BMMA marks successful Muharram in Trinidad
For the third year in a row, the Bilal Muslim Mission of Americas (BMMA) participated in the Ashrae-Muharram (1418/1997) in Trinidad. The success of enlightening the Trinidadians in general and Muslims in particular was very successful indeed.
Every night majlises were held in Port of Spain, the Capital of Trinidad, at Imame Zamana Centre. The theme this year was the message of Imam Hussein (a.s.) in redeeming mankind by breaking the chains of tyranny and adapting freedom with self respect as taught by Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.). Niyaz was also served every night.
Lectures were also delivered in St. James and Cocorite on the 8th ,9th and 10th nights at different Chawks(Imambaras) where Tadjas(tazias) were constructed and paraded on the streets of St. James. The theme of the lectures here were to dispel myths and falsehood perpetrated by the media and other critics on the Hossay Procession.
The BMMA printed fliers for the Flag Night, Small Hossay Night and Big Hossay Night. These fliers had a very big impact on the Shia Community and on Trinidadians in general. Only one article against the Hossay Procession was printed in local papers compared to dozens of articles in previous years. The local Government officials admitted at the Hussein Day Seminar that the efforts of BMMA have paid dividends and that the solemnity of the Procession is being realized by the participants and the onlookers and that merrymaking and alcohol drinking is less apparent.
On May 16, 1997 the BMMA was invited to participate in local TV and radio shows which were broadcast Live. Questions by viewers were answered. On May 17, the Imame Zamana Mission organized a Procession from Port of Spain to St. James (approximately 4 miles). Previously this Procession came out simultaneously with the Hossay Procession. This year it came out an hour before the Hossay Procession and received undivided attention. Unfortunately, the Sunni Mosque in St. James where this procession used to conclude was closed but the police allowed the Procession to occupy a portion of a recreation area which was recently constructed on the Main Street by the Municipality of St. James. Alhamdulillah history was made. The first public lecture on the streets of St. James on Imam Hussein (a.s.) was delivered. This lecture was heard by onlookers in silence as the Hossay Procession with drums was not yet out on the streets. The event was a complete success.
The BMMA hopes to continue with efforts to propagate Shiite Islam in the Caribbean and South America.
Extra-Ordinary Conference removes leadership restriction Clause in WF Constitution
At the Extra-Ordinary Conference held at the Husaini Shia Islamic Centre, Stanmore, Middlesex, United Kingdom on 7 June, 1997 to discuss the deletion of Clause 20.1 from the World Federation Constitution, the Motion to delete this clause was passed. Of those who voted, 83% were in favour of the deletion with 98 voting for and 20 against. Clause 20.1 previously restricted the President's term to a maximum of two consecutive terms. The Clause, now deleted, read "A person who has served two full consecutive terms as President shall not be eligible to be re-elected for the third term but may be elected thereafter." Nearly 200 Councillors, delegates and observers from 32 towns, 12 countries, 4 continents attended. The meeting was Chaired by the current President of the World Federation, Mulla Asgher. Voting was done by a show of hands.
Faezeh advocates on Female ministers, hijab and polygamy
Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was elected to parliament in March, 1996 expressed hope that Iran will soon have a female minister but said it is too early for the Islamic Republic to have a female president.
When Faezeh, who is the daughter of former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, was asked about the Islamic Republic's rules requiring women to wear hijab, Hashemi said, "administering Islamic rules and regulations in our society have created confidence and trust towards our women which has enabled them to be active in all different social fields from the most remote areas of our country to the urban and rural areas.
"Therefore, I as an Iranian woman would like to say we do feel quite comfortable with this hijab and we do consider it an element of growth for our people and our society.
"The hijab has not created any limitations but in stead gives us trust, confidence and security which have enabled us to have a more prominent and active role in our societies."
She said, "..there is no opposition or impediment in Islam towards the activities of women."
Hashemi also spoke in favour of polygamy, saying "because of natural calamities, disasters and wars there are occasions when the number of men are much less than women and polygamy helps the women with no support." She however cautioned that polygamy should be in accordance with the spirit and guidelines of the holy Qur'an.
"Death and after death" in Minnesota...
Haji Mustafa Jaffer of London who has travelled widely to recite Majalis from Australia to Los Angeles (East-West) and from Sweden to Madagascar (North-South) visited Minnesota for Muharram 1418.
Our Jammat has a beautiful complex in Minneapolis, Minnesota, called Anjuman-e-Asghari. It is on 3 acres of land and here a juloos is held on Ashura day. The classroom block has just been completed at a cost of USD 500,000. It has 12 classrooms (each named after an Imam) grouped around a large hall. There is also an office and a kitchen and an audio/video link with the Imambargah for it to function as an extra area during major functions.
A total of about 400 Shias use the Centre. There are 150 Khojas, the rest are Arabic, Farsi or Urdu speaking. Some Bohoras attend too. Most of the congregation is English speaking so Haji Mustafa therefore recited the majalis in English including the Masaeb. He had to tag on a little masaeb in Gujarati at the end, which he felt was not necessary. He was impressed at the homogeneity of the congregation which also participated in Matam that was done with Nauhas recited in Arabic, Farsi and Urdu.
Haji Mustafa was impressed with the religious nature of the youths probably through the commitment of their parents. There are nearly 100 children in the madressa many of whom are under 12 years-old. Some parents drive 150 miles to bring their children to the madressa. The State of Minnesota is known to have a low crime rate, low drugs intake and low unemployment compared to other American States. Overall Haji Mustafa feels the place is good for those who would like to emigrate. Anjuman-e-Asghari is the only Shia Centre in the State of Minnesota but there is a large University of nearly 40,000 students in Minneapolis.
During his visit the topic of Haji Mustafa’s majalis was "death and after death."
I had the privilege of reciting majalis in Wessex during the ‘ashra. My subject was "The Community in the millennium."
Although the millennium refers to the Christian era it has some relevance to us. In the 18th and 19th centuries some of our ancestors migrated to East Africa where they settled and successfully undertook various vocations. The first half of this century saw a substantial growth in their prosperity but grave errors of judgement were made. We thought that we had taken roots in those countries and could not be dislodged but we were proved wrong. Now many of us are in the West and we need to give serious thought as to how best we can ensure security and economic strength for our children and their progeny.
Creation of wealth is not un-Islamic. In fact it is encouraged by our faith. We have to acquire a measure of economic strength. Certain industries e.g. music, entertainment, manufacture of najis and haram substances are prohibited to us but many others are open and we need to encourage and positively help our people to enter these areas. The successful industrialists, men and women of professions and those in commerce are the back-bone of our community. We cannot allow their efforts or success to be the object of our jealousy.
We must ensure that in the coming generations we do not get alienated from Islam just because of our cultural rituals. We should discard those rituals not founded on the precepts of Islam but to which we are shackled by our own superstition and inherited practices. We must ensure that our rituals and practices are credible.
The ahle minabir need to ensure that their utterances have credibility. Since the Jamaat is the employer, the dhakir well knows who his pay masters are and this creates hesitation, if not reluctance, to carry out his duties of amr bil ma’ruf and nahya anil munkar.
He becomes like those whom Imam Hussain (a.s.) castigated in his famous khutbah. Also there needs to be dhakir’s accountability to the audience either by allowing questions after the majlis or on the following day. Majalis can not be treated as a ritual, it is an important forum for the dissemination of knowledge which in turn will form opinions effecting public life.
There is a dire need to fully comprehend the importance of the institution of ijtihad. We can not allow ourselves to indulge in any experimentation. Some Islamic countries are in the grip of counter revolution. We need to pray that wise counsel prevail and not form emotional alliances.
There is a need to understand the concept of ummah in Islam and the injunction of the wilayatul mu’mineen. We also need to teach our youths to reflect the true spirit of Islam in their dealings with the indigenous population. There must always be complete integrity and honesty.
Furthermore we need to educate the indigenous population of who and what we are. If we create mental ghettos we shall be guilty of preparing an explosive future for our children. We need to be open and carry the message of Islam and Imam Husain (a.s.) to them. We must get them away from equating Islam with art and architecture. We need to demonstrate that it is not the elegance or the beauty of the mosque that plays any role in our spirituality. That spirituality in Islam has two concurrent sources - a man’s relation with Allah (s.w.t.) and his relation with Allah’s(s.w.t.) creation. He is Allah’s (s.w.t.) representative on earth and as such he is dutybound to think not only of other men and women but also of the environment and ecology.
We also need to impress upon the indigenous population that the main constituents of Islamic ethos are development of personal spirituality, devotion to learning, respect of parents, respect of elders and service to mankind.
Khatami is new Iranian President
Cleric Mohammad Khatami is the new Iranian president following his victory over Ali Akbar Nateq-Nouri. Khatami won 20.7 million votes of the 29.7 million votes cast. Two other candidates in the election trailed with nominal vote tallies.
The race between Khatami and conservative parliament speaker Ali Akbar Nateq-Nouri, who was backed by the country’s supreme spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was expected to be much closer, and some had even predicted a Nateq-Nouri win.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed Khatami’s victory by offering felicitations. "I give my warm congratulation to Mr. Khatami," he said. Rival candidate Nateq-Nouri said "I congratulate your election by the people as president and pledge to use all my resources in co-operation with you."
Khatami is expected to take office in August, replacing President Hashemi Rafsanjani who served two four-year terms. Rafsanjani endorsed Khatami, the former culture minister who was also supported by a broad coalition of left-wingers, the youths and intellectuals. His win is not expected to fundamentally change Iran’s foreign policy. He has for example, ruled out improving ties with the United States, saying "this is not the right time for it."
Khatami,54, has lived in the West, and speaks English, German and Arabic in addition to his native Farsi. He sees no reason why women should not have senior positions in government. He recently told Zanan, a monthly women’s magazine, that he sees "no obstacle to women becoming ministers in the government." It is widely believed that Khatami will be the first Iranian President to appoint women in his Cabinet.
Khatami says he owes his success to his wife and whilst respecting the Islamic Law that women need to advise their husbands before leaving home, he has said that his wife is free to leave the house whenever she wants. Khatami has two daughters and a son. He was born to a well-known Ayatollah Ruholla Khatemi in Ardakan, in central Yazd desert province in southwestern Iran. After finishing his theological studies in Qum and Isfahan, he got degrees in education and philosophy. According to an official biography, he became friends with Ayatollah Khomeini's son, Ahmed and then worked for the Militant Clerics' Association which rallied opposition to the Shah's regime.
Eventually he was noticed by Ayatollah Mohamed Beheshti, Chief Idealogue of the Islamic Republic Party and a key tactician of the revolution. In 1978, Ayatollah Beheshti appointed him to run the Islamic Centre of Hamburg, then a European nerve centre of the Iranian revolution. Khatemi returned to Iran in 1979 and took over the Kayhan Institute which publishes several newspapers. In 1982, he was appointed as Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance which oversees Iranian films, publishing and mass media. He held the ministerial position for more than a decade and during his term he eased restrictions on the content of books and periodicals and expanded the list of foreign magazines and newspapers allowed in Iran. His relatively permissive policies put him in the bad books of some clerics which eventually led to his resignation from the ministerial post in 1992.
When he was in Qum prior to the revolution, he wrote and distributed leaflets denouncing the former Shah. His father, Ruholla was a friend and early supporter of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khatemi is actually linked to Ayatollah Khomeini by family because his brother is married to Ayatollah Khomeini's granddaughter.
Khatemi enjoys a reputation for personal probity. He drives a boxy Iranian-made Paykan instead of a Mercedez-Benz and lives modestly in a two-storey yellow-brick town house on Revolutionary Guard Street in north Tehran. Khatemi is also said to enjoy mountain hikes and a good game of table-tennis.
An individual who worked for Khatemi for several years in the 1980s and has remained in contact with him said, " he was definitely the anti-establishment vote but people should not interprete that as thinking he is not an advocate of the Islamic revolution. The truth is that he is a broad-minded advocate of the revolution."
Speaking to a jubilant crowd after his election victory, Khatemi said, "Our backwardness is not due to natural resources or culture - we have both. Iranians are smart and creative, they are known for confidence and bravery. The problem is due to the lack of a correct and independent government. People do not have the opportunity to grow because growth in a country needs sympathy, co-operation and presence in the social scene. It does not mean we should not allow different views."
Kitchener hosts Tabligh Conference
The 2nd International Tabligh Conference with the theme "Tabligh and the 21st Century: An Era of Opportunity" was held in the city of Kitchener, Canada during the weekend of 22-23 February, 1997 (Shawwal 14-15, 1417). The Conference, which was sponsored by the Islamic Humanitarian Service, was held at the Mehfil-e-Husain Mosque (Husainiyyah) of the Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Kitchener-Waterloo. Participants came from Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, Lansing (Michigan, USA), New York, Houston (Texas, USA) and from London, England.
Delegates hailing from diverse backgrounds spoke on important and delicate issues pertaining to propagation. Br. Abd al Bari from the Muslim Prisoners Association, Lansing, Michigan highlighted the difficulties experienced by Muslims in prisons like discriminations, delay in receipt of books etc. Sr. Sabira Devji of United Muslim Women of Canada, Edmonton reminded the gathering to draw from examples of women propagators among the Ahlul Bayt (AS) and the present century martyr Bint al Huda, the aalima sister of martyr Syed Baqir as Sadr.
Sheikh Fadhel Sahlani of Al Khoei Foundation, New York emphasized on the significance of acting and speaking uniformly, stressing that both manpower as well as money was required to spread the word of Islam. A psychiatrist from Kansas, Dr Batul Chinoy pointed out that the principles of Islam forces the followers to remember the Creator at all times and behave in an appropriate manner.
An address from the Secretary General of WABIL, Sayed Mohammed Musawi was delivered live from the Hyderi Imambara, London. He strongly suggested that every community must send at least one young member to the Islamic theological university at Qum or Najaf for Islamic studies and return to their own community to propagate the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (AS).
Sayyed Muhammad Rizvi of IEIC, Toronto said children should become part of the decision making process as they are the future of Islam and should be attended to carefully. He also called upon parents to be honest role models.
While Br. Mahmood Jaffer highlighted the role of the madresa in moulding the minds of children, saying that it was not just meant for baby-sitting, Br. Munsif Bhimani of Toronto focused on the need to use computers in propagation, specially through the internet media. Sayyed Ghulam Abbas of Edmonton expounded the theory of 'khalifa' from the Qur'an to prove that messengers and divine personalities were not elected but appointed by the Allah (s.w.t.).
Apart from the speeches that were delivered by the delegates, the participants attended four workshops that dwelt on Planning for the 21st Century, Maintaining Islamic Values in a Non-Muslim Environment, Mobilising Youths for Leadership and the Role of Mosques/Jamaats in introducing Islam to the public.
Congratulatory messages were received from the offices of Marja-e-taqleed, Islamic organisations, Canada's Prime Minister, Jean Chretein and Premiers of Alberta, BC and Ontario.
Youth Seminar held in London
Syed Muhammad Rizvi of Toronto ran a 6 hour Seminar for youths of ages 18-22 in London on 14 June, 1997. About 80 youths were present. The subjects on which Syed Muhammad spoke were Interaction with Parents/Family, Communication with the opposite Sex/ Marriage, Interaction with other Muslim Sects and Interaction with the society at large (other religions).
Muslim Fundamentalist who wasn't
A High school in Toronto erred in the publication of its 1996 year book stating that the former Israeli leader Rabin was killed by a Muslim fundamentalist. The school has since apologized as a result of efforts of Al-Shura and especially Dr. Youssef Mrough, a Lebanese Shi‘a Nuclear Physicist. Their apology will be in the 1997 year book.
In search of retailing success
A Seminar on "Retail Shops - Survival to Success", sponsored by Break Out was held at the Islamic Centre, Stanmore on Sunday 4th May 1997.
At the session, the Secretary General of the World Federation, Dr. Sibtain Panjwani recalled that the type of challenges small retailers faced in the 70’s are different from today. Then, political ethos surrounding small businesses were rooted in collective bargaining, welfarist principles and state control. Today, individual responsibility, less state control and market forces, more or less, define the business environment.
From the perception of the World Federation, it is the mushrooming of supermarket type of businesses that began to affect small retailers within the community. This was even the subject of discussion at the Executive Council of the World Federation held at Southampton in September 1996 which concluded that the extent of the problem within the community be ascertained so as to focus resources to assist individual basis.
Panjwani informed the attentive participants that it is both the hope and desire of the World Federation that sooner rather than later, the business mind of the community together with relevant professionals can produce an economic upliftment scheme through small businesses which can benefit the members of the community.
Again, tragedy strikes during Haj
It can be of little comfort to the relatives of those who perished in the devastating fire during this year's Haj at Mecca that the dead are assured a place in heaven. Past experience reveals the hazards involved when such large numbers of people converge on a relatively small site — this is the sixth disaster at the Haj site. The first was in 1979 when three died during hostilities, the second in 1987 when once again clashes claimed 402 lives. A bomb explosion in 1989 killed one person and wounded 15. By far the worst tragedy was in 1990 when 1,426 pilgrims died of asphyxiation when the air-conditioning in a tunnel shut down. This was followed by the death of some 300 in the 1994 stampede which took place on the route to conduct the ritual stoning of the devil.
The management of such vast crowds — about two million people go to Mecca every year — is an exceedingly difficult task. Guidelines should be issued on how people should conduct themselves during pilgrimages and establish mechanisms to regulate the flow of pilgrims to appointed sites. Such a Board could ensure that the pilgrims are accorded proper transportation, accommodation and medical facilities. The issue of compensation and transporting the dead from unlikely mishaps also need to be stipulated well before passengers arrive in Mecca.
Are the relatives of Haj victims to be compensated by Saudi Arabia or their respective governments? A way out would be to build a risk insurance premium into the cost of the pilgrimage which could be subsidised by the government concerned.
The main glitch in such mishaps appears to be the complete break down of communications. A satellite communication link between the pilgrimage sites and a central authority like the proposed board would make available relevant information to relatives without delay. All these steps are not fool-proof but they will lessen the rigours of long pilgrimages and minimise the trauma in the event of accidents.
March 21, 1991 — 92 Senegalese Muslim troops, part of the US-led coalition that liberated Kuwait from Iraq’s occupation, killed when Saudi Arabian transport aircraft crashes in the north-western part of the kingdom. The soldiers were being flown back to base after an off-season pilgrimage to Mecca.
July 2, 1990 — 1,426 pilgrims, many of them Malaysians, Indonesian and Pakistanis, killed in a stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites in Mecca.
July 9, 1989 — Two bombs explode in Mecca, killing one pilgrim, wounding 16.
July 31, 1987 — 402 people, mostly Iranian pilgrims, killed and 649 wounded in Mecca when security forces clash with Iranians staging an anti-U.S. demonstration.
August 3, 1980 — Pakistani jetliner carrying hundreds of pilgrims catches fire soon after takeoff from Jeddah to Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Aircraft breaks apart after emergency landing. Three hundred and one people die in the accident. The fire apparently began after a passenger lighted a kerosene stove in an aisle to brew tea.
December 4, 1979 — 75 Sunni Muslim extremists who had taken over the Grand Mosque in Mecca killed in gun battle with Saudi police. Scores of Saudi troops also died.
The death of Sayyid Mohamed Mehdi Shushtary occurred on Saturday 19th April, 1997 at Dubai, U.A.E. Agha Mehdi as he was well known, was the grand son of Hujjatul Islma Sayyid Husein Shushtary. He was born in Zanzibar where he studied under his grand father and then went to Iraq for further studies. On his return he joined the family business and served the Community voluntarily and as a teacher at Faiz Night School as well.
He joined Bilal Muslim Mission, Dar es Salaam since its inception and was the first Editor of Sauti ya Bilal. He translated and wrote a number of books. He also translated the Holy Qur'an into Kiswahili which is now bing edited by his son Sayyid Mohamed Raza. During his stay in Dar es Salaam on several occasions he led Namaze Jamat and preached Masil in our Mosque.
It is our prayers that Allah (s.w.t.) behakke Chaharda Masoomeen (a.s.) may rest his soul among His chosen ones and that he may grant his family and us all solace to sustain this great loss. Amen.
NASIMCO's Islamic Education Board talks of 'Graduate' expectations
The NASIMCOand Islamic Education Board (IEB) Conference was held on March 28 and 29, 1997, concurrently with the NASIMCO Annual General Meeting. The conference was hosted by the New York Jamaat and held at the Huseini Madresah. The hospitable New Yorkers also hosted the annual North American sports competition simultaneously.
Participants came from far and wide including Allentown, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, Toronto, Kitchner (Canada), and London (England)'
The NASIMO-IEB Conference was designed to elicit input from a broad cross-section of the community on the "Target Profile of a Madresah Graduate" to agree on the extent of knowledge, values, and skills that an ideal Madresah Graduate should possess.
The programme was segmented into four events. It commenced on Friday night with a general public event where issues relating to our Madresah were discussed. The proceedings started with recitation from the Holy Qur'an followed by a warm welcome from Liayakat Fazal, President of New York Jamaat and Ahmed Bhalloo, President of NASIMCO. The presentations that followed were made by Dr. Liyakatali Takim, Chairman of NASIMCO-IEB, Dr. Bashir Datoo, the main architect of the workshops, Dr. Mohammedraza Dungersi and Muhsin Alidina, individuals with track record of Madresah involvement.
Madresah success stories were then presented by Shauzab Dinani for the New York Madresah and Mohammed Rajmohammed for the Allentown Madresah. Sadik Alloo presented a from the heart view of hopes, aspirations, challenges and potential of the North American Shia Ithnasheri community. Mujtaba Datoo enlivened the proceedings and added his remarkable wit and charm to the success of the program as Master of Ceremonies.
The next morning six concurrent group discussions were held with a cross-section of our community. The groups included male teachers, female teachers, leaders, Madresah administrators and parents of Madresah students. Each group was moderated; the moderators were Shauzab Dinani, Gulzar Meghji, Shul Khalfan, Moshin Manekia, Yusuf Shivji, and Kulsum Manekia.
The group discussions were designed to elicit input in a focused manner on collective aspirations and expectations of the knowledge and skills that the ideal Madresah Graduate should posses. A preliminary profile was used as a basis for discussion in each group and thoughts, feelings and ideas were solicited bearing in mind that once collective goals are defined these can subsequently be implemented.
A media workshop was presented on Saturday afternoon by the much traveled Nisar Sherally of Toronto. This very popular workshop was designed to make teachers and parents aware of the insidious effects of the print and electronic media. It explored possible ways to reinforce the positive while countering the negative effects. Participants were divided into groups and given the task of finding constructive and imaginative ways to counter or mitigate the effects of the media. When the proposals were presented to the audience, a range of ideas from stage plays, letter writing campaigns, teaching about our values of honesty, bravery and persistence by utilizing the media were aired.
The Conference facilitated a very positive interaction, exchange of views and ideas between participants. Old friends met and new friendships were made. Additional outcomes included:
*A preliminary Directory of all NASIMCO member Jamaats, their Presidents, Madaris and their Principals was distributed. A revised copy has since been published.
*Establishment by May 1, 1997 of an Internet discussion group Madresah Network (MNET) was announced.
This discussion Forum is especially geared to facilitate interaction and exchange of ideas amongst all the Madaris, Principals, administrators, teachers and others interested in education of our children. To enrol an e-mail can be sent to:
*A commitment was made to send an Alim/Scholar to visit member Jamaats to stimulate co-operation between Jamaats and Madaris in North America. It was hoped that a short weekend intensive course for local youths and a Majalis for the community will be held during such visits.
*A survey of all the member Jamaat Madaris was initiated so as to compile this information in a directory, for use and benefit of all the Madaris.
In the evening an appraisal of morning group discussions was done by Dr. Bashir Datoo. Plaque presentations were then made to Mahmood Dewji of Toronto in recognition of his "selfless services to our Madresah". Chacha Paryani was also presented a plaque in recognition of his "untiring service to the community of North America".
Dr. Liayakat Takim thanked all those who contributed to the success of the Conference. Special mention was made of Ahmed Bhalloo, President of NASIMCO for his continuous support; Liyakat Fazal, President of New York Jamaat, Dr. Shakir Mukhi for being there to take care of all the arrangements and the entire Executive Council for their hospitality; Haider Dinani, Chairman of New York Jamaat IEB for his support; Mrs. Laylabai Dinani for her invaluable help with the workshops, and Nishat Khalfan, Nasimco Chairlady, for helping with arrangements.
We have set anchor in the west for over twenty years. Our children are no longer kids and the analogy is that of people travelling in a fast train, just sub-consciously aware that they are moving, but it takes the effort of looking outside to realize how fast they are moving.
We have many accomplishments to be proud of and celebrate for our Madresahs. Considering the relatively small size of our community scattered over North America, the growth of our Madresahs, both in quality and number of students, is quite an achievement. This is a testimony to the dedication, perseverance and success of the Madresah and especially the teachers. They reserve their precious Sundays to invest in our children. The teachers and the administrators are the ones to whom we, the parents, are very thankful and appreciative. Their dedication and commitment are exemplary. They complement us, the parents, in our efforts to educate our children about our great religion.
Whilst it is befitting that we rejoice on past accomplishments, with the new century around the corner, it is equally appropriate that we look to the future also. The children born today will graduate at age sixteen in the year 2013. Life will be different then; our kids will be independent of us and form a new and more active nuclei of our community, society and nation. We will have two generations, the parents and the children, who will have grown up in the west. They may or may not have memories of their old country, be it East Africa, Pakistan or India but we want and pray that they be proud and conscientious Muslims. Are we preparing them for this eventuality; and if we are, how effective is it?
In our survey of the youths, that was subsequently published in a book, Muslim Youth at the Crossroads, Advancing into the 21st Century and a follow up booklet, A Vision for the Youths and Proposed Action Programmes for its Realization, we found youths most vulnerable between the ages of 14 and 24 years when most are in high schools and colleges. This is the age when they have just completed, or are about to complete, their Madresah Program. They then face the relentless challenges of secular institutions and secular extremism. Sadly they frequently lack the knowledge and character strength to counter real-life daunting challenges that they face.
The reality and challenges here in the West are of a very different nature to those in Africa, Pakistan or India. Yet, in many cases, we use the same methods that served us well in Africa. Most parents and teachers are very aware of these differences. Sometimes we cite examples of better teacher training and workshops, new English books with different pictures and the like. These represent the extent of proposed adaptations to the new challenges. Do these address the depth of the challenges, though? We have to recognize and give credit to some wonderful advances that have been made in London and Toronto that are worthy of adopting in the Madresahs. Most Madresahs, though, lack the necessary resources and leadership required to do an effective job.
Our community has a pool of very dedicated and experienced people. It is time that we focus our collective efforts and talents to re-engineer the Madresah Program by re-defining the paradigm Madresah and defining the type of Madresah graduate we want to launch into the high schools, the college system and the world.
What values, ethics, qualities and skills do we need to imbibe in him/her to effectively face life, with all its challenges, pragmatically? To start with, a curriculum needs to be outlined on how to achieve our objective. This would cover the need to facilitate discussions on teaching methodologies, quality teacher recruitment and training, student motivation, parental involvement and communal support and would also involve exploring of new means.
It is recommended that we seek inputs in a methodical and organized manner to come up with a unified curriculum. Out of this process, we can facilitate discussions of the direction, implementation plan, periodic review, and evaluation system as well as facilitate dynamic networking amongst the Madresahs. The goal is to share experiences and cross-pollinate ideas. The final product will be a Madresah Program that we all can take pride in and adopt as a standard world-wide.
It will also be rewarding to establish lasting contacts and form a network of those involved in the future of the Madresah. This network can help in establishing a mechanism for providing continual feedback, discussing changes, new ideas, and hopefully come up with tangible results. These dynamic interactions, valuable insights and experiences can be used by all our widely scattered communities.
The suggestion is that after a first, tentative Target Profile of a Madresah Graduate is drafted, reactions and suggestions be sought from as broad a cross-section of community members. For this we need to develop a list of all those interested who can send in their pertinent addresses to Dr. Liyakatali Takim.
Sociologists, psychologists, educators, Madresah teachers, administrators and others are all welcome to participate.
We are also seeking to compile a list of basic information of all existing Madresahs. Questionnaires have been sent out and we are awaiting feedbacks.
We are all aboard the ship sailing into the 21st Century, consciously or unconsciously. The journey has begun and each of us has to decide our role. We have some thoughtful choices and decisions to make. Lets get going and make sure we make this a united effort. Our cause is surely not one where too many cooks will spoil the broth.
IEB Chairman visits New York
The Chairman of the Islamic Education Board (IEB) of the World Federation, Muhsin Jaffer visited New York, USA from 26 to 30 March, 1997. There he had two meetings with the Committee of the Bilal Muslim Mission of America when he was briefed of its activities in West Indies and in the USA - particularly among Black prisoners. He suggested that in future, distribution of books for tabligh in the USA be channelled through the Bilal Muslim Mission of America.
Muhsinbhai also attended a two-day conference on "The Madresah - Defining the Profile of a Target Madresah Graduate" organised by the Islamic Education Board of NASIMCO (report is carried elsewhere in this issue of the Samachar). He then attended a meeting called by the Islamic Education Board of New York Jamaat where teachers from the Husieni Madressa of New York, Allentown, Atlanta and delegates from Toronto attended. Addressing the gathering, he underlined the importance of laying stress on Spiritual Development of students.
At Al-Iman School, Muhsinbhai had dicussions with the Principal, Syed Nassir and the Administrator, Muhsin Alidina. During these meetings he met a number of University students and discussed plans on how to increase awareness and knowledge of Islam.
MNET is launched
There is a new entry in the Cyber Muslim world. Nasimco in conjunction with the Council of European Jamaats have launched a Madresah Network (MNET) on Internet to facilitate discussions and exchange of ideas and information between individuals and groups associated with madresahs.
MNET is expected to stimulate communication and interaction amongst Principals, administrators, teachers and parents of various Madaris along with individuals who can make positive contributions. To enrol one simply has to send an e-mail to Mehdiraza Hirji, MNET Administrator, at thy@worldnet.att.net or via the MNET at mnet@ieb.org.
POLLING for the office bearers of Toronto Jamaat started at 9.00 a.m. at Selby Imambara, Bramton and at 12.00 to 6.00 p.m. at Bayview Centre on a cloudy Sunday, April 27. Polling was heavy as this election was well contested with individual approaches by both the parties. As the choice was not confined to party lines, the result was a mix of both parties securing equal number of seats in the Executive Committee. Nazir Gulamhusein was re-elected for a second term as President defeating his rival Sultan Davdani. Firoz Nasser was elected against Shabbir Rehmtulla for the post of Vice-President and Ali-Asghar Dhirani defeated Sajjad H.Haji . Electors chose an upcoming graduate, Azeem A. Amirali as Secretary who was opposed by Sajjad Haiderali, the retiring treasurer of the Jamaat. Hard working Mukhi, Mulla Mohamed Taqi Jeraj and equally hard working Chairlady, Sikina Mehdi were returned unoppossed. The main task for the new committe which took office on May 1 will be to develop the property at 9000 Bathurst Street at an estimated cost of six million dollars. The campaign as well as the polls were peaceful, downright positive and reflected the maturity of the community members. Prior to the poll I interviewed a few voters and many amongst them said that they wanted Nazir to take a second term to complete the job at Bathurst.
AYYAME MUHARRAM were observed here with all zeal and solemnity at different centres to cater for different language groups. Bayview Mosque had a class of its own in all the arrangements despite the constraints of parking.
Sayyed Mohammed Asgar Hussein Naqvi from Dar Es Salaam preached in Urdu eloquently to the satisfaction of the audience. Ladies had their own session of majalis in the morning and young Zakera Humma Khatoon of Los Angles preached in Urdu. Her sermons were mainly on the inner soul and ladies say that she touched their hearts. For English majalis the young man from New York, Sheikh Hasnain Murtaza Jaffer gave excellent lectures on "Faith & Self Cleansing" cautioning youths to guard themselves from the evil influence of materialism and immodesty. Professor Javed Akber of Allahabad preached at the West Jaffery Centre dividing his time between an English and Urdu audience. He dwelt mainly on the purpose of life and our duty to God and to society at large. Crescent Village was linked to the Bayview Mosque Urdu majalis through a video conference line. Sheikh Shafiq Hudda preached at the Rezavi Centre in Hamilton. Majalis were also held at Al Mehdi Centre(Urdu), Ahlus-Beit Centre (Farsi & Arabic), Al-Hudda Centre (Arabic) and at the Islamic Museum/Hussainiyya Centre(Urdu). On Ashura Day, a procession was taken out from Thornhill Community Centre to the Bayview Mosque which was attended by about 500 people. Blood donation was also organised and 168 units were donated to the Blood Bank. To meet the expenses for Muharram Program, the President of Toronto Jamaat, Nazir Gulamhusein appealed for funds and in response $90,000 was collected. It was made clear that surplus funds would be channeled to the Iran Earthquake Fund.
CRESCENT VILLAGE in collaboration with the H.G. Bernard Public School has set up a students coaching programme. The school identifies the students who need extra coaching and a team of volunteer teachers, University and High School students coach these students in the evening at the Crescent Village Centre. A pivotal role is played by Sister Sajjeda Habib and Sister Sayeda Datoo with yours truly co-ordinating between the Management and the Classes.
AL-SADIQ SCHOOL will now open Grade 7 & 8 thus making it a full fledged Junior School. It is a unique educational institution of our community that has above average educational standards plus the opportunity to inculcate the values of Ja’fary faith in our children. On Friday, May 16 the students held an impressive programme of Muharram when they marched in procession in the school ground wearing tee-shirts with Martyrdom slogans stenciled by the students themselves.
Mulla talks on community challenges in the UK....
....from business woes, high divorce rates, lack of interest in education and on need for post madressa preparation of youths
On 8 March, l997 the President of the World Federation, Mulla Asgharali M.M. Jaffer addressed some 300 community members of Haidery Jamat at Haidery Imambada, South London.
In his address, Mulla touched on four areas of major concern.
1. Small Traders - He expressed concern over the economic condition of our people in the UK, particularly those doing businesses in Corner shops, tobacconists and small groceries because the onslaught of supermarkets has adversely affected the business of such small traders.
He stated that practical steps need to be taken to elevate the economic status of our members after verifying the type and extent of the problem. He also called upon the Council of European Jamats and Jiba Europe to look into the current adverse situation.
2. Divorce Rate - The President expressed grave concern on the rising rate of divorces within the community in the UK. He informed the gathering that every week he receives some calls relating to marital difficulties of young couples. In hand, he had 8 cases of pending divorces which excluded cases in other UK Jamats.
He called upon members to look into marriage counseling prior to and during marriage and said counseling must be available to all and be provided by experienced and mature people well conversant with Islamic Law and the law of the country.
3. Higher Education - He said that there is a growing perception that community youths in the UK are not taking up higher education. This is in spite of the fact that higher education is still free to a large extent. He said that if this perception is correct, the missed opportunities will be bitterly regretted by the community.
He said there is a need to instil the value of higher education in our young people by organising youth events and guiding our youths to make most of opportunities that come their way.
4. Religious education needs of youths beyond 14 years of age - The President informed the gathering that the Jamat Madressas cater for religious education, which is rather doctrinal, for children up to 14 or 15 years.
He said in their adult life, they would encounter many questions relating to our faith from non-Muslims and other Muslims. He pointed out that a more rationale approach would be required to answer such questions and youths, including university students, therefore need to be introduced to the the scholarly work lying within the community's archives which provide intellectual and rational explanations on almost all religious issues.
He also said that the World Federation has devised a syllabus for university students in consultation with Professor Syed Hussein Nasr. Based on this syllabus, the Islamic Education Board of the World Federation will begin Summer Crash Courses for university students and others in due course.
The meeting ended with Community members expressing their resolve and support to overcome the difficulties facing the community.
$15 to the Right Path
Right Path magazine is now on track and is being published quarterly . The printing is coloured and is done free through the courtesy of West-Star Printers (Gulam Abbas Mukhtarali Jaffer). Those interested in getting copies are requested to send $15 US, to cover postage, to ABANA, 45 Harris WaY THORNHILL, ONTARIO, Canada, L3T 5A6.
Al-Mahdi Deaf Organisation proves that life has a role for all
After performing Ziarat, members of the UK based Al-Mahdi Deaf Organisation compiled various booklets thereby depicting that irrespective of one's handicap, life has a role for one and all. The booklets compiled by members of the Organisation are:
The history of the Organisation dates back to 1988 when a Special Class was formed at the Shia Ithna-Asheri Madressa, Stanmore, London, to cater for the deaf and all children with special needs. The main language was English but the mode of communication was lip-reading and British Sign Language.
In 1990, a Ziarat trip to Iraq and Kerbala was organised for the students. Visits to various ziarats proved an eye-opener and the students realised the importance and significance of each.
In 1992, a second Ziarat trip was organised, this time to Iran and Damascus. In 1994, members of the Special Class joined hands and together, on the Wiladat of our 12th Imam, formed the "Al-Mahdi Deaf Organisation". In 1996, the first Hajj trip for the Deaf was organised with a sign language interpreter included in the trip.
Senior citizens visit Niagara Falls
The Jaffery Senior Citizens Group of Toronto had their first post winter outing by travelling to Niagara Falls on 3 May, 1997. A group of 65 seniors and volunteers spent the whole day at the Falls and enjoyed a sumptuous meal at the Niagara Mosque after zohrain prayers. More programmes are in the offing awaiting improvement in the weather.
Jawaad Sheriff spells his way to success
Jawaad Sheriff, a Middle School eighth-grader was a picture of steely confidence at the 70th annual Buffalo News Spelling Bee Contest. Over 18 rounds, the bespectacled young man stepped up to the microphone in the auditorium of the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Museum and demonstrated his mettle.
O-b-d-u-r-a-t-e. He not only spelt it right but he was the very essence of the word in the face of stiff competition. Then came D-u-c-t-i-l-i-t-y. His keen mind, facile as thin wire being drawn through a duct, nailed that one, too. He stumbled in round 19 on c-u-m-b-r-o-u-s which means cumbersome but remained unfazed as the pronouncer forgot to offer the same word to a sixth -grader who was the only other contestant in the running at that time.
Correcting her error, she gave Jawaad a new word - inapplicable - and he got it right The sixth-grader then got precipitated right and Jawaad despatched taciturnity. The sixth-grader got stung by the word pungent, misspelling it pungant and Jawaad wrestled with declivate and won.
A serious and stoic Jawaad said afterwards that he just familiarises himself with the words without looking at the dictionary and said he does not get uptight about spelling.
His father, Dr. Fuad Sheriff who previously served the Central Health Board (CHB) of the Supreme Council when residing in Dar es Salaam and was an active doctor in the Jamaat's dispensary, credited Jawaad's mother, Naila, an English literature major at the University at Buffalo, as being Jawaad's inspiration. She demurred and attributed her son's success more to his habit of reading and working hard.
Nineteen other sixth, seventh and eighth-graders competed in this 70th annual contest. They were among champions from 215 schools across Western New York who took a standardised written test to determine who would qualify for the oral finals.
Jawad received an expenses-paid trip to Washington to compete in the national finals which were held in May, 1997 and won by a girl. He also received a copy of MerriamWebster's Third New International Dictionary and its Addenda section.
Parents Seminar held in London
After holding a Seminar for youths the day before, Syed Muhammad Rizvi of Toronto ran a second Seminar on Sunday 15 June 1997. This time it was for parents of teenage children. About 100 parents were present. The Seminar, which was organised by London Jamat covered subjects including:
Two audio cassettes of the proceedings are available from London Jamat for £5 including packing and postage. Contact the WF on Tel: 0181 954 9881; Fax: 0181 954 9034 or e-Mail: worldfed@dircon.co.uk
Learn Arabic in a day – the Nisar Sheraly way!
A 22 page book 'Ali and Aliya build a bayt for their Bear' is the first in a series of books by author Nisar Sheraly of Toronto who uses a thematic approach to teach children Arabic words.
In this book the theme is the house. Ali and Aliya who also feature in other books by the same author, share the task of building various parts of the house, bayt, for their bear, dubb.
An interesting and co-operative effort between brother and sister unfolds as the book captures their mood and desire to complete their task in a systematic manner.
The book contains lively illustrations which are well captioned with Arabic words in simple Arabic script and has a pronounciation guide at the end of the story. The book is easy to read and has the advantage of enabling a child to learn a good number of Arabic words in one reading or in a day.
Nisar is a teacher by profession and conducts workshops for youths who aspire to teach in madrasahs. He also has several children television programmes to his credit.
I remember being very confused when I had to choose my A-Levels. I was of those people who didn’t really have a clue of what I wanted to do as a career. At one time, to my mother’s horror, I even wanted to be an aeronautical engineer!
At the time, it seemed like an impossible choice. There were so many options. Did I want to do sciences or arts? A-Levels or AS Levels - perhaps even BTEC? What degree would I then be able to choose? Was it going to let me do the job I wanted - even though I didn’t really know what that was! The choices were endless!
I got through the muddle though - I did it by talking to lots of people about all the options. I talked to people about my A-Levels. I talked to people about different degrees and universities, and to people who were in the proffesions I was thinking of going into. During my ‘I want to be a lawyer’ phase, I even set myself up with some work experience in a law firm. After wading through several inch thick files, and reading pages of law jargon which didn’t really stir up any excitement, it was a clear conclusion that I was not going to be a lawyer. Today - after all that, I am training to be a dynamic chartered accountant - and surprisingly very happy about my decision!
The Council of European Jamaats is in the process of setting up a WORK SHADOW scheme to try and help you with your decisions. If you’re unsure of what you want to do - at whatever stage you’re at, we can put you in touch with people who can make a difference. Whether it be about A-Levels , degrees and universities, or jobs. Whether you’d like a quick chat with someone or even do some work experience, please do get in touch with us. It really does make a big difference talking to someone who has actually ‘been there and done it’. Together perhaps we can move from being careerly confused to being careely focused.
If you are interested please register with the Council. If you are in a profession or vocation and can assist our students, please let us have your details. We hope you will be able to give some of your time to show what your career involves. For example an Optician can show interested students what he does and what is involved and similarly a plumber can shown first-hand what kind of work is involved. The time you invest with students will not only benefit them but can also be a promotion of your own business within the community.
For registering or for more details, e-mail: mhdatoo @ dircon. co.uk.
Study Skills Residential Course planned for September 1997
Modern formal education now involves a variety of teaching and learning methods. This is especially so in the further and higher education sectors where the style of teaching and learning have changed, partly by the natural evolving of the curriculum, and partly by the imposed policies of successive governments.
The new environment comes as a shock to students used to the disciplined constraints of a school system and thereby often leaves them in a precarious situation ultimately even affecting their qualifications. The Council of European Jamaats Education Sub-committee has earmarked a 2-day Residential Short Course on Study Skills on 2 and 3 September, 1997.
The Study Skills short course will be conducted with lecturers, self-assessment questionnaires, exercises, discussion workshops and videos. Instructors will be Dr. Mahmood Datoo, BSc PhD CEng MRAeS MIMechE MIM, twelve years experience in higher education; Lady Mary Tovey, Qualified and Licensed Buzan Instructor; Carol Charles, BA PGCE Dip.R.S.A., twenty years experience in higher education, teaching study skills.
The Course will include such subjects as Setting Goals, Motivation, Learning Style, Time Management, Note Taking, Using Notes, Reading Skills, Mind Mapping, Using library resources, effective study groups, Exams Preparations and techniques, Essay and Report writing and developing Memory Systems.
The course is primarily aimed at university undergraduate and postgraduate freshers. Second priority will be given to postgraduate and undergraduate continuing students. Third priority will be given to A-Level students. The course is not open to students of GCSE Level and below.
The number of places on the course is limited to 20. Participants have to make a £50 nominal contribution to the course to partly cover the fees for the external speakers, refreshments, food, course dinner and accommodation. Early application is advised. For further information e-mail: mhdatoo@dircon.co.uk.
During the last Federal election in Canada, Muslims were seen to be active. This is a good sign. It is hoped that at the next elections (Municipal/Provincial/Federal) we will have Muslim candidates.
In Toronto, Al-Shura- The Muslim Consultative Assembly, was active to some degree. Some 10,000 flyers were distributed at various Islamic Centres requesting Muslims to go to candidate meetings and ask questions on the following three issues:
We understand that a number of Muslims did do it and a few also wrote letters to the Prime Minister and others to express Muslim concerns on these three issues.
Al-Shura has membership of 51 Muslim organizations of Toronto with the mandate to deal with media and politics.