MAC National Newsletter - September 2024

MasjidPlus AI
8 months ago

The Human Struggle and Our Responsibility...

September Highlights

P-E Message

Relief Efforts  

Droplets of Knowledge

Perfect Character

MAC in the Spotlight

In the footsteps of the Prophet 

Sept Events Recap

Fulfilling Your Role as Muslim Women 

The Human Struggle and Our Responsibility

As the genocidal war on Gaza marks its first anniversary, Lebanon now faces relentless and indiscriminate bombing from Israeli forces. This brutal campaign, which many regard as genocidal, has led to immense loss of life, destruction of property, and devastation of civilian infrastructure. Despite various forms of resistance, none have succeeded in halting this blatant aggression against innocent civilians and vital institutions.

The ongoing tragedy in Gaza is part of a larger struggle against injustice and oppressiona cry against occupation and dispossession, particularly in the defense of the sacred al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam. Allah (SWT) reminds us of its sanctity in the Quran:

" "
"Exalted is He who took His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muammad ()] by night from al-Masjid al-arm to al-Masjid al-Aq, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:1)

Today on our National Day of Truth and reconciliation here at home, we are reminded that injustice, occupation and colonialism have long existed against diverse peoples all around the world. What unites all oppressed people is a right and a desire to be free of subjugation and oppression. The God-given right to continue struggling against injustice is an important means to bring an end to all immoral occupation. Just as the people of Algeria, Pakistan and Libya broke free from military occupation in the 20th century, so too will the people of Palestine and Lebanon eventually be free. 

From an Islamic perspective, trials and hardships are an essential part of our journey toward achieving true freedom through complete submission to Allah SWT. As we reflect on the following verse from the Quran, the words of Allah remind us:

" "

"And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah"

The Trap of Apathy:

Despite the tireless efforts to stop the ongoing genocide, there is concern over the rise of activism fatigue and apathy. While apathy is a natural response to repeated tragedy, the real danger is allowing it to lead to disengagement and reduced efforts for justice.

The situation requires more than sympathy; it demands sustained, meaningful action. The Quran urges us to act with determination and persevere in the face of hardship:

" "

"O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful." (Surah Al-Imran, 3:200)

And the Prophet (pbuh) has told us that "there shall come upon the people a time in which the one who is patient upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning ember." Allah sometimes tests the believers by seeing their steadfastness in the face of harship, and the test itself is for us to continue struggling and not give up.

So continue holding on and continue fighting for truth and justice until the day you meet your Lord.

SUPPORT OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN LEBANON AND PALESTINE

Messenger of Allah () said, "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever".

To support relief efforts in Palestine and Lebanon, consider donating to the following Canadian charities:****

Droplets of Knowledge

Living Rabbaniya

A life inspired by God consciousness where the quality of the heart is reflected in every action. The moving spirit behind our life, works and way of living is our connection to Allah(swt) and we avoid the trap of the means becoming the end goal.

"I have been sent to perfect good character."

As the month of Rabi Al-Awwal is the month in which the Prophet PBUH was born and had passed away, let us take this reminder as an opportunity to reflect on the Seerah and Sunnah of the Prophet to help you understand the Word of Allah (the Quran) better and guide you to the Right Path.

Allhuma sali Ala Muhammad.

MAC in the Spotlight

MAC Youth Calgary - The Brothers' Network

The Brothers' Network (TBN) is a bi-annual MAC Calgary youth program designed for high school and university-aged boys, with a mission to foster strong bonds of brotherhood among young Muslim men. Each session revolves around a unique theme and features dynamic team-building activities, inspiring guest speakers, and valuable networking opportunities. In August 2024, our theme focused on "Striving in the Way of Allah (SWT)," encouraging participants to deepen their connection with Islam and their purpose in this dunya, while touching on current relevant events happening around the world.

In the Footsteps of the Prophet SAW

Hold Fast to the Rope of Allah

Abu Umayah Ash-Sha'bani narrated: "I went to Abu Tha'balah Al-Khushani and said to him: 'How do you deal with this Ayah?' He said: 'Which Ayah?' I said: 'Allah's saying: Take care of yourselves! If you follow the guidance no harm shall come to you (5:105).' He said: 'Well, by Allah! I asked one well-informed about it, I asked the Messenger of Allah () about it. [So] he said: "Rather, comply with (and order) the good, and stay away from (and prohibit) the evil, until you see avarice obeyed, desires followed, and the world preferred, and everyone is amazed with his view. Then you should be worried about yourself in particular, and worry of the common folk. Ahead of you are the days in which patience is like holding onto a burning ember**, for the doer (of righteous deeds) during them is the like of the reward of** fifty of those who do the like of what you do." 'Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak said: "It was added for me, by other than 'Utbah, that it was said: 'O Messenger of Allah! The reward of fifty men among us, or them?' He said: 'No! Rather the reward of fifty men among you.'" [Sahih]

Anas bin Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah() said: "There shall come upon the people a time in which the one who is patient upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning ember." [Sahih]

September Events Recap

Edmonton

Calgary

Halton-Hamilton

Kitchener-Waterloo

London

Mississauga

Montreal

Montreal

Montreal South

Montreal West

Ottawa

Toronto

Vancouver

Waterloo

Windsor

Fulfilling Your Role as Muslim Women 

Thriving in the Path of Allah (SWT) requires us to build homes and families that stay on the straight path. To ground ourselves through what is the greatest shift in social history means we must focus on understanding and supporting every segment of the family to be strong, steadfast, and thrive through the chaos of the life of this world and build a stable system of life based on the pure and true foundation and connection to Allah (SWT) that is established.

Learn about the role of Muslim women and how to fulfill it. Watch this session by Dr. Dalia Fahmy & Rania Lawendy on MAC e-Learning.

Enrol in the FREE course on MAC E-Learning!

MAC Ansar Program

The Prophet (PBUH) said: The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever 

Lend a hand: Volunteer with us

Newcomer Registration

Help make our community better!

The Muslim Association of Canada strives to be an anchor for the community. We aim to touch more lives and expand our footprint through education and service to many more communities across the nation.

Donate to Support MAC Programs

Let us know what you think. Complete the survey below!

Take Survey

Stay Connected