NorthWest Muslim Magazine

Your Issues Your Voice

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

Fall 2020

EDITORIAL

In

this world we are all tested. As unique as we are, the tests are individually designed for us. It could be our health, knowledge, family, finances, our mindsets, crooked thinking process or something else. Though our purpose of being created is to worship Allah, tests are given to judge our attitudes and handling skills. Our trial is about what path we take, what ropes we hold and what thinking processes we go through. The result, regardless of how we do, does not count. َ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ ً َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ‫َ ً َّ َ َ ْ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ُّي‬ ْ ‫َع‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ن‬ ِ ‫م‬ - ‫ض ِز ينة لها لن لو م أ م أحسن ع ًل‬ ِ ‫ِإنا جعلنا ما لى اْلَْر‬

“Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed.” (18:7) There are varied topics discussed in this issue. Like how to overcome fear instilled by various sources, what are the common practices of successful people. The topics include halal investments, personal finances, role of charities in worldwide tensions. In addition to it, one of our writers, a longtime storyteller, has written a beautiful piece “A Prayer for A Parakeet”, for children. I hope you will enjoy it too.

Like always, we hope you will love all the heartfelt efforts done by our volunteer writers. Leave us with your comments and concerns at, northwestmuslim@gmail.com, we are looking forward to seeing you at next issue as well.

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Photo by brigitte-tohm-Bny on Unsplash 3

Contents Editorial

2

Contact Us, Like & Subscribe

5

I Am Successful Because…..

6

Growing Pains

10

Halal Investment

14

I Am Better Than Him

18

Beyond Fundraising

22

Lose The Chain & Hold The Rope

26

A Prayer For A Parakeet

30

Legacy

34

Pay-Day Loans

38

Back Cover

40

Photo by David Rodrigo on Unsplash

4

Contact us Send us a line at: northwestmuslim@gmail.com

View us at : https://issuu.com/northwestmuslim/ Interact & Follow us at: https://www.facebook.com/NorthWestMuslim/

Our Team Editors: Rabia Khan & Beenish Khurshid,

Writers: Amber Hashmi, Ayesha Nasir, Beenish Khurshid, Shaista Khurshid

Editor-in-Chief, Layout & Design: Shaista Khurshid

NorthWest Muslim Magazine, NWMM Š 2020 5

INSPIRATIONAL

Photo by Fabian Keller on Unsplash

6

By : Zeba Hashmi, London Ontario

H

ave you often heard this statement? “I have achieved this success because of my hard work.” It is a statement said from a subjective perspective of examining one’s own efforts. This

statement reflects the individual’s perseverance through the challenges they faced from their perspective. It also reflects a level of intelligence and smartness in the methods and choices made to arrive to the point of success. Attributing success to oneself and knowing

all the steps one had to overcome is an exhilarating feeling which can borderline on self-gratification and arrogance.

“

If we contemplate the capabilities that we have been pro- All of the above makes sense from a purely matevided by our Creator, Allah SWT, and attribute it to His rial and worldly point of

Mercy, we would certainly be more humbled.”

view. Why wouldn’t we be able to speak or boast about our success since we placed the effort in it? If we factor in the unknowns that could have affected our (Continued on page 8)

7

(Continued from page 7)

clothing, who must first meet

pathway to success, that perhaps

those challenges to elevate to a

we did not consider when making

point of self-actualization

the statement, the result would

(Maslow’s Hierarchy of

have been different. If we contem-

Needs). Every individual firstly has

plate the capabilities that we have

to understand their starting line of

been provided by our Creator, Al-

where they begin in their journey

lah SWT, and attribute it to His

towards attaining worldly success

Mercy, we would certainly be

is different. Poverty level is a ma-

more humbled.

jor one. Those who are struggling

There are many who would like to achieve worldly success in terms of a fulfilling career, monetary

gain, popularity, material possessions, and the list goes on. For some, success means having a peaceful life with stability but that also requires a level of stable income and basic needs. Consider the fact that there so many people

striving to achieve success. Poverty from a Canadian perspective is an individual or family living be-

to meet basic needs to survive face a steeper climb to the notion of worldly success. However, at

times, the struggle creates a drive. We all have witnessed so many good news stories of refugees who arrived with very little to

Canada and now are todays leaders. Some examples are Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development, Ahmed Hussein and businessman and philanthropist, Mohamad Fakih.

low the low income cut off (LICO -

An overall encompassing starting

which varies in the $30K range de-

point is one’s capabilities in their

pending on the province). Global-

God-given attributes. This may

ly, poverty possesses different

make them average, above or be-

standards. There are those with-

low the others. We know there is

out even the basic physical neces-

hikmah (wisdom) in what Allah (Continued on page 9)

sities of food, water, shelter, and 8

Photo by Fabian Kel

ller on Unsplash

(Continued from page 8)

When one arrives at that moment

SWT Blesses us with and we take

of success, always firstly reflect up-

those attributes and work with it in

on Allah SWT’s provisions and how

the best way possible. Allah SWT

He is the one Who helped achieve

made us all unique. He is the Merci-

the success. Unquestionably, this

ful and wants what is best for

runs alongside with placing effort

us. Even in what we see as failures,

towards an achievement. This is a

there is success that we cannot see

balance between belief and trust in

whether it is in the form of personal

Allah SWT and our own

growth, maintaining our humility, or

efforts. Therefore, while a success-

redirecting our

paths to

“

Even in what we see as failures, there is success that we cannot see whether it is in the form of personal growth, maintain-

ing our humility, or re-directing our paths to another direction.”

another direction.

ful achievement can bring us much pride and joy, always reflect upon

Society presents many levels of bar-

what privileges were available to

riers to different individuals. Our

you and overall, remember that it is

society-built values which are

Allah SWT, is the Ar-Razzaq (The

flawed, present systematic hinder-

Provider), and Al-Mughni (The En-

ing factors to those who may not fit

richer) Who makes every small and

the mold of the accepted form of a

big achievement possible.

successful person. Our appearance consisting of skin color, dressing, or speech, or disabilities, may not be accepted by those considered to be ‘mainstream.’ Therefore, a system consisting of biased gatekeepers,

unfair policies, and skewed practices can hinder the path to success.

9

HUMOR

By: Shaista Khurshid, Calgary Alberta

T

here is an unspoken bond or ‘honor among thieves’ between

south-Asians women, to not to ask about other women’s age.

Though other topics are open for discussion, like clothes, children, husbands, cars, houses etc, without a frown.

Don’t get me wrong, regardless of the rule, we are all curious about our friends

or foe’s ages all the time. Probably more so because it’s inaccessible to us. Or maybe we’re jealous or we feel competitive. In general we want to know everything about others but at the same time we want to keep tight lipped about our

own affairs. Meaning, we keep our skeletons in our own locked closets and never let them out in any circumstances.

Do Hide But Seek So, back to the original discussion. We have devel-

oped a subtle detective

method to find out the age of others. These detec-

tive methods are like in

any crime solving procedure: getting the clues, the

evidence, and (Continued on page 11)

Photo by Edward Howell on Unsplash

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(Continued from page 10)

determines an approximate to more

more. There was an older method,

accurate age.

which was used by our mothers and

Ca rb on Dating

grandmothers which required the date of marriage and date of birth of the chil-

Other methods involve checking Fa-

dren, but, we have established a more

cebook, Instagram, snapchat messages

sophisticated method to solve this con-

and

cern. Instead of finding out when the

photos. And God forbid, if someone posts

women married, and when the

older pic-

children were born, we like to

tures of

discuss plantar-fasciitis and

them-

find out who got it and when.

selves.

We

Trust me,

gather

this is a

our data by taking

goldmine in this subtle signs

of arthritis,

high choles-

terol, hair

loss, cataract,

colored

business. A picture is considered more than a thou-

sand words, but in this

greys and suc-

case, it gives away the

cessfully

converting into

timeline of a life. Since

the age

range. Sometimes,

fashion changes more than

to dig deep-

er into finding clues we

the seasons, and up to

gather data

about common diseases

date wise women keep an

usually

linked to age, to be

eye on all fashion trends

more clear.

The diseases are a vast

from dresses to shoes,

field and can

expand to vertigo, cata-

make-up, and furniture to

racts, arthri-

tis, neck and joint pains,

which model of Louis-

weight gain,

body weight and shape

Vuitton bag is that. We are

change. You

name it. The strongest

competitors

are hot flashes; this clue

(Continued on page 12)

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(Continued from page 11)

good at pinpointing the right time the picture was taken and guessing the age range of the subject investigated. Our methods can isolate the timeline better than carbon dating might do. So in a nutshell this detective business is not a joke and other people cannot even phantom what we can dig out from this method.

Formula for Success Why do we want to find out about other people's ages? There

is a whole psychology of insecurity behind it. Let’s start with when we were born. We are compared with others vehemently by anyone and everyone to random cousins, neighbors and more. So much so that a stranger walking by, can compare you to their daughters, nieces and granddaughters and still prove that how young and accomplished their progeny is compared to you. So, the formula for success is who gets the title of the

youngest (add a profession) for men and (add a married date + housekeeping training) for women. Though nobody dares to be proud of who died first (roll eyes) into the equation.

S av e y o u r B e h i n d So, we women have developed a system (based mostly on lies), that all our grandmothers are mar-

ried at 13, mothers at 15 and us at 17. This keeps the buffer period intact if accidently we didn’t produce three children one

after the other while maintaining a 90 lbs weight, but that is a discus(Continued on page 13)

12

(Continued from page 12)

cends from a sister to an aunty. This

sion for later.

means, I am young and fresh, and

Back to the

you’re old and wrinkled. I am better

topic of age,

than you, so watch out, you’re about

though we were

to be replaced. Just imagine, if they

all married by 17,

find out that you’re a real grandma.

but interestingly all of

Oh My God (I am dizzy - my world is

us have an undergrad degree by

spinning I hope nobody knows - ver-

then. How did that happen? Proba-

tigo)

bly we’re geniuses, or so (roll eyes).

Let’s stop here; I think you guys

The push for being younger stems

have already got a good idea about

from that old age is not gold age in

the growing pains of south-Asian

our culture. Though we say it. And

women. Please do not ask my age or

everyone does lip service to it, just

try to sneak into my Facebook, Insta-

like we do about black lives, indige-

gram, Spotify, or snapchat account.

nous affairs and Muslim discrimina-

Also do not try to judge me by my

tion, harassment, and women ineq-

children’s age. I married very young;

uity. In the same way the elderly is-

way too young. But I think you might

sues are swept under the rug.

already have guessed my age by

now.

Don’t get me wrong, we have very beautiful reverence words for older people in our language and

Shhhhh!!!!!

some of us do really mean it. But it is also used as a lethal weapon by some aunties. So that’s how it goes; As soon as they find out that you have a married son or daughter or a child in a university, your status as13

INVESTMENT

By: Beenish Khurshid, Montreal, Quebec

Photo By: Patrick Schneider on Unsplash

14

14

H

ustling is a word used to

interpretations. In the end, investing

describe working rapidly

is about hustling too, but it is our

and energetically, usually profession-

choice as to which type of hustle we

ally or in support of one's business

engage in.

or livelihood. But another definition of hustling is "the deceptive act of

THE HARAM

disguising one's skill in a sport or

AVOIDING RIBA (INTEREST)

game with the intent of luring someone of probably lesser skill into gam-

Allah relates the comparison of

bling (or gambling for higher than

another two words:

current stakes) with the hustler, as a

"Those who consume interest cannot

form of both a confidence trick and

stand [on the Day of Resurrection]

match fixing." according to Wikipe-

except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is

dia.

The same word, but very different 15

(Continued on page 16)

TYPES OF INVESTMENTS

(Continued from page 15)

because they say, "Trade is [just] like in-

Retirement/Education Savings

terest." But Allah has permitted trade

Plans/Tax Free Savings Accounts

and has forbidden interest. So whoever

Many governments provide retire-

has received an admonition from his

ment savings plans such as 401Ks or

Lord and desists may have what is past,

RRSPs. Many companies also provide

and his affair rests with Allah . But who-

investment matching as a benefit - if I

ever returns to [dealing in interest or

invest a dollar in my RRSP, my company

usury] - those are the companions of

may invest another 50 cents in my RRSP.

the Fire; they will abide eternally there-

Many companies provide default

in." (2:275)

plans with default investment mixes.

These default mixes often include hold-

MAYSIR (GAMBLING)

ings that are haram or most likely ha-

"O you who have believed, indeed, in-

ram such as guaranteed income, bonds,

toxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on]

or investments in financials, entertain-

stone altars [to other than Allah ], and

ment or arms manufacturing.

While default mixes are provided, you

divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you

can usually use the web interface pro-

may be successful.

vided by the broker, or book a meeting

Satan only wants to cause between you

with the agent dedicated to servicing

animosity and hatred through intoxi-

your company's plan, to modify the in-

cants and gambling and to avert you

vestment mix to a more pure plan.

from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not de-

STOCK OPTIONS AND DERIVATIVES

Many companies provide stock op-

sist?" (5:90-91)

(Continued on page 17)

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(Continued from page 16)

income supplement without engaging in

tions to their employees as a benefit or

the speculative nature of the instru-

bonus. Options are a form of derivatives ment.

- financial innovations that do not repre-

STOCKS

sent assets themselves, but derive value from underlying assets. Examples of oth-

Stocks are essentially shares in a com-

er derivatives include futures, forwards, pany you can buy or sell. Stocks may and swaps.

offer dividends - profit sharing for the

Muslims should be wary of most de-

stakeholders.

rivative products as they are usually

Buying or selling stocks, by and large, is

based on some principle, or contain

halal. Exceptions include taking shares in

some element, that Islam prohibits.

a company that engages in haram for ex-

Purchasing an option is essentially

ample owning a share in a bank that

purchasing the right to buy an asset for a transacts in interest. Stock trading may specific price for a specific duration of

also be haram if a trader engages in

time. For example the right to buy 100

speculative trading in a way that may be

stocks in XYZ corp until January 1st. Op-

considered gambling.

tions though can fall in the category of

BONDS AND GUARANTEED INCOME

Maysir - gambling - because of their speculative nature, the absence of value generation, and the presence of risk cre-

ation.

CERTIFICATES. Bondholders are the lendees of a loan

with an agreed upon interest rate, and

If your employer offers you options -

date of completion. Bonds are generally

you can choose to decline it, not exer-

Haram. Guaranteed income certificates

cise it, or exercise it immediately upon

are similar, and guarantee you a mone-

its maturity to accept it as a reward or

(Continued on page 18)

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(Continued from page 17)

sold to you) for example are ways to

tary rate of return on your money. GICs

make your real estate investment ha-

are always Haram.

ram.

Committing to an interest bearing loan

MUTUAL FUNDS

to purchase a property (mortgage) is al-

Mutual funds are a collection of assets so considered by most scholars to be habundled together and sold as part of a

ram.

single fund. Mutual funds are designed to make it easier on the investor to in-

OTHER HARAM HUSTLES

vest in a diversified and intelligent fund

Price speculation is generally consid-

without having to pick every stock or

ered haram. Selling haram products - for

bond in the fund.

example selling lottery tickets in your

Mutual funds may or may not be halal. Funds that invest in fixed income

convenience store - is haram. Buying, selling, trading, transporting (for exam-

such as GICs or bonds are haram. Funds ple, door dashing a meal with alcoholic

that contain shares in financials, enter-

beverages) or facilitating in the trade of

tainment, etc are generally Haram.

alcohol is also considered haram.

REAL ESTATE

HALAL OPTIONS

Investing in real estate for the sake of

Beyond the few things to avoid: inter-

owning assets, for living, or for business est, gambling, and alcohol, the vast ma-

(renting out) is halal. There are some

jority of trades and business interactions

(unusual) ways in which real estate in-

in Islam are Halal. Everything from

vesting can be made haram. Speculative starting your own business, being em-

investment, and engaging in shadow

ployed, sharing profits in a real-estate

flipping (selling a property before it is

(Continued on page 19)

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(Continued from page 18)

DOING YOUR RESEARCH

investment, to investing in stocks and

Investment is one thing where, while

mutual funds can be halal.

taking advice from people may be nice,

Many investment companies have started halal or "shariah compliant"

the decision - costs and benefits - lay

portfolios - from big banks to Muslim

squarely with you. Take your time to do

start-ups. A few names: Amana mutual

your research. Find out if the invest-

funds, Ansar Housing Cooperative,

ment is halal. Find out if it seems profit-

WealthSimple, TD Bank, CIBC, Lariba,

able. And if a deal sounds too good to

and the list goes on.

be true or shady, steer clear. Aim to create value, and support businesses that

ACCEPTING RISK AND LOSS

are creating value as a principle.

But some fundamentals to consider when investing: all (halal) investment

Once you have tied your proverbial

carries risk of loss. A principle I recom-

camel, trust in Allah and realize he is

mend: never invest more in something

the one who extends and restricts rizq.

than you are willing to lose completely.

We are all probably going to go through

For example, if you invest $10,000 in a

times of plenty and times of little. It is

set of ten companies - accept the possi-

the character with which we handle

bility that one, two, or all ten stocks

prosperity and deal with poverty that

may tank to almost negligible value.

defines us in God's sight. So earn with

That being said, also understand that

purity, spend with generosity, and keep

cash holdings are an investment, and

your faith in God alone.

that as recently as 2009 (Greece), mon-

ies have severely devalued to the point where a currency lost most of its value.

Quranic Reference: https://quran.com/

19

REFLECTION

By Shaista Khurshid, Calgary Alberta Note: This article has been adapted from “Better Than You”, NorthWest Muslims Magazine March-2018

Photo By: Charles Tyler on Unsplash

20

A

common proverb is: “It takes a vil-

Though, when we unintentionally see our-

lage to raise a child” and during this

selves on a higher rank, while deeming

upbringing we subtly acquire the atti-

others as lesser, in knowledge, under-

tudes and characters of the village which

standing, piety, good deeds, looks, status

raised us. We also subconsciously adopt

and more; we are in a state of self-

their habits, culture or philosophy. Togeth-

righteousness. Moreso, Judging others

er it makes us who we are as a per-

constantly for their deeds, acts, or exist-

son. Though the village might want us to

ence, or thinking about it, is also a form of

acquire only the best they could offer but we sub-

“

His error was to believe that he is better than someone who is made with mud because he is created from fire. “

consciously attain attitudes and philoso-

self-righteousness. Self-righteousness is

phy which might not be positive. One of

unconscious thinking which feeds us that

them is self righteousness.

we are better than others. Our religion,

W HAT IS SE LF RI GH T EOUSNE SS? “Self-righteousness is a feeling or display of moral superiority derived from a sense that one's beliefs, actions, or affiliations are of greater virtue than those of the average person. Wikipedia

our way of life, our thinking processes, whatever path we’re on is the best while others are inferior than us in most forms.

ORIGI NAL SI N

‫قَا َل َما َمنَ َع َك َأ اَّل ت َ ْس ُجدَ إ ْذ َأ َم ْرت َُك قَا َل َأَنَ خ ْ ٌَْي ِمنْ ُه َخلَ ْقتَ ِ​ِن‬ ِ ٍ‫ِم ْن َنَ ٍر َو َخلَ ْقتَ ُه ِم ْن ِطي‬ [ Allah] said, "What prevented you from

Most of us will think, what is this talking (Continued on page 22)

about? I can’t be self-righteous?

21

(Continued from page 21)

prostrating when I commanded you?" [Satan] said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay." [Quran 7:12] What was Satan’s mistake which led him to fall from grace, heaven, and status? His self righteousness which

led him to arrogance. It was hidden beneath the core of his piety and worship, which sprouted like a greenery, after the rain, from his heart. He did not do most sins which is common among us; he was an

loud but inadvertently, we say that I am better than you. Selfrighteousness whether it is a hidden superiority complex or open arrogance; this can trickle us to patronize and to express apathy towards

others.

‫إَّلل ُي َز ِ ِّك َمن‬ ُ ‫ون أَن ُف َسهُم ۚ ب َ ِل ا‬ َ ُّ‫َألَ ْم تَ َر إ َ​َل ا ِإَّل َين ُي َزك‬ ِ َ َ ْ َ‫ش‬ ‫ي‬ - ‫ون فَتِ ًيل‬ ‫م‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ظ‬ ‫ي‬ ‫َّل‬ ‫و‬ ‫ء‬ ‫ا‬ َ َ ُ ُ َ ُ “Have you not seen those who claim themselves to be pure? Rather, Allah purifies whom He wills, and injustice is not done to them, [even] as much as a thread [inside a date seed].”(4:49)

obedient servant. His mistake was

The opposite of self-righteousness

arrogance. His error was to believe

is humbleness. The humbleness

that he is better than someone who

starts with the love of Allah. When

is made with mud because he is cre-

we love Allah, we are obedient to

ated from fire. In his understanding,

Him and responsive to His signs. The

somehow, fire was superior to mud.

signs of Him also include His crea-

This self-superiority had caused him

tion. The love towards His creation

this great fall.

without judgement is a sign of hum-

If we think that we are better, be-

bleness.

cause we are Muslim, more reli-

It is recognizing others as creations

gious, or more pious, or we pray all

of Allah and our equal. We should

prayers, so on and so forth; we judge

know that all humans and jinn are

others as lesser. We do not say it out

(Continued on page 23)

Photo By: Charle

22

(Continued from page 22)

fallible and sinners. Understanding that we are together in this test of life and not here to compete with each other. We can shift our mindset from scrutinizing, mimicking,

and weighing in terms of inferior or superior. Instead we can understand that we are all struggling

together to be better in the eyes of Allah. Understanding that our job on this earth is not to observe and scrutinize other’s mistakes, instead

to keep ourselves from noticing people's faults. Enjoin good and forbid evil without the judgement

or belief that others sin more. Understanding that we are all together placed on this earth by Allah and He tests us the way He deems

appropriate. Lastly, we will have to face our lord one day. having a firm belief that this earth is an exami-

nation center and not the convocation day.

‫أ َ​َي ُت َأُّيُّ َا إلنا ُاس إَنا َخلَ ْقنَ ُاُك ِمن َذ َك ٍر َو ُأ َ ٰنَث‬ ِ َ‫َو َج َعلْنَ ُاُكْ ُش ُع ًوًب َوقَ َبائِ َل ِل َت َع َارفُوإ ۚ إ ان َأ ْك َر َم ُ ُْك ِعند‬ ِ ِ‫ا‬ ٌ‫إَّلل عَ ِل ٌمي َخبِْي‬ َ ‫إَّلل َأتْ َق ُاُكْ ۚ إ ان ا‬ ِ

es Tyler on Unsplash

23

O mankind, indeed, we have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. [Quran 49:1 Our upbringing and way we notice things can ignite self-righteousness in us. But, If we understand who we are,

why are we here, what is our relationship with individuals on this earth and finally who our God is, it will help. We should be thankful to the village who raised us but we should shed the maladaptive behaviours. It takes a conscious and conscientious effort to recog-

nize self righteousness and arrogance in us and keeping it off limits from our heart is worth the hassle.

‫ه َُو َأعْ َ َُل ِب ُ ُْك إ ْذ أَنشَ أَ ُ​ُك ِم َن ْ َإْل ْر ِض َوإ ْذ أَ ُ ْنُت َأ ِجنا ٌة ِ​ِف‬ ِ - ‫ون ُأ امهَاتِ ُ ُْك ۖ فَ َل تُ َزكُّوإ أَن ُف َس ُ ُْك ۖ ه َُو ِ َأعْ َ َُل ِب َم ِن إت ا َق ٰى‬ ِ ‫بُ ُط‬ “He was most knowing of you when He produced you from the earth and when you were fetuses in the wombs of your mothers. So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.” (53:32) Quranic Reference: https://quran.com/

THOUGHT PROVOKING

By Ayesha Nasir, Hamilton, Ontario

Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash

24

T

he headline from Sky News is jarring: “Coronavirus will

'delete Yemen from maps all over the world'”.

The headline quoted a Yemeni engineer and the rest of the report looked at the rising deaths in Yemen due to COVID-19 and the pre-existing humanitarian crisis due to the war in Yemen.

The United Nations Refugee Agency in Yemen, also quoted in the article, said that “the coronavirus may be the straw which will break the camel's back in Yemen.” The piece made references to donor funding being reduced in the pandemic and the closure of some programs at the UNHCR. (Continued on page 26)

25

(Continued from page 25)

operating in dire conditions and they are unable to publicly

Soon after, NGOs started using

name their diagnosis. What

the same language to describe

they are forced to do instead is

how the country was going to

name the symptoms they can

be wiped out if donors around

without getting in too much

the world did not do anything

political trouble for it.

about it. What these NGOs did not add in many of the initial

Few, if any, charities are able to

posts was the context to what

name a crisis for what it truly

was going on in Yemen. Chari-

is. They obfuscate the root

ties framed what was happen-

causes of the death and devas-

ing in Yemen as a humanitarian

tation that they operate with.

crisis, with no mention of a

Take for example the ways

war, without framing it as a war

charities have responded to the

that was resulting in a humani-

COVID-19 pandemic. They will

tarian crisis.

name it. They will do all they can to convince you, their po-

A country is not a volcano that

tential or existing donor, that

erupts on its own. Likewise, the

it’s their priority to address it.

conflict in Yemen is not a prob-

In fact, one of the charities

lem which charitable donations

wrote on Instagram: “As coro-

can fix.

navirus spreads, Yemen’s health system has completely

Charities often operate in in-

collapsed & the country is on

credibly difficult circumstances

verge on famine.”

where there are like doctors with their hands tied. They are

(Continued on page 27)

Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash 26

(Continued from page 26)

president, said in Macleans re-

To make no mention of the war

garding the phone call she got

in Yemen or to dilute the im-

from Barack Obama:

pact that ongoing war is doing

“President Obama gave his

is a disservice to the work that

sympathy to the families. One

charities themselves are doing.

of the things is, I actually never

Take for example the bombing

thanked the president. What I

of a hospital by the Obama ad-

said is, I acknowledge that

ministration in 2015. Médecins

you’re giving sympathy to the

Sans Frontières (Doctors With-

people who have lost a loved

out Borders) took notice that

one, the 42 families, and I will

their trauma centre in Kunduz,

relay the message. And the

Afghanistan was attacked and

reason why is, I could not

42 people were killed. They

thank someone who killed 42

wrote that the airstrike was a

people, bottom line. So that

“blatant breach of Internation-

was it. People were really up-

al Humanitarian Law”.

set about that. I still think it was the right thing to do.”

They made no broader statement on the American military

May all charities, Muslim or

occupation of Afghanistan, but

otherwise, have the capacity to

they did not have to. They

say and do the right thing.

called out the government for

threatening its facilities through this attack, for killing the people it worked to cure,

and for labelling them as collateral damage. Dr. Joanne Liu, the organisation’s international 27

CRITICAL THINKING

By : Shaista Khurshid, Calgary Alberta

F

ear, like any other

commits genocides and sui-

emotion, is pow-

cides. It is so strong that one

erful. It can

can control masses of people

change our world in unimagi-

through this emotion,

nable forms, if not addressed

(Example: Pharaoh & Moses)

properly. This emotion can be

for generations.

inherited, experienced or instilled by others easily. It is

“

fear, which can force us to do

Shaitan’s one of the strongest tools used to divert a believer, is fear. He does not in-

Fear of anything creates bondage. It chains us down to a specific place, thought, system, notion, bias, or narrative, while hope and forgiveness frees us to think and choose. “

things which we may not do in normal circumstances. It's dread of that deep fear which 28

still fear of God, as he himself (Continued on page 29)

away.

(Continued from page 28)

is very much fearful to Allah. He instills fear

Fear is systematically instilled either in the

of poverty, loss, hunger, and more, to exert

form of sudden hush or through slow poi-

control over humans.

soning of the mind. It can be instilled

‫ا‬ ‫إَّلل ي َ ِعدُ ُ​ُك ام ْغ ِف َر ًة ِمنْ ُه‬ ُ ‫إلش ْي َط ُان ي َ ِعدُ ُ ُ​ُك إلْفَ ْق َر َويَأْ ُم ُرُ​ُك ًِبلْفَ ْحشَ ا ِء ۖ َو ا‬ - ‫إَّلل َو ِإس ٌع عَ ِل ٌمي‬ ُ ‫َوفَضْ ًل ۗ َو ا‬

through lies, omitted truths, repetitions of un-factual data and propaganda. Whatever

“Satan threatens you with poverty and or-

the way it gets in, the path to get it out is

ders you to immorality, while Allah promis-

long and tedious. On the other hand, any-

es you forgiveness from Him and bounty.

one who is fearless cannot be controlled

And Allah is all-Encompassing and Know-

easily. Having an open heart and mind can

ing.”(2:268)

make one strong enough to combat fear.

َ ‫إلش ْي َط ِان إ ْذ قَا َل ِل ْل َنس ِان إ ْك ُف ْر فَلَ اما كَفَ َر قَا َل إ ِّن بَ ِري ٌء ِم‬ ‫َ​َكَثَلِ ا‬ ‫نك‬ ِ ِ ِ ‫إَّلل َر اب إلْ َعالَ ِم َي‬ َ ‫إ ِّن أَخ َُاف ا‬ ِ [The hypocrites are] like the example of Satan when he says to man, "disbelieve." but when he disbelieves, he says, "indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I fear Al-

creates bondage. It chains us down to a specific place,

“

ِ ‫إَّلل َجَ ِ ي ًعا َو ََّل تَفَ ارقُوإ ۚ َو ْإذ ُك ُروإ ِن ْع َم َت ا‬ ِ ‫َوإ ْع َت ِص ُموإ ِ َِب ْبلِ ا‬ ‫إَّلل عَلَ ْي ُ ُْك إ ْذ‬ ِ َ ُ ‫نُت عَ َٰل شَ فَا‬ ْ ُ ‫نُت أَ ْعدَ ًإء فَأَل ا َف ب َ ْ َي قُلُوِب ُ ُْك فَأَ ْص َب ْح ُ​ُت ِبنِ ْع َمتِ ِه ِإخ َْوإَنً َوك‬ ْ ُ ‫ُك‬ ‫ون‬ ُ ‫ُح ْف َر ٍة ِم َن إلنا ِار فَأَنقَ َذ ُ​ُك ِمْنْ َا ۗ كَ َ َٰذ ِ َِل يُ َب ِ ُي ا‬ َ ُ‫إَّلل لَ ُ ُْك أ َ​َيتِ ِه لَ َعلا ُ ُْك َتَ ْ َتد‬ -

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And re-

lah, lord of the worlds."(59:16) Fear of anything

The opposite of fear is hope.

member the favor of Allah upon you Be wary of Him. Fear Him only, with reverence, gratitude and His power. He has command over all, and He is an enabler of everything.”

thought, system, notion, bias, or narrative, while hope and forgiveness frees us to think and choose. It expands our wings to

explore and help us understand the right purpose to live, sincerely. Hope is a tool

when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the

edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you (Continued on page 30)

which helps us to open our wings and fly 29

(Continued from page 29)

from it. Thus, does Allah make clear

to you His verses that you may be

‫ْص ُ ُْه َو ْ َإْل ْغ َل َل إل ا ِ​ِت َ​َكن َْت عَلَْيْ ِ ْم ۚ فَ ا ِاَّل َين أ َمنُوإ ِب ِه‬ َ ْ ‫َعْنْ ُ ْم إ‬ ِ ‫َ​َصو ُه َوإت ا َب ُعوإ إلنُّ َور ا ِإَّلي أُن ِز َل َم َع ُه ۙ أُولَ َٰ ئِ َك ُ ُ​ُه‬ ُ َ ‫َو َع از ُرو ُه َون‬ ‫ون‬ َ ‫إلْ ُم ْف ِل ُح‬

guided.”(103:3) There are many times chains are created to trap us into systems, sins, or gaslight us into self-destructive thought processes. It also ensnares us to something which is designed to

cause harm. This is an incredibly compelling way to control us. We should be wary of that, but also

there are times when we chain ourselves too. We entrap ourselves to cultural or religious practices, belief

“

systems, economic systems, and ideologies. This belief is enormously strong, that it

holds us to the

“Those who follow the messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they

find written in what they have of the Torah and the gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids

them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So, they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him, and followed

Shackles, ties, fears, or apprehensions, hold us down; while Allah’s rope keeps us free to roam and explore our options. “

post. Where we are unable to see beyond. It controls us in such a way

that we cannot move, think, or sometimes even breathe.

the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful”-( 7:157) Allah for Himself commands us to be wary of him. Fear him only with

‫ون اإلر ُسو َل إلنا ِ اِب ْ ُإْل ِم اي ا ِإَّلي َ​َيِدُ ون َ ُه َم ْكتُ ًوًب‬ َ ‫ا ِإَّل َين يَت ا ِب ُع‬ ِ ‫ِعندَ ُ ُْه ِ​ِف إلتا ْو َرإ ِة َو ْإَّل ِجنيلِ يَأْ ُم ُر ُ​ُه ًِبلْ َم ْع ُر‬ ‫اُه َع ِن‬ ْ ُ َ ْ‫وف َويَْن‬ ِ ‫إلط ِيِ َب‬ ‫إلْ ُمنكَ ِر َو ُ ُِي ُّل لَه ُ​ُم ا‬ ‫ات َو ُ​ُي َِر ُم عَلَْيْ ِ ُم إلْ َخ َبائِ َث َويَضَ ُع‬

reverence and more, as He is the one

who can do things. He is the Enabler (Continued on page 31)

30

(Continued from page 30)

of everything.

‫إن ا َما َذَٰ ِل ُ ُ​ُك ا‬ -‫ي‬ ِ ُ‫وُه َوخَاف‬ ْ ُ ُ‫إلش ْي َط ُان ُ​ُي َِو ُف َأ ْو ِل َيا َء ُه فَ َل َ​َتَاف‬ َ ‫ون إن ُك ُنُت ُّم ْؤ ِم ِن‬ ِ

ِ

“That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So, fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed]

believers.”(3:175) Allah wants us to cut off all the chains, free ourselves from, fears, notions, narratives, biases and crooked

thinking process

“

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”

and practices. Whether it comes from ourselves, environments, belief systems or cultures. At the same time hold the rope of Allah and keep it as a guide to navigate through life. In our lives and thinking, it's only Allah who should be feared. Fear Him with love, reverence

and that He is all-mighty, He has power to do anything and everything. Understand that, shackles, ties, fears, or apprehensions hold us down; while Allah’s rope

keeps us free to roam and explore our options. It helps us to choose for ourselves whatever is best for us, through the guidance Allah gave us. It raises us above to where Allah wants us to be and to the purpose He created us for.

‫ون‬ ِ ُ‫َو َما َخلَ ْق ُت إلْجِ ان َو ْإَّل َنس إ اَّل ِل َي ْع ُبد‬ ِ ِ “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”(56:51) Quranic Reference: https://quran.com/

31

KIDS CORNER

By Ayesha Nasir, Hamilton, Ontario

S

awsan was very excited when her city’s animal welfare shelter called her parents back. They were going to adopt a parakeet!

She could not wait to talk to the

newest member of her family, tell her

about her day, and watch as she ate and drank from what they gave her.

Sawsan’s father had placed the online order for the birdcage. “It was quite expensive,” said Sawsan’s mother, “But it should be a nice home for the little fellow.”

As the “New best friend”, as Sawsan kept calling the parakeet, was expected to move in soon, Sawsan tried (Continued on page 33)

Illustrations By: Shaista Khurshid

32

(Continued from page 32)

their home, Sawsan’s fa-

the other. Her mother

to remember what all the

ther finally looked up from

would keep asking wheth-

documentaries on this cre-

the newspaper and nod-

er Sawsan had finished the

ation of Allah had said. She

ded in agreement. Her

list of tasks she had been

wanted to be able to teach

mother, who was repotting

given for the bird-proofing.

her friend a few words

a plant, looked at the bird

Sawsan

that could be said. She also

and said, “Sawsan, all crea-

putting it off and once,

was worried if her house

tures belong in their true

when she got very an-

was big and safe enough

homes and the only reason

noyed at her mother, she

for it to fly in. Her mother

I’m letting you domesticate

lied and said she had done

had said they would need

this bird is because you

all of them. After that,

to bird-proof their home,

promised to be responsi-

Sawsan’s mother did not

but Sawsan was not too

ble.”

ask her about the tasks

worried. She thought the parakeet would be fine.

would

keep

again.

As if on cue, the parakeet

The little fellow was a

chirped

loudly.

nodded

too

Sawsan

once

Since school was closed

and

due to the pandemic, her

bright creature of wonder

thought she could do the

teachers were conducting

when it arrived. Sawsan

bird-proofing later.

the classes online. But

could hardly stop smiling

whenever it was Sawsan’s

at it. She turned seven in

“I’m going to name you

March and with COVID-19

Widad,” Sawsan said to

would peep from her cage

and all her plans being

the parakeet, peeking at

and make a whole lot of

cancelled,

her from outside the cage.

noise. Poor Sawsan. She

bringing

the

idea

of

home

a

pet

seemed even more appealing.

turn

to

speak,

Widad

apologised for the interA week of excitement

ruption, introduced

her

passed for Sawsan and in

class to her new family

her

assign-

member, and muted her-

When her mother repeat-

ments, she kept writing

(Continued on page 34)

ed the need to bird-proof

about Widad one way or

homework

33

Sawsan had carefully picked

(Continued from page 33)

self as early as she could.

“Sawsan, I’m going to tell

Sawsan’s friends waved to

you some news which will

Widad which made Sawsan

be difficult to hear right

very happy.

now,” her mother began

One day, Sawsan woke up

speaking.

out for her were also just as she had last left them.

Sawsan cried more than she ever remembered cry-

with a strange sense of

ing. In her heart, she felt

dread. She went to the cage

Sawsan, who had climbed

and found that it was emp-

onto the kitchen counter,

Widad’s death and she

ty. Maybe Widad was flying

jumped off right away. She

wanted to tell her mother

somewhere in the house?

feared the worst. Their con-

how sorry she was for lying

Sawsan tiptoed to the kitch-

versation was interrupted

instead of doing the tasks

en to surprise her. But all

when her father walked in

she was assigned. She told

she ended up surprising

from the backdoor into the

her parents that she would

was her mother who was

kitchen. His hands were

like to see Widad before she

making pancakes.

covered with dirt and he

was buried and she would

was carrying his gardening

like to pray for her. Her fa-

tools.

ther hugged her. Sawsan

Sawsan’s tummy rumbled with hunger. “Have you seen

Widad?”

very

responsible

for

and her mother followed

Sawsan

Her parents told her that

him outside to the small

asked her mother who nod-

Widad had passed away.

garden where her mother

ded and brought a finger to

They were not sure how but

did her gardening.

her lips, pointing at her

when they woke up for Fajr

phone. A Quran recitation

prayers and pulled back the

“I got your mother’s per-

that her parents loved was

cloth from the cage, she lay

mission and dug a grave for

playing and her mother

there quietly with a puffed

Widad in her garden,” said

waited till the verse ended

up chest. The water that

Sawsan’s father.

and paused the audio be-

was in her cage was un-

fore the next verse could

touched, her perches were

begin.

empty, and the toys that 34

(Continued on page 35)

(Continued from page 34)

Widad was softly laid into the small grave and Sawsan attended the first funeral of her life. She prayed for this lovely parakeet that had so briefly lived with her. She prayed for all the parakeets in

the world, that they were all safe and healthy. As she did so, she noticed two sparrows sit on the boundary wall of her home. Sawsan wondered if these birds

were doing alright.

“Give her a better friend then I was to her

and let her roam in a world where there are no cages, Ameen,” said Sawsan and her mother, who was so moved by her prayer, kissed her on the forehead and

looked up at the sky.

Next week, Sawsan helped her parents plant a tree in the garden. “I want the sparrows to have a more comfortable place to sit. Maybe they can build a nest in this tree,” Sawsan said, thinking of how

uncomfortable the boundary walls would be for the sparrows who were there each day.

35

Illustrations By: Shaista Khurshid

WONDER

Adapted & republished from previous Issue of NorthWest Muslim Magazine

Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash

36 36

“

A Character is not something that can be

studied in a library or written in journals or in history. It is when nations are ingrained

with morality since birth. “

I

reached 40 years of age recently. Looking back at the plentiful and varied years, I couldn’t help but think: SubhanAllah, how far Allah has brought me,

and into places so unknown. But as I look back, I also think, who was I over the past 40 years, and who does that make me?

In Islam, the first 40 years of a person’s life is considered their youth. Youth is a time for a person to grow, learn, change, and acquire maturity. Through these years, we develop our defining char-

acter, morals, etiquettes, and habits.

Now let’s play a game. If there was one adjective you could use to describe yourself, what would it be? What about one adjective (Continued on page 38)

37

(Continued from page 37)

to describe your best-friend, or your

How did Muhammad (SAW) acquire those

spouse, or your close associate?

attributes, or were they just part of his

Some of the words we may come up

genes?

with are positive: kind, caring, generous.

Others might be negative: impulsive, hate-

ful, angry. Some of these attributes are acquired: gained through constant and ha-

years of Muhammad (SAW)’s life after Prophethood that we forget the characteristics of our Prophet which he not only

bitual practice, while others just reflect

exhibited, but also inspired others with,

the nature of our personality: happy-go-

long before prophethood. These charac-

lucky, shy.

teristics were built and exhibited from his

Now the people of Arabia, 1400 years PERSON

We as Muslim often so focus on the 23

YOU

YOUR SIBLING OR SPOUSE

early stages of life, and are basic charac-

BEST FRIEND

MUHAMMAD (SAW)

MUSLIMS

WHO WANT TO BE

The Truthful The Trustworthy

DEFINING ATTRIBUTE

ago, could have asked this same question: what is one word you can use to describe Muhammad, a man, a trader, not yet a

teristics of humanity.

Now let’s play another game. Let’s analyze us Muslims. We are 1.8 billion on this

Prophet. And their answer would have

earth right now. What is one attribute you

been “As-Sadiq” or “Al-Amin” - translated as “The Truthful” and “The Trustworthy”.

In fact, these were the titles accorded to

would use to describe a Muslim? Do you think the answer would be “As Sadiq and Al-Amin”? Unfortunately, I don’t believe it

him because of the consistent and exem(Continued on page 39)

plary nature of these characters of his.

38

This is when Shirk becomes something

(Continued from page 38)

which feels like being thrown into a burn-

would be.

ing fire.

What about other characteristics of his: It is when the “Muslims” are called the

his generosity without expectation of re-

followers of Muhammad

turn; His standing up for

(SAW) The Truthful, The

the vulnerable and the

Trustworthy. It is when na-

poor; or his participating in the alliance against

curbing an ingrained culture of war.

Character is not some-

thing that can be studied in a library or written in

tions produce civilizations.

“

It is then when people We as Muslim often so focus on

the 23 years of Muhammad (SAW)’s life after Prophethood that we for-

look upon Muslims, and see them as their guiding star.

Abu Umamah reported: A man asked the Messen-

journals or in history. It is

get the characteristics of

when nations are in-

our Prophet which he not

grained with morality

only exhibited, but also

blessings be upon him,

inspired others with, long

“What is faith?” The

before prophethood.”

Prophet said, “If you are

since birth. You can find character when, instead of

ger of Allah, peace and

happy with your good

lying and deception being

deeds and saddened by

an ingrained habit, the

your bad deeds, you are a

thought of it becomes a

believer.” The man said,

burden. When skimming

“O Messenger of Allah, what is sin?” The

someone out of his or her right becomes a

Prophet said, “If something waivers in

painful thought. When everyone is watch-

your soul, you should leave it.” (Musnad

ful of his or her tongue. When you do to

Aḥmad)

others what you would like for yourself.

39

FINANCES

By: Beenish Khurshid, Montreal, Quebec

I

recently ran in-

short-term, unsecured, high-

to a sponsored

interest loans. A borrower

challenging as it will involve

article in a well

may be short $300 for the

cutting back, not only for

known newspaper discussing

month, borrow $300 from

yourself, but for your wife

strategies for getting out of

the Pay-Day agency, with the

and children, and can come

debts. Their solution

intention of paying the loan

with a feeling of not being

(regrettably) was a Pay-Day

back on his next paycheck.

able to provide a good quali-

loan from, from the sponsor-

Unfortunately, borrowing

ty of life for your family. This

ing company of course.

$300 one month may mean

step can really hurt, but re-

paying the agency back $650

member: even while living on

in two months - putting the

less, a family can find ways to

world I despise more than

borrower in an even more

make joy and happiness.

Pay-Day loans. For one, the

precarious situation than

Look for things like cutting

concept - charging people

when they began.

out brand names, reducing

There are few things in the

money for borrowing money

So what should someone

This step can be quite

spending on things like cloth-

- is categorically haram in Is-

do if they are short one

ing, accessories. Consider re-

lam. Pay-Day loans also take

month, or are consistently

placing your car with a less

advantage of people in des-

short one month to the

costly to maintain one, and a

perate situations - making

next? Take a step back and

more fuel efficient one. You

deceptive promises, obliging

assess your situation. How

may also consider switching

people to pay more money

much money is coming in?

to public transit and calling

than they have.

How much money is going

your car insurance to report a

out? What are you spending

reduction in mileage. A long-

Pay-Day loans are small, Photo By: luca-bravo on Unsplash

on? What can be cut-back?

40

(Continued on page 41)

(Continued from page 40)

ends meet - either to pay off

reduction in expenses. May-

er term move to reduce ex-

debts, or to make ends meet

be it is working more hours.

penses is to move to a less

month to month. While it is

Whatever you need to make

costly home - rent, heat,

hard to do, there is a time

your situation work, make it

electricity and other costs

where one needs to lean on

happen. No one else will, or

combined.

the community safety net. If

can do that for you. Strive,

your situation is getting dire,

and be intelligent, about

ber is that while holding fi-

reach out to trusted friends

earning for your family,

nancial burden independent-

or family for support. If not

getting advice, support and

ly may feel like one's duty,

financial, your social network

help from people as needed.

most wives and spouses are

can help you in other ways -

receptive to difficulties a pro-

free childcare for example.

vider may be having, under-

You can also reach out to or-

standing, and providing at

ganizations in your communi-

While we try our best to

least a shoulder of comfort

ty that are dedicated to help-

provide for ourselves and our

and kind ear to discuss solu-

ing Muslims in challenging

families, at the end of the

tions with. Letting your

situations. Organizations

day, it is Allah that provides

spouse know will help you

such as Muslim Family Net-

for us. We work, but we trust

two face the challenges of

work Society, National Zakat

in Allah to provide. And if He

financial stress together, sup-

Foundation, or the Toronto

is restricting our provisions,

porting each other through

Muslim Food Bank.

He is only testing us and

thick and thin.

Many governments also pro-

testing the Muslim communi-

vide social services such as

ty as to which of us is best in

welfare for people in dire

deed. Keep it halal, no matter

conditions.

how hard it gets. Remember

Another thing to remem-

REACH OUT FOR HELP There are times when adjusting our lifestyle, moving

the afterlife is better than the RESTRUCTURE YOUR LIFE

to a smaller house, or working longer hours doesn't cut it, and you need help making

TRUST IN ALLAH

world. And remember your Muslim brothers should be,

Maybe a higher paying job is what you need. Maybe a 41

and are there to support you.

NorthWest Muslim Magazine, NWMM © 2020