Many of us hear the various ringtones that play out when we are in the Masjid, or perhaps at an Islamic event such as a bayaan or halaqaa. We get annoyed and find it extremely disrespectful and rude to hear the voices of Jay-Z or One Republic blaring during a khutbah. So it was a pleasant change, and not found nearly as disrespectful, when people started to download Ayahs (verses) of the Quran or the Adhaan (call to prayer) as ringtones.  However, one of the most senior authorities in Sunni Islam has stated his disapproval of ringtones that feature verses from the Qur'an and the call to prayer.

Sheikh Ali Gomaa has issued a fatwa - a kind of Islamic recommendation – rejecting the idea of the use of the Qur'an in ringtones.

Ali Gomaa is not the first to bring this point up. There have been many Sheikhs and Scholars who had previously suggested the same ideas. However, many people are still sceptical. From their point of view, what could possibly be wrong with listening to a verse of the Quran?

"By using Quran verses as ringtones we undermine this legitimacy and limit it to a phone call. Quranic verses are interrupted and meanings are often truncated when the reciting stop as we answer the phone call. The calls to prayer are to announce it is time ... using it as a ringtone is confusing and misleading."

Many of us have these ringtones ourselves, or know of others who have them. Let us spread the word and inform our friends and families of the repercussions of their actions. Changing the words of Allah, even unintentionally, is sinful (to the best of my knowledge) and should be avoided at all costs—especially if the matter is in our hands.

 Ali Gomaa is very strict on his position and, for those insisting their ringtones have an Islamic character, he suggested they use Islamic hymns (Nasheeds etc.) or religious prose.

"God's words are sacred. ... He ordered us to respect them and glorify them," Gomaa said.

Though the State of the Union Address normally doesn't focus on foreign policy, it was interesting to note that Iraq and Afghanistan comprised all of three minutes of that entire address. It is all too clear that his December troop surge announcement was an appropriate beginning to a necessary end.

The Americans should have learned from the Soviet mistake, and the British before them, that Afghanistan is not a nation that can be easily subdued. But some mistakes, once made, cannot be reversed and must be seen all the way through to their sad ends. And Obama's announcement on Dec 1st was an effort to do just that. Afghanistan is beyond lost and the goal now is to exit gratefully from this "good war." Missteps in the primary stages of war created lasting impediments to peace. As such, the joint surge and withdrawal announcement allows the West to apply lipstick to the proverbial pig: to clean up loose ends and present itself as having had some constructive effect on Afghanistan.

Obama's speech successfully portrayed the surge as the beginning of a slow-and-steady phase out period. And if NATO can attempt to achieve the following three goals in the next few years, the West has the opportunity to save face. It can show that its presence in Afghanistan had some discernable value. First and foremost, the goal is to project the image of a collaborative effort in Afghanistan. NATO should increase troop activity before it limits it, in order to present this as a NATO mission, and not an American failure.

To the Pashtuns, and indeed to the entire Middle East, this is an American war. Despite the NATO presence, the United States made an effort after Operation Allied Force in Kosovo to avoid "war by committee" at all costs. It was not until 2003 that the US gave up minimal control of forces in Afghanistan to NATO. And even if Obama is genuinely interested now in a multilateral approach, NATO members have never had both feet in Afghanistan. This is reflected by the paralyzing caveats that senior commanders have to deal with. It becomes impossible to coordinate troops when member states send personalized demands - some soldiers cannot conduct night patrol and others cannot be in combat. Though its called a mission, it is treated like a voluntary project. NATO's lack of strategy and common voice is obstructive, especially at a time when it is crucial for this war to be seen as a joint commitment.

Second, a disproportionate focus needs to be placed on alternatives  to poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. The country has gone from producing 52%  of the world's supply in the mid-1990s to 93% in 2008. It makes little sense to simply destroy all the opium in Afghanistan - you might as well aerial spray the entire population. There are zero alternatives to this narco-economy. The country is dirt-poor and there is no infrastructure to speak of. Harsh tactics like aerial spraying the crops serve only to propogate the fluid alliances of convenience between pragmatic Afghan farmers and opportunistic Taliban.

Third, when it comes to Kabul, the West will have to think of some kind of alternative governing strategy. Afghanistan has historically had little experience with centralized government, so Karzai's relevance and influence outside of Kabul is unimpressive, if not non-existent. Couple this with President Bush's preferred "light footprint" method in 2001, whereby the Taliban was defeated in Kabul by CIA-funded local militants and the old Northern Alliance. Right from the outset, this tactic inadvertently allowed local warlords to re-establish their military fiefdoms, thus irreparably undermining the potential for Afghanistan's embryonic civilian army to succeed.

In other words, outside of Kabul, there is no government and there is no civilian army, and in the next ten-fifteen years that's not going to change. The West have to accept some kind of decentralized system, whereby locals have their own control so long as they recognize the authority of Kabul in some minimal manner, and so long as they denounce the Taliban. Leave it to the locals to get rid of the Taliban presence - they are mostly unwanted anyway, and useful only insofar as they promise the end of American influence. And if they need help, Kabul should be ready to supply.

Last, something needs to be done about Pakistan. In an effort to keep Afghanistan under its thumb, Musharraf played a double game for his entire presidency. Pakistani intelligence is believed to have funded the main centre of Taliban command (the Quetta shura), and all the while, the United States has been providing Pakistan with money that has been funneled right back into the insurgency - at least $10 billion in aid over 6 years.

At this point in the game, any further US presence in Pakistan could enrage the population and bring down the Zardari government. But the Lal Masjid tragedy and the state of emergency declared in 2007 have opened some eyes in Pakistan. Zardari made a peace agreement with the Taliban in the Swat Valley, and this turned out to be a colossal mistake, as the militants are now creeping towards Islamabad. NATO can make an effort to sell air support to Pakistan not as part of the ideological US war on Terror/Islam, but as part of a limited multilateral effort to reduce violence and instability in Pakistan.

In Afghanistan, the military aspect has failed and political will does not exist. Admiral Mullen said in 2008 that, "We can't kill our way to victory." The Bush administration created a troubling situation for the Afghan people, the Karzai government and the Taliban: one that cannot be reversed unless Obama is truly interested in nation-building. Unfortunately, no one has any interest in fighting the war that Afghanistan needs fought, so the best thing to do is to cut losses now and start cleaning.

Most of us are at a point in our lives where we have experienced some level of hardship. Alhamdulillah, we should be thankful that most of us are at least living in nations where we don’t have to fear for our lives every time we step out the door. We have safety and security, and a lot more to be thankful for. Despite having so much, there are still many different kinds of adversities we face in our lives. These adversities can come in many forms including, but not limited to oppression, injustice, death of loved ones, personal failures and injuries. Allah has made the human being the best of his creation, and He also tests those He loves; the stronger one’s faith, the harder the test.

Surat al-Mulk, aaya 2 is translated, “[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” This aaya is an important reminder that our lives are a test, and Allah SWT judges us based on our deeds. This aaya is related to an important outlook I wanted to share.

When Umar (r’a) faced any sort of calamity or hardship, he responded “If Allah strikes me with a calamity, I will thank him for four reasons:

1)     The calamity is not losing one’s deen/emaan
2)     It could have been worse
3)     Allah forgives my sins for my suffering
4)     Any loss after losing the Prophet (SAW) is nothing

It is easy for us to be displeased; yet so hard for us to be content. Some say this is a part of human nature. Just be mindful that the reward for every other deed than patience is known. Also keep in mind that Allah tests us not only when He takes something away from us, but also when He gives anything to us. Having too little or too much of something is not a sign that Allah SWT is pleased with you; it is all a part of one’s test to see how one uses this abundance or deals with the lack of something significant.

Lastly, a simple reminder, but one that we often neglect: always thank Allah SWT, glorify your Lord, ask for Him to bestow His mercy upon you, repent and ask for forgiveness, and ask Allah SWT to keep your emaan at its highest, always.

During the 3 days of RIS, I came across a booth that was selling modern, glossy-page magazines. I’m not sure if most of you are familiar with the Muslim magazine, aimed towards young females, Muslim Girl Magazine. This magazine is everything that any other teen magazine is. It’s filled with pages of clothes for girls that “keep it halal”, inspirational stories about young women making a change in the world, a health and lifestyle section and much more.

There are pages filled with young Hijabi females (this is the part that excites me the most) showing off different hijab styles for the seasons. I actually have two copies of the magazine at home. It had been awhile since I had heard of or seen the magazine and when I saw it again at a booth at RIS, I was reminded of the inspiration and voice this magazine attempts to give to young Muslim women.

Although I applaud the idea of a magazine aimed toward Muslim youth, not many people feel the same way. They believe that the magazine is much too modern and focuses too much on fashion and not enough on Islam itself. Some even go on to say that the magazine “praised musicians and other dubious, if not outright haraam, characters/ behaviours."

Considering that the woman on the cover of this particular edition displayed above is wearing a bright, form-fitting suit with expertly applied makeup, it does lead one to question the notion, meaning and application of the word "modesty." But is she not merely a reflection of what's on the streets today? Are we lying to ourselves about who we are if we reject her as the Muslim everywoman?

That’s up to the reader to decide. For a second opinion:
http://muslimmatters.org/2009/05/20/muslim-girl-magazine-a-review/

It’s that time of year again for high school students. Sleep-deprivation, nervous breakdowns, opportunistic computer crashes, and not so comforting career advise from counsellors and ominous descriptions of post-secondary life from graduates. Yes, it’s College/ University option selection time!

Are you aware that the career and path you choose now will determine how you live your entire life? Did you now that there is absolutely no changing the decision you make now? After the decision of what you will do after high school is made, there is no turning back! You’ve just chosen you whole life’s direction!

Sound familiar? These are only a few of the common misconceptions about the College/ University application process that one may hear from high school students, because they themselves heard them from older people, even parents! However, they are not exactly true.  

Yes, the decision of a Post-secondary education is a very serious one. It is the first step on the path of adulthood and independence. It is not, however, a contract of indentureship. This decision is a very important one but it is not one that you should be having a nervous breakdown about. You have many options that are open to you, including apprenticeships or co-op. However, if you choose to go to College or University, first year is usually a year to explore and discover your own interests and goals better so you can make a better decision on the direction of your studies.

That is not to say that you should go into post-secondary school completely oblivious to what you’d like to do in your life. It’s always better to have a plan, even if it is only vague--always tie your camel!

And when making that plan, don’t forget to seek the help of Allah. Because if you do that, then you will be truly successful. How can you seek the help of Allah? You can make d’ua and pray Salatul Istikharah (no, it‘s not just for marriage!). This video by AbdulBary Yahyah is very informative: http://ilmcast.com/category/abdulbary-yahyah. Also check out: http://forums.almaghrib.org/showthread.php?t=33169&highlight=salatul+istikhara

Another integral part of making your decision is seeking advice from knowledgeable people. Allah has said in the Qur’an (translation) “And consult them in the affair. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah.” [Aal-Imran 3:159]. Ask parents, older Siblings, Aunties, Uncles,  and older students. But while doing all of that, don’t forget your own interest and likes. Remember, it will be you attending those classes, doing those  readings and labs, and writing those essays. What is the point of putting all of that effort into your studies if you end up miserable?  

Also, keep in mind that if the results that you want don’t happen, that Allah’s wisdom is behind it whether you see it or not. Allah has said in the qur'an (translation), “it may be that ye dislike a thing and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.” [An Nisa 4:19]
 
The Messenger of Allah (Sal allahu alayhi wasalam) said:

    The strong believer is better and more dear to Allah than the weak believer,
    and in each of them there is good. Be vigilant for what is to your benefit and
    seek the help of Allah and do not falter. But when you are stricken by some setback,
    do not say: ‘If only I had done such and such,’ rather say: ‘it is the Decree of Allah
    and He does whatever He wills.’ For verily the saying ‘if ’ (i.e if I had) begins the
    work of the devil.” [Muslim 4/2052]

Having gone through it myself just last year, I know that the decision process is stressful and confusing. However, it doesn’t have to be all consuming. Trusting in Allah, staying positive and staying calm will make this process a lot easier on you.

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We want to hear form YOU! Comment and share you own experiences with College/University/Apprenticeship/Co-op selection!

Throughout this past week, a lot of media attention given to the infamous ‘Toronto 18’ case. The arrests that made international headlines over 3.5 years ago, the trials that have still yet to start, and the recent guilty pleas have all been a great topic of discussion in the news. Over the past three years, news regarding the terror sweep of the so called ‘Toronto 18’ that occurred in June of 2006 has appeared widely in various media outlets across the nation.  The subject of terrorism is one that has been sensationalized in the media as well as in public discourse ever since the September 11 attacks in 2001. The media has displayed the young men and boys as having ‘militant’ views and misguided ideas about the Muslim faith. The media has taken advantage of the fact that Muslims are stigmatized and stereotyped, and furthers this view onto their viewers, listeners and readers.

For those of you who do not know about the ‘Toronto 18’, 18 men and boys were arrested in the summer of 2006 because they were allegedly a part of a homegrown terror cell. They were accused to wanting to blow up targets in Toronto and beheading the Prime Minister.  All of this sounds very terrifying, and definitely something that none of us want to be affected by. Many people’s initial reaction to these arrests was, and still might be, “Thank GOD they were arrested and this was stopped,” I, naively so, was one of them as well.

When the arrests initially occurred in June 2006, I was in my final year of high school, and being a Muslim teen in the post 9/11 Western world, I felt that it was necessary to hold onto my identity of being Canadian and show the “Canadians”—whoever they may be—that I was different from what the stereotype of Muslims now was. I did not give much attention to the terror sweep of the ‘Toronto 18’, and nor did I care to look into the case. After hearing about the arrests, I thought to myself “what a bunch of idiots. Why are they out to get Canada, and why are they ruining the Muslim image on the whole?” I remember seeing it in the papers and on the news, but that was the end of it.

A little under two years later, in April of 2008, I got an event invitation on Facebook, and it was to the bail hearing of one of the accused, Saad Gaya. I was interested to see what this was about, and it was not long until I realized he was one of the young men that were arrested in June 2006. I was shocked, confused, but more than anything—curious. I wanted to know, why, two years later, this guy was applying for bail, when typically, he should have already gotten a trial. In the Canadian justice system, an accused is guaranteed 1) the presumption of innocence, and 2) the right to a fair and speedy trial. These men were denied both.

This sparked great interest in me, and I decided to do some homework on this before I decided to go to court. I went to the library and retrieved old newspaper archives from 2006 and tried to retrace the steps. One may think that looking in retrospect may be easier, but for me, it was even more confusing and difficult to understand the situation. The articles and documentaries/videos made on the case opened my eyes up to a lot of issues that I had never before come across.  I decided that I would have to be my own judge and do more background research. As I read, I discovered that the articles and headlines that I was exposed to in high school, the year the arrests took place, were only half of the story. As I read on, it was evident that there were government informants involved in the case, that the accused men and boys were facing unequal treatment, suffering human rights abuses and they all went through prolonged periods of solitary confinement. None of these issues were brought up in the media or made openly aware to the public.

The truth was being hidden, and the publication ban that was conveniently placed on the issue after fear was successfully instilled in the Canadian public, was working to benefit the intelligence services (CSIS) and the RCMP that had worked together to build a case against the men and boys.  To me, it became evident that in order to prolong the climate of fear, partial and inaccurate information continued to be reported and published.

Unfortunately, Islamophobia has resulted in the general and unquestioned acceptance of the ideas that Islam is a religion that is inferior to the West; it is archaic, barbaric, irrational, and is a religion of violence that supports terrorism.  Islamophobic views are not alien to many Canadian citizens who are well-educated, but ironically, blindly accept Islamophobic views. Canada is a country built on diversity, surrounded by it, but for one reason or another there are many Canadians that cannot get used to it.  Canada’s greatest strength is its people, but when its own inhabitants set up webs to entrap others and manipulate the rest of the population, it becomes problematic. When the collective conscious is torn apart, it is clear that the foundation of Canada has shaken.

Now, after more than 3.5 years later, the crown seems to be getting what they want, and numerous guilty pleas have started to flow in. Just this past week, three of the men, Saad Gaya, Zakaria Amara and Amin Durrani were sentenced. They plead guilty after being denied the right to a speedy trial, and will continue to suffer the consequences of the labels applied to them. There has been no trial, so I believe that I am still unable to judge their guilt or innocence, but what has become clearer than ever to me is that the system is being manipulated, and the approximately $20 million that RCMP and CSIS have invested in this case have become a need/want for conviction. A little over a year into the case, seven of the men and boys had their charges ‘stayed’, but they were not deemed innocent. They were released on peace bonds, but were not formally charged. Things like this force me to think about the wider implications of the actions of the people who we have left in charge of our country. A lack of evidence forced the authorities to drop the charges, but it seems as if they were still too arrogant to accept that the boys and men were wrongfully accused.

What disheartens me the most now is not the justice system, CSIS or the RCMP, but rather it is Canada’s people and the views that Canadians have formed about these individuals.  There is no presumption of innocence and the widespread ignorance of people has resulted in the continuous claims from many demanding deportation, torture and the death penalty. Canada is a peaceful country that has always stood for justice and righteousness, but at a time like this, everything Canada stood for seems questionable.

It seems as if assimilation has become necessary and integration has become a culture of survival. I am sure that I am not the only one that can see that there are many loopholes in the case, but it saddens me to see that people are neglecting their right to voice their opinions. People have become so terrified of being guilty by association, or being accused of being ‘bleeding hearts’ for terrorists. It bothers me to see that people who demand the rule of law be observed and that civil and human rights be respected are called terrorist sympathizers.

In 2010, we would like to believe that we hold the right to freedom of speech so long as it does not incite hatred or violence. Thoughtless conformity is a grave danger, but also a great temptation. It requires no ingenuity and it makes you feel secure. It makes you feel like you are the same as everyone else and therefore will not be targeted for your differing views. These are the very feelings that shut individuals down from challenging the state, or even the general population.

When it was said that there is no man above the law, I believe that the fact that no man is beneath the law would be implied as well. These men have been through numerous questionable conditions, including prolonged isolation that is torturous and dangerous to mental health.  It appears to me that many Canadians are supportive of deposing the due process model when it comes to cases they are not in favour of, thereby making them like the very countries they condemn.

I, like the majority of Canadians, condemn terrorism and any such related violent acts or ideologies. However, people mistake the support of presumption of innocence to be ‘bleeding hearts’ for terrorists.  In this case of the ‘Toronto 18’, the men and boys have been deprived of the right of presumption of innocence and the right to a fair and speedy trial. I am the voice that has been shut away, the one who is kept quiet and told be obedient and follow the dominant view. I am among you and I am one of you. Look into yourself, and separate the hoopla from the facts, and realize that this is not justice. Once again, the need for national security has tipped the balance and the civil liberties of many have been seized. One may assume that deprivation of civil liberties of a few for utilitarian purposes may be justified, but the more you realize that these men and boys are no different than you and I, and that it could have been you or I in their position, the more real their situations will seem to you, and the sooner your eyes will open up to the truth.

Injustice to one is injustice to all, and justice delayed is justice denied. Case Closed.

-Concerned Canadian


Please watch Unfair Dealing – A documentary made in response to the arrests of the Toronto 18. Links posted below are the 6 parts to the documentary. Please watch all 6 parts and keep yourself informed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-kFa2RiZ08&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW-X-EfyFc4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04ypY_5Uy7I&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKwLwMZaMRM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyk-cXiKuGU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGzfvex1dSM&feature=related

To "prorogue": to hold back to a later time

If you live in Canada, then you should know our federal government has prorogued parliament. Stephen Harper extended the Christmas Break for a period of two months for members of parliament. The reason being is Canada is hosting the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Really?

Because the world comes to a stop when the Olympics are on! So, now we have no one charge of the second largest nation in the world. This can only end well.

My friend said to me it doesn’t affect me.  Well FYI parliament is always backlogged with bills and etc prolonging a break doesn’t help this situation. Harper’s government was also to face the music for Afghan prisoner abuse and abuse of power.

But, you still might not care. But, what about airport security?  Most people travel and after the attempted Christmas bombing airports started drastically changing protocols for security. And with no one to monitor or regulate them they can pretty much do whatever they wish.

The Star and other media outlets were going to do a report on this but; the crisis in Haiti diverted their focus. I hope we don’t forget that we are still without government.

In the wake of Haiti's earthquake, some of the most disturbing images (besides the untouched food packages) are those of the mass graves. Deeply religious families are struggling to give their loved ons proper burials, while government dump trucks pile bodies into huge, anonymous mass graves.

This video from Rob Harris at the New York Times depicts one widow and her family's struggle to perform the sacred funeral rites for her husband Clotaire Auguste. (Viewer discretion is advised: this video contains disturbing images).

While funeral rites differ across culture, it is crucial for people of all nations and creeds to remember how short life is. Ibn Mas'ud said, "The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, drew lines making a square and then drew a line in the middle which extended beyond it. He drew some small lines up to this middle line from the side within the square and said, 'This is man, and this is end of his lifespan which encircles him - or by which he is encircled - and this which goes beyond it is his hope and these small lines are things that happen. If this one misses him, that one gets him, and if that one misses him, this one gets him.'"

In other words, death can come for you at any minute. Ibn 'Umar used to say, "In the evening, do not anticipate the morning, and in the morning do not anticipate the evening. Take from your health for your illness and from your life for your death." [al-Bukhari].

And the Almighty says, "O you who believe! Do not let your wealth or children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. Whoever does that is lost. Give from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you and he says, 'O Lord, if only you would give me a little more time so that I can give sadaqa and be one of the righteous.' Allah will not give anyone more time, once their time has come. Allah is aware of everything you do." (63:9-11)

The Almighty says, "Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, 'My Lord, send me back again. so that perhaps I may act rightly regarding the things I failed to do!' No indeed! It is just words he utters. Before them there is an interspace until the day they are raised up. Then when the Trumpet is blown, that Day there will be no family ties between them, they will not be able to question one another. Those whose scales are heavy, they are the successful. Those whose scales are light, they are the losers of their selves, remaining in Hell timelessly, forever. The Fire will sear their faces making them grimace horribly in it, their lips drawn back from their teeth. 'Were My Signs not recited to you and did you not deny them?'" to His words, "'How many years did you tarry on the earth?' They will say, 'We tarried for a day or part of a day. Ask those able to count!' He will say, 'You only tarried for a little while if you did but know! Did you suppose that We created you for amusement and that you would not return to Us?'" (W23:100-116; H23:99-115)

Astaghfirullah, may Allah SWT grant us forgiveness for our lapses and may he make us among those that think of nothing but death.

In today’s modern world, you’re only as good as your resume. If you want to make it in business, medicine, science or law, your grades and your extra-curricular activities form a huge portion of your application. But for many Muslim girls, the latter part of the equation proves extremely difficult to achieve.

For as long as I can remember, most parents in my community have been bothered by their daughters joining clubs and extra-curriculars. At a face level, they realize there is absolutely nothing wrong with any club (especially one that is academic). But deep down, they feel that as soon as school hours are over, daughters should be right back home where they belong.

Even if it is a society like the Muslim Student’s Association, parents simply are not wholly comfortable with the notion of a club or a social community. A lot of it may have to do with their own upbringings: in Pakistan, for example, you excelled in school and there was nothing more important than that. The changing competitive environment of the 21st century, which requires us to pack our CVs with as many titles and positions as possible, is lost on them.

But it’s more than just an unfortunate social/cultural habit; it has a religious aspect, as well. When it comes down to it, the Qur’an makes specific recommendations as to how women should lead their lives. The clear point is that it should not be led like men. But unfortunately, society demands otherwise.  Families cannot simply run on one income and girls have been trained from a young age to be “all that they can be”.  Our parents are then faced with a complex interplay of emotions: they want their children – including their daughters – to be successful and fit for urban life. But on the other hand, many believe that to ensure the religiosity and safety of their children, daughters should not get too involved with the dunya.  

For many immigrant parents, the frame of reference is still “back home”. In other words, if they are concerned with impressing, pleasing or berating anyone, it is members of their own community. Honour and respect comes from those that share the same heritage and the same background as themselves, and no one else. They have little regard for how “Canadians” see them. For some, it is a fear of the unknown and a fear of the tyranny of the "white man" that drives them to self-segregation. For others, however, it has a lot to do with the Western world's increasingly discriminatory policies towards Muslims (see Fareedah's article on Swiss legislation regarding masjid minarets). If we over-educate our children in a system that hates them, we only teach them to hate themselves. Put another way, it is kind of  like a Stockholm Syndrome, where increased exposure to Western academia severs our link to our imaan and makes us fall in love with the enemy. For our parents, there is no worst nightmare than someone like Irshad Manji, Canadian small-l liberal lesbian Muslim, critic of traditional Islam, and in their opinion, an over-educated Munaffiqun (hypocrite).

In my final year of university, I am seeing a lot of Muslim women make some great strides in their lives. But as female students get older and wiser, the dynamic at home changes. The same parents who once encouraged (and forced!) them to study and excel in school are now facing a kind of anxiety about their daughters being simply too “white-washed”.  A fear of late night club meetings has developed into a fear of studies abroad and international programs.

This article was inspired by a Muslim student I met while at work at the Career Centre, who is turning down an acceptance to Oxford University for a Masters in Political Science because her parents forbid it. It is also inspired by the words of Dr. Tariq Ramadan, and his belief that Muslim Canadians are ghettoizing themselves. He reminds us that the prophet put great stock in deen, and traveling for the sake of education.  But there must certainly be a limit to what we sacrifice in order to succeed in the mainstream. In other words, this hadith only count for certain definitions of deen, and yours may not apply. 

Yale or Harvard means nothing to some parents. For a daughter to achieve these academic honours, it is actually a nuisance. “Why do you want things so far away? Why are your ambitions so sinful?”  A daughter should aim to stay close to her roots at all times, until she is passed from one family’s embrace (or control?) to another. Why? Because the world is dangerous. And it is (or, at least, it ought to be) a sin for a mother to throw her child into such a situation of temptation, risk and seduction. Safety from these things is found only indoors. While the same fears and the same demands are always true for boys, we know well that they apply doubly or triply to women.

I'm not trying to engage in cultural stereotyping. Nor am I trying to be hard on our parents, who are afraid of falling into the growing crevasse between old world and new. But, we must admit that this is a trend that has long-standing roots in our cultural mores. Is it time to question these roots? Or (because these mores are said to be based on Islamic rulings), have we already strayed too far?

On December 24 2009, 4 migrant workers ( Ukrainian Aleksey Blumberg, Uzbek Vladimir Korostin, Russian Alexander Bondorev and Uzbek Fayzullo Fazilov) were killed in an accident when they fell 13 storeys from a scaffolding (“swing stage”) they were working on at 2757 Kipling Ave. in Toronto.  

A fifth worker, Dilshod Marupov, a 21 year old Muslim from Uzbekistan, remains in the intensive care unit at Sunnybrook Hospital. The Uzbek community and local construction Unions are trying to raise money to help him in his time of need.

 The Company he and his co-worker were working for, Metron Construction was given a stop-work order by the government on October 20 only to have it lifted 3 days later on October 23 after having “complied with the order.” However, more stop-work orders were again issued on December 17 but the problems were “immediately addressed to allow work to continue on the project.”

Despite the assertions from Metron president Joel Swartz that issued that led to the stop-work orders were addressed, some are calling for investigations including a Public Inquiry. The president of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council John Cartwright and the widow of one of the workers, Aleksey Blumberg, are calling for a Public Inquiry.

Another very serious issue arising from this incidence is that one of the deceased workers, Fayzullo Fazilov, a Muslim from Uzbekistan, has yet to be buried. He died on December 24. Members from the Toronto Uzbek community are trying to raise money to send him to Uzbekistan to be buried. A trust fund has also been set up to help all four families affected by this tragedy.