What is Ashura?

“This is a blessed day. On this day, Allah saved (Prophet) Musa and drowned the people of Firaun (the pharoah), and so Prophet Musa a.s fasted on this day to give thanks to Allah..” (Sahih Al-Bukhari) day of Ashura, Allah (SWT) will be generous on him for the entire year (Baihaqi)

It’s also important to increase worship on the Day of Ashura, such as reading more Qur’an, sending salutations to the Prophet (PBUH) and offering naffal (optional) prayers. It’s also a good time to reflect on the significant events which took place on the Day of Ashura and to draw important lessons from them which can help us in our lives, for example to rely on the power of Allah to help us in our time of need.

Ziyarat Ashura and other duaas

There are certain days in the year which are more virtuous than others, one such day is the 10th of Muharram which is known as the Day of Ashura. The word Ashura is derived from the word “Asharah”, which means ten in Arabic. The Day of Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. When is Ashura 2023?

The Day of Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. In 2023, the Day of Ashura will be on 28th July.

Give Sadaqah or Zakat on this blessed day his army.

One of the most virtuous acts of worship on Ashura is to give charity to our Muslim brothers and sisters suffering across the world.

What is the history and significance of Ashura?

The Pharaoh was extremely violent and corrupt in his rule, and spread blasphemy as he declared himself as God. The Prophet Musa (AS) refused to follow the Pharaoh and instead encouraged him to worship Allah. The Pharaoh would not accept that there was a power higher than himself, and in response sent a large army to destroy the Prophet and his followers.

On the Day of Ashura, Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers were being chased by the army but trusted Allah alone in protecting them. Prophet Musa (AS) made the following famous Dua which was later revealed in the Holy Quran:

“Truly my Lord is with me, He will guide me through.” (Quran 26:62)

As a result of his patience and firm faith in Allah’s help, Allah parted the Red Sea so that Prophet Musa (AS) and his followers could pass to safety. As punishment, the Pharaoh and his army were then submerged in the sea.

Give Zakat

Then We inspired to Moses, “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain. And We drew forward the others [i.e., the pursuers]. And We saved Moses and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. And indeed, your Lord – He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. Qur’an | 26:63-68

The Battle of Karbala

One of the most significant events that occurred in the month of Muharram was the Battle of Karbala, which took place in Iraq in Muharram 61 AH.

It was fought between a small army consisting of the family and companions of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), and a much larger army sent by Yazid ibn Muawiyah, the Umayyad Caliph at that time.

The battle took place because Imam Hussain (AS) refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid ibn Muawiyah, who had taken it upon himself to assume the Muslim leadership after the death of his father.

On the 10th Muharram, the Day of Ashura, Imam Hussain (AS) was brutally martyred by the enemy camp. This is a very significant day in Islamic history as Imam Hussain (AS) and 72 other martyrs, mainly consisting of the male members of the family of the Prophet (PBUH) all sacrificed their lives as a stand against oppression and to preserve Islam.

The day Allah freed Musa

On the Day of Ashura in the time of Prophet Musa (AS), Allah saved the Prophet and Bani Israel from the tyrannical Pharaoh and

The story of Ashura and other Prophets

The Day of Ashura was also significant in the time of other prophets. For example, in the time of prophet Nuh (AS), some narrations say that on the day of Ashura, Allah returned his arc back to dry land after the flooding stopped. It was a day of relief and celebration for the Prophet and his devoted companions.

Some narrations also say that The Day of Ashura was also the day that Prophet Adam (AS) repented and was forgiven to Allah after eating the forbidden fruit, as well as the day that Prophet Yunus (AS) was released from the belly of the whale and Allah forgave his people.

Commemorating the Day of Ashura

As well as fasting the day of Ashura which is one of the most virtuous acts, there are many other beneficial deeds you can do which can earn great rewards on the blessed day. These include giving Sadaqah and Zakat to help those in need across the world, as well as spending money on one’s family.

Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said, ‘’one who generously spends on his family on the

The Shi‘a Muslim community offer a salutatory prayer to Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of the battle of Karbala called The Ziyarat Ashura.

Do Muslims observe Ashura differently?

For Shi‘a Muslims observing the day of Ashura, the period is marked by mourning, due to the anniversary of the martyring of Imam Hussain (AS), in the Battle of Karbala. For Sunni Muslims, as well as the above, Ashura also commemorates when the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israeel were freed from Pharaoh and his pursuing army by Allah (SWT).

Fasting on the Day of Ashura

Muslims are encouraged to fast the Day of Ashura by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Ashura’, and this month, meaning Ramadhan.

Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari

Why did the Prophet (PBUH) fast on Ashura?

Fasting the 9th of Muharram

The scholars of Islam consider it recommended to fast on the 9th of Muharram along with the 10th of Muharram (‘Ashura). This is due to the Hadith:

When the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “Next year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) had passed away. (Muslim)

The Prophet (pbuh) wanted to fast on the

9th, in order to differ from the People of the Book.

Fasting the 11th of Muharram?

Some of the scholars also considered fasting on the 11th of Muharram to be recommended. This could be if one misses the 9th or it could be in order to ensure one catches the 10th of Muharram. Therefore it is virtuous to fast:

Just the day of Ashura or to fast the 9th and 10th, or to fast the 10th and 11th.

Some scholars would even fast the 9th, 10th and 11th of Muharram.

Any one of these options is recommended.

Virtues of Ashura

Here are some recommended actions or Sunnah for Ashura.

Fast: Keep a fast on the 9th and 10th Muharram (the day of Ashura), or on the 10thand 11thMuharram. Fasting expiates sins.

Read the Qur’an: If you are unable to fast, reading the Qur’an or doing Dhikr can help you to feel the blessings of Muharram. Remember, any gathering for the sake of Allah SWT will also be filled with barakah and the Angels will join you.

Give Sadaqah: Helping those in need around the world is one of the most virtuous deeds and doing so on this blessed day can earn great rewards, It is also a Sunnah to spend money on one’s family on the day of Ashura.

Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said, ‘’one who generously spends on his family on the day of Ashura, Allah (SWT) will be generous on him for the entire year (Baihaqi)

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, so it’s the perfect time to make resolutions and establish good habits like giving regular charity, so that you can gain blessings all-year round.

On the authority of Abu Qatadah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saw), was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’, and he said, “It expiates [wipes out the minor sins of] the past year. Hadith | Muslim Scholar Verified reviewed: 31st January 2023.

We ensure our content is reviewed and verified by qualified scholars to provide you with the most accurate information. This webpage was last reviewed by Sheikh Saalim Al-Azhaari.

Source:islamic-relief.org.uk

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver

British Columbia is facing big social and environmental challenges ahead of Budget 2023: sky high rents, health care under enormous strain, a toxic drugs crisis, climate disruption and the need to build and rebuild crucial but eroded public services

Are people moving out of British Columbia?

More than 55,000 people moved out of B.C. to other provinces between 2021 and 2022, with affordability being a driving factor for many. Data from Statistics Canada shows that nearly 55,000 people moved out of the province in 2021, with more than half of them moving to Alberta.

Source: google.comsearch?q=current+health+issues

What are some issues in Vancouver?

Top 10 issues for residents in Metro

Vancouver:

• Affordable housing: 34%

• Transportation/public transit: 20%

• Crime/public safety: 19%

• Homelessness: 16%

• Transparency/fiscal responsibility: 13%

• Environment/climate change: 13%

What are the big issues in British Columbia?

• Planning/infrastructure: 12%

• Overdevelopment/densification: 11% Does British Columbia have a homeless problem?

Most B.C. residents say homelessness a major problem, governments doing bad job addressing it. Nearly three-quarters of British Columbians say homelessness is a major problem in the province right now, but significantly fewer say it’s a major problem in their neighbourhoods.

Most B.C. residents say homelessness a major problem, governments doing bad job addressing it.

Nearly three-quarters of British Columbians say homelessness is a major problem in the province right now, but significantly fewer say it’s a major problem in their neighbourhoods. These are some of the findings of a recent poll by Research Co., conducted against the backdrop of efforts to dismantle a tent city on Hastings Street in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that the city’s fire chief says is a significant public safety risk.

The online survey of a representative sample of 800 B.C. residents found substantial frustration with all levels of government when it comes to addressing homelessness in the province. Almost four-in-five survey respondents (79 per cent) said they felt homelessness had increased in B.C. over the last three years, and more than three-in-five (63 per cent) said it was on the rise in their municipality. Similarly, 73 per cent said homelessness is a major problem for the province and 52 per cent said it’s a major problem for their municipality. A significantly smaller portion of respondents – 27 per cent – said homelessness is a major problem in their immediate neighbourhood, though only about one-third (32 per cent) said it was not a problem at all.

Given these views, it’s perhaps not surprising that 55 per cent of B.C. residents said their local government had done either a “bad” (32 per cent) or “very bad” (23 per cent) job of coming up with solutions to the problem. Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

Province helps better connect patients to primary-care providers

On July 1, 2023, with new family doctors and nurse practitioners ready to accept patients, the Province expanded the Health Connect Registry, hosted by HealthLink BC, from select communities to all communities throughout B.C. People will be connected to a primary-care provider based on their health needs, the provider’s ability to take on those needs, and the region.

The Health Connect Registry is the patientfacing side of the Province’s action plan to strengthen primary care and better connect people to primary-care providers, including: a new family doctor compensation model to attract and retain family doctors that has nearly 3,300 signups; a new-to-practice incentive program that has 156 new family doctors registered; a new provincial rostering registry for individual family doctors and nurse practition-

Doug McCallum and Safe Surrey Coalition Welcome Province’s Decision to Move Forward with Surrey Police Service

SURREY, BC - Today marks a significant milestone for the City of Surrey as Doug McCallum, Councillors Doug Elford, and Mandeep Nagra of the Safe Surrey Coalition express their satisfaction with the Province’s decision to direct the City of Surrey to proceed with the Surrey Police Service (SPS). This decision fulfills a key platform promise made by the Safe Surrey Coalition during the 2018 elections, demonstrating their commitment to delivering on the mandate entrusted to them by the citizens of Surrey.

“For the past five years, the citizens of Surrey have been eagerly anticipating the establishment of the Surrey Police Service. Today’s decision by the Province reaffirms that this is the best choice for public safety in our city, and it marks a momentous occasion,” stated Doug McCallum. “We are delighted to see our vision become a reality, and we are grateful for the support we have received from the Province throughout this process.” The journey to establish the Surrey Police Service has not been without its challenges. Both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Surrey Police Service have faced significant pressures during this transition period. Councillor Doug Elford wishes to extend his gratitude to all frontline law enforcement members from both organizations for their dedication and service to the community.

“Today, we call upon the residents of Surrey to join us in expressing our gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly to ensure public safety in our city,” emphasized Councillor Doug Elford. “This decision allows us to move forward, heal any divisions, and foster collaboration for the betterment of public safety for all residents and neighborhoods in Surrey.” Councillor Mandeep Nagra added, “This has been a very divisive process in our city since October, and it is now time to come together, heal wounds, and work collaboratively for the best public safety for all of Surrey’s residents and neighborhoods. Today’s decision is a testament to our dedication to serving the people of Surrey.”

The City of Surrey recognizes that the process leading up to this decision has been challenging for the community. However, Doug McCallum, Doug Elford, and Mandeep Nagra ers to manage their patient panel information and identify when they can accept new patients; a new clinic and provider registry for medical directors and staff to provide information about their clinics, so government can better support practitioner needs; working directly with Doctors of BC, and Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC to support family doctors and nurse practitioners with new registries; adding more co-ordinators who will help connect family doctors and nurse practitioners with patients locally; creating more incentives for clinics, family doctors and nurse practitioners to join, so that more people can connect with them; a broader health human resources strategy to recruit and retain more health professionals to ensure people in B.C. get the health services they need and are cared for by a healthy workforce; and providing more support for new team-based primary care in family practice clinics, urgent and primarycare centres, community health centres, nurse practitioner clinics and First Nations primary-care clinics. Through the registries, B.C. will have a comprehensive list of who is looking for a primary-care provider and who already has one, as well as which providers and clinics can accept new patients. Starting Nov. 30, 2023, and continuing quarterly, the Province will report on progress to add more family doctors and nurse practitioners, and on connecting more patients from the Health Connect Registry to a primary-care provider.

Source: news.gov.bc.ca/releases believe it is now time for the city to come together, mend wounds, and work collaboratively to achieve the highest standards of public safety for all of Surrey’s residents. The Safe Surrey Coalition wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Province of British Columbia for their ongoing support. They also acknowledge the citizens of Surrey for their patience and trust in their leadership. For media inquiries, please contact: Doug McCallum, Safe Surrey Coalition

Mother in B.C. Amber Alert case seen in Kamloops last weekend, may be accompanied by 2 men

SURREY, B.C. - Mounties say the suspect in an ongoing B.C. Amber Alert was seen grocery shopping in Kamloops last weekend – and that she may be accompanied by two men.

On Thursday, Surrey RCMP released new images of Verity Bolton and the truck and trailer she is believed to be travelling in. Bolton is the mother of eight-year-old Aurora Bolton and 10-year-old Joshuah Bolton, who are the subjects of an Amber Alert issued Wednesday. In surveillance video from the Kamloops grocery store where Verity Bolton was seen on July 15, the children are not present, police said. Cpl. Vanessa Munn said the suspect is also “likely travelling with two additional males” – her father, 74-year-old Robert Bolton, and her boyfriend, 53-year-old Abraxas Glazov.“They are believed to be in possession of an additional trailer – a large travel trailer,” Munn told reporters at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Authorities believe Verity Bolton is driving a “dirty, dark blue” 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 with B.C. licence plate SJ2708, and towing a white bumper pull horse trailer. A man identifying himself as the kids’ father posted on Facebook late Wednesday afternoon, saying the group may also be in possession of three dogs. “Two are about six months old and look similar and one puppy,” wrote Paul Beauregard. Police said they are concerned for the mother’s mental health and her ability to care for the children.

“Through the investigation, police made a determination that there was an imminent risk to the safety and wellbeing of Aurora and Joshuah,” Munn said.

Authorities also shared a statement on behalf of the children’s family on Thursday urging the public to “continue to be vigilant in looking for Josh and Aurora, who we miss greatly and hope … will be returned home safe very soon.”

“Our entire family is devastated by recent events,” the statement said. Mounties say the kids went on a planned vacation to the Okanagan with their mother on June 28. The children were seen two days later at Krafty Kitchen + Bar in Kelowna, then again passing through the Merritt area on July 7 – but have not been spotted since. Munn said they have no reason to suspect the mother and children have left the province, but will be “continuing to follow all investigative avenues.”

Aurora Bolton is described as 55 pounds, 3’11” tall, with brown eyes and brown shoulder-length hair that is likely in braids. She has a chipped front tooth, small freckles on her face, and was last seen wearing a blue dress with coloured flowers on it.

Joshuah Bolton is described as 70 pounds, 4’10” tall, with blue eyes and brown hair that is short-tomedium length, described as a grown out buzz cut. He was last seen wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Their mother, Verity Bolton, is 45 years old. She is described as 119 pounds, 5’2” tall, with brown hair and eyes. Speaking on Wednesday, Munn said police “believe that the mother is actually taking active steps to prevent the return of the children to their primary parents.”

She was supposed to return the children to their father – who’s their primary caregiver – on Monday, but didn’t.

No one has been able to contact her since.

In the photo released Thursday, Bolton is dressed in all black, wearing a black baseball cap and black sunglasses.

Police did not specify where in Kamloops the surveillance photo was taken, but said investigators have been able to confirm the photo is of her.

The Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation and is working with Kamloops RCMP, police said.

Anyone who spots the family is advised not to approach them, but to instead call 911.

Source: bc.ctvnews.ca/