorgardens.ca Chapter Head: Saboor Khan

Hyatt Mosque and Centre 282 Hamilton Rd London ON , N5Z 1R3 https://www.eccoo.ca (519) 488 5299 info@eccoo.ca President: Ziyad Ali

North London Islamic Centre 23266 Nairn Road Komoka, ON, N0L 1R0 (519) 518-1938 admin@nlic.ca northlondonislamiccentre.com President: Mazhar Mustafa Siddiqi

38

ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

MYAL 889 Wellingsboro Rd, London, ON, N6E 1N3 (519) 691-0002 President: Ahmid Turk

Do we still feel the pain and grief of a mother who just lost her family in Syria?

The hunger of countless families in Yemen who have nothing to eat tonight? loneliness of an orphaned child?

With a world full of tragedy, we can become paralyzed by sadness. Yet, we each have the power to answer the call of someone in need.

This Ramadan, don’t stop feeling. Channel your sadness into action. Help us respond as one body to those who are desperately in need.

Show them that We are One Ways to Give

can provide emergency food aid

$250

can provide urgent medical aid

$600

Whether your Zakat or Sadaqa, imagine the feeling of relief when someone

DONATE TODAY

$100

can sponsor an orphan for an entire year

CONTACT OUR REGIONAL REP Saimah Sarwar Regional Fundraising Coordinator - Southwestern Ontario Saimah.sarwar@islamicreliefcanada.org (226) 926-8438

IPHONE Open your camera and scan MAIL 3501 Mainway, Burlington, ON, L7M 1A9

ONLINE islamicrelief.ca

ANDROID Scan with Google Lens

Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021 | ForestCityMuslim

39

Wishing you all a very blessed month of Ramadan from your London MPPs

MPP Teresa Armstrong

MPP Terence Kernaghan

TArmstrong-CO@ndp.on.ca

TKernaghan-CO@ndp.on.ca

519-668-1104

519-432-7339

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ForestCityMuslim | Ramadan 1442 AH / April 2021

MPP Peggy Sattler PSattler-CO@ndp.on.ca 519-657-3120