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Would you like to sit with me and sort cookies into different cookie jars?

If so, let me know, and we’ll sort them by colour, and nothing more.
The browns with the browns.
The whites with the whites.
That’s all there is to it.
Doesn’t it feel so right?

Tempers have been flaring, and minds have been sent reeling, ever since politicians in the York/ Toronto region have allowed for private subsidized housing complexes to limit their residencies to immigrants belonging to specific racial and ethnic groups. These racially categorized tenants receive monetary assistance from the government on a monthly basis to prevent the likelihood of failing to pay their rent on time. The financial aid provided is a direct withdrawal from public funds, or in other words, taxpayers’ money.

The sequestered residencies in question include Friulli Benevolent Corp.: a 113 unit apartment building in Vaughan set aside for those of Italian descent, Somayach Residential Centre: a 125 unit building in Thornhill set aside for renters of Jewish descent, Jubilee Garden: a 100 unit building in Richmond Hill aimed towards the Ismaili Muslim community, and Ja’Fari Islamic Housing: a 170 unit apartment/ townhouse complex in Richmond Hill reserved for Muslims.

Those in favour of the policy state that the creation of these safe-starter-mini-communities acts as a cushion to newly immigrated families by offering them a taste of something familiar, and in the process, allows for a much smoother transition from their old lives to their new ones. On account of the fact that some of these ‘cultural specific’ housing complexes have been the result of numerous hours of fundraising and volunteering, supporters understandably state that the policy serves as a token of recognition for all of the work that these minority groups have put into their communities.

But what about the 6,700 other families in the York region that have been waiting on the subsidized housing list for a span of 2-10 years? What about the fact that everybody’s money is “going into a facility that isn’t open to everyone” (John Taylor, Newmarket Regional Councillor)? What kind of a message is being sent?

The city of Toronto, and its inhabitants in general, have been known for their recognition, acceptance, and appreciation of cultures from all around the globe. In a region as diverse and accepting as the one in which we live, segregating housing according to race and culture would prove to be contradictory to our standards and a retrogression indeed. Although homespun sights, sounds and smells seem to be a source of comfort, venturing into the unknown, interacting with the new and different, and learning to accept and understand differences proves to be valuable life experience. New faces, new races, and a pair of new laces… and that’s when we’ll be going places.

We as human beings, and as a community as a whole, need to learn how to foster an accepting environment while managing to hold onto our mores, beliefs, and conducts. Separating ourselves into different clans with different territories is not the way in which we do this. We need to wish for our neighbour that which we wish for ourselves regardless of their race, religion, or colour, and live cohesively and in harmony, in a majority made heterogeneous homogeny.  

Very much like assorted cookies, all in one cookie jar.
 
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"O my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but a (quick passing) enjoyment, and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever" (Quran, Surah Ghafir: 39)

One verse sums up the life of a Muslim. We are here for but a glimpse. Our home is elsewhere where it is eternal. The time we have right now will decide our home hereafter. So, take this verse and live this life remembering it. Is cheating, lying, and sinning worth the small dividends it may pay? Or is facing hardships, maintaining integrity, and remembering the oneness of Allah (God) and building up your house in paradise eternally what you wish?

The choice is yours. Make it now.
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The word modern, according to merriam-webster.com can mean something that is “involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas. However, this word in some circles and in the Western media has come to signify “non-Muslim” or non-Islam. 

You see them in the media all of the time, non-practicing Muslims (or even those people that have gone out of Islam) that are held up as representatives of Islam and as moderate and modern Muslims.  They’re definition of being Muslim is someone who conforms to the dominant trends and ideas/ method of living of the current society, even if they are against the teachings of Islam. 

But to them, their innovations or lack of practice of some aspects of the religion is alright because they are being “progressive” and living “moderately.” A prime example that is well known by Canadian Muslims is the MCC--a group that called for banning the niqab in late 2009. 

So what does this have to do with your life? This debate is a very important one for Muslims living in the West, young and otherwise. It is questioning our way of living and it is presenting to us a choice--are you Muslim and backwards or are you Western and modernized? 

It is obviously a false choice because the refined life of the Muslim (in religious practice, character etc.) are the exact opposite of barbarism. And secondly because there is no conflict in being “Western” and being Muslim if the definition of being Western is living in a certain geographical area and having certain values about freedom from oppression and promoting human rights. The Muslim is one that enjoins good and forbids evil, with anyone who does the same. Those two ideals are in no way contradictory to Islam, in fact it is Islam and Muslims that effectively implemented them in societal structures, as a result of Divine Guidance, long before the UNDHR in 1948.  An example would be rules of engagement in war that protected civilians. 

Any issues between being Western and being Muslim occur when the definition of Western is limited by those who consider themselves the ideal of the Westerner (ie. The WASP), who would like to eradicate ideas of belonging that do not fit his own. 

And that is what is occurring now. “Naturalized” Muslims that are born and/or raised in Western countries that are devoted to Islam are being challenged about their identity. Propaganda is unleashed against them in order to make them feel either inferior in religion, lifestyle and citizenship. It is not because of any inherent contradiction that exists but because of the knee-jerk  reaction of those in control of the status quo that do not want the ideological “purity” that they have held for so long to be challenged or changed in any significant way

You see them in the media all of the time, non-practicing Muslims (or even those people that have gone out of Islam) that are held up as representatives of Islam and as moderate and modern Muslims.  They’re definition of being Muslim is someone who conforms to the dominant trends and ideas/ method of living of the current society, even if they are against the teachings of Islam. 

But to them, their innovations or lack of practice of some aspects of the religion is alright because they are being “progressive” and living “moderately.” A prime example that is well known by Canadian Muslims is the MCC--a group that called for banning the niqab in late 2009. 

So what does this have to do with your life? This debate is a very important one for Muslims living in the West, young and otherwise. It is questioning our way of living and it is presenting to us a choice--are you Muslim and backwards or are you Western and modernized? 

It is obviously a false choice because the refined life of the Muslim (in religious practice, character etc.) are the exact opposite of barbarism. And secondly because there is no conflict in being “Western” and being Muslim if the definition of being Western is living in a certain geographical area and having certain values about freedom from oppression and promoting human rights. The Muslim is one that enjoins good and forbids evil, with anyone who does the same. Those two ideals are in no way contradictory to Islam, in fact it is Islam and Muslims that effectively implemented them in societal structures, as a result of Divine Guidance, long before the UNDHR in 1948.  An example would be rules of engagement in war that protected civilians. 

Any issues between being Western and being Muslim occur when the definition of Western is limited by those who consider themselves the ideal of the Westerner (ie. The WASP), who would like to eradicate ideas of belonging that do not fit his own. 

And that is what is occurring now. “Naturalized” Muslims that are born and/or raised in Western countries that are devoted to Islam are being challenged about their identity. Propaganda is unleashed against them in order to make them feel either inferior in religion, lifestyle and citizenship. It is not because of any inherent contradiction that exists but because of the knee-jerk  reaction of those in control of the status quo that do not want the ideological “purity” that they have held for so long to be challenged or changed in any significant way
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Check out Shanele Soares' Series
on the Inner Life of a Convert
Part 2 - This Week
 
 
If you follow politics you should sense that a federal election is around the corner. And if history has a story to tell then it’s going to be a contest between the Liberals and the Conservatives. The New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Green Party amongst other smaller parties and independents don’t usually stand a chance in most ridings.  And if you like their platforms and vote for them, then people will let you know you wasted your vote.

I like to talk elections with my friends and others. And living in Toronto I find a lot of Liberal voters. Some don’t need to know what the platforms are or who is running: they are going to vote Liberal regardless. The Liberals have the whole "moderation-in-the-centre" feel going for them, even when this isn’t always necessarily true. I like asking people what they think of the NDP platform. Some don’t know what it is, and others do but are hesitant to vote for them. Their reasoning is this: they are going to lose anyway. So why waste a vote?

It's a catch-22 situation: many don't vote for them because they are going to lose, and they are going to lose because many don't vote for them. Now, if we were to get rid of our hesitation and vote for who we feel would be best representing us then maybe they would stand a chance.  It’s a thought.

I’m not making an endorsement for the NDP. It is just my form of an example. These things are important and not just high school popularity contests for student council.  So, no matter what type of election it is, don’t just look at the banner the candidate is standing in front of but rather who they are and what they represent.  Give democracy a chance.
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Salah is one of the five greatest pillars of Islam. It is not only an act of worship and submission, but also an act that gives one inner peace and an ability to communicate with Allah (swt), the most Exalted and Supreme.  The main goal of salah is to build and maintain communication with Allah (swt), and it consists of many suras and phrases that allow the believer to thank Allah (swt), praise Him and ask Him for guidance. This paper will focus on the importance of the obligatory prayers, and the importance of having khushoo in one’s salah.
          
There are many important steps that lead to salah, and all of them must be fulfilled in order to receive the greatest level of achievement in your salah. These include wudu (ablution), intention and concentration. Unfortunately, it is true that many of the believers submit their bodies to Allah (swt) in prayer, but their minds are distracted by worldly thoughts.  It is important to realize that one must submit their bodies along with their hearts to get the greatest satisfaction from their salah. Muslims must engage in sacred combat, the greater jihad, and resist the distractions of this world when they are engaged in prayer.  Sura Al-Alaq 96:19 reads, “Nay, heed him not: But bow down in adoration, and bring thyself the closer (to Allah)!" This aya reveals the importance of focusing during your salah, and not just performing the prescribed actions of salah along with recitation from the tongue. Remind yourself continually, that you are talking to the most important ‘Being’ in your life. Your Creator and Sustainer. He is in front of you, you are facing Him and you are involved in a dialogue with Him.  

An important step towards gaining khushoo is to understand the meanings of the recitation being done in salah. The God-Praising and thanking is done five times a day in fard prayer, but it is important to realize that it is not just the tongue that is praising, it is also the heart and the soul.  The Opening, Sura Al-Fatiha 1:2-3 reads is praising Allah (swt), “Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” Next, 1:6-7 reads, “Show us the straight way. The way of those on whom Thou has bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.”  These two ayas of Al-Fatiha are used to ask the Almighty for guidance to the straight path.  Without realizing it, we recite Sura Al-Fatiha at least seventeen times a day in fard prayer, and our tongues thank, praise and ask Allah (swt) for guidance. It is shameful that we as humans can recite these words but not say it from the heart.  When we merely use the tongue without submitting our hearts and minds to Allah (swt), we are greatly disrespecting our Lord and it is as if our minds and hearts are turned away from Him.

Allah (swt) has prescribed reward for those who pray, and those who submit to His will. In Sura tul-Maarij, Allah describes the believers as “the observers of prayer, those who are constant in their prayer” (70:22-23). These ayas are used in the context of describing those who are excluded from the punishment and humiliation of the Day of Judgment.  We, as Muslims, are so blessed that we have been given the gift of prayer as a chance of communicating with the Lord of the worlds. We are given many occasions to make dua and ask Allah (swt) for what we need and for forgiveness. Sahih Muslim has narrated a hadith which says “A servant is nearest to his Lord when he is in sajda, so increase your supplication when in sajda.”  This shows that Allah (swt) has given us humans so many chances to draw ourselves near to Him, and we should take advantage of these opportunities in order to increase our nearness with Allah (swt). Furthermore, it is imperative to complete the requirements of prayer in that the concern for worshipping the Lord absorbs one’s heart. One should stand for prayer imagining that Allah (swt) was physically present before them, and place their hearts in front of the Lord. This will help the distractions vanish, and increase khushoo and quality of prayer.

All in all, it is not difficult to gain khushoo in prayer when one realizes that this duniya and worldliness is a part of our test, and our true destination is to Allah (swt) in the hereafter. When one prepares for prayer, he should hold the goal of gaining closeness to Allah (swt) in mind, and remember death at all times. This will improve the salah as with every prayer, one may think that this is their last prayer, and last chance to gain the mercy of Allah (swt).

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From the Twisted Swagger lookbook
I first noticed this in my first year of university, when I learned that two boys I had gone to high school with had started their own clothing company called "Twisted Swagger." Everyone rallied with them, touting them as a local success. And when we found out that they had gotten Kanye to wear their gear?? Well, dayum, son, where do I line up for my own shirt? It was local pride, and Riverdale Collegiate pride, and Toronto pride all wrapped up into one.

The GTA has seen a lot of local talent rise from the ground up, supported by viral media and word-of-mouth. And rather than shun them, certain groups have helped push them along even further, as a symbol of their group's overall greatness.

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www.muslimgear.com
For example: every year, at the Reviving the Islamic Spirit Conference (RIS), Muslim Gear grows in popularity. It's as much a brand as Nike is, but it stands for something else. Those who wear it seem to share a secret with each other. They know something no one else knows, and its a testament to group solidarity.

It was so astounding to see that people wanted a shirt regardless of the price. They wanted it because their friends had one. They wanted one because it was popular, and they wanted to see it become more popular. (But not too popular! Because its a status symbol after all, just like a fresh pair of Jordans.) Let's not make a shirt more than what it really is, but we have to admit that the popularity of Muslim Gear stems from something social, not just religious. 

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Amandeep Kang - AkakaAmazing
"But can this group solidarity go too far?

Last year, legions of Torontonians discovered Punjabi Sikh comedy sensation Amandeep Kang a.k.a. AK Amazing. Part Punjabi street hood, part spoiled Mama's boy from the suburbs, he's Russell Peters but a little more thug.

Punjabi's love him because of the way he cusses in Punjabi, Indians because he's Indian, Sikhs because he's Sikh, and desis love him because... well, because he's brown. And funny. He hits so many of the right notes and attracts a wide sub-set of the population as he does it.

But I don't think he quite understood his own appeal. He didn't realize that minorities love him because he makes fun of himself and everyone around him without actually insulting anyone. I think he learned the hard way that if he wants to get rich and famous off of these videos he has to walk a fine line between in-group preference and out-group derogation.

Earlier in the year, he posted a video called "Indian Stereotypes" in which he lambasts Canadians and their Indian stereotypes. (i.e. all South Asians eat curry) In one example, he complains that Canadians tend to conflate Pakistan with India. "We're not all the same", he says. "One country is full of terrorists, and one isn't."

The comments section of his YouTube page and his Facebook fan page exploded. Within weeks, the video was edited and the joke was taken out. His comments page for the video was disabled and he posted this semi-apology in the notes section of his YouTube page:

"So, although I did enjoy the race/culture war that was taking place in my comments section on the original upload and don't regret anything I said, I did have to take out the part about Muslim and terrorism. Why? Quite simply, because my MOMMA TOLD ME TO! Yes, yes, that's right. "AHAH! ***** is whipped by his MOMMA!!!" DAMN RIGHT! I'm sorry, I'm not like the few of you c******s who call their moms ******, ***** and ******. I do respect my mother. So, she won't give me my camera back UNTIL I took out that part because she's afraid our house is gonna get bombed! Aw darn it! I did it again....I guess I can't use those jokes unless I'm actually Muslim myself. Aw MAN! Anyways, hopefully we can stand UNITED NOW and tackle on the racist comments the few stupid white people throw at this video TOGETHER! Let it begin! Brown (united) vs dumbass c******s! (btw, i do read your comments, so please explain thoroughly regarding your racist theories)
THANK YOU COME AGAIN!!"

I think he's probably learned a lesson that Russell Peters has had to learn the hard way as well: minority comedians are only funny because they draw a line between the minority and the majority. Draw the line too close and make the boundaries of your group too limited, and there will be fall out. We allow him to insult Canadians and white people all in good fun... but "terrorist"?!? That's a low blow, Amandeep.  Low blow.

In almost every video, AK reps something local and something Punjabi, promoting his own values and his own group in his own unique way (he threatened to stop making videos if one of his picks didn't get enough new fans within the week). Toronto-based Hun Dus Clothing and Humble the Poet have both benefited magnificently from Kang's thumbs up endorsement. (Not that I'm complaining: Humble the Poet has insane talent).

Nonetheless, it's an interesting phenomena. This is what people talk about when they say minority empowerment. Giving the oppressed a voice. Does it really amount to anything more than reverse discrimination? Do we revere the one who is best able to unite our groups of disparate voices against a common enemy? (In AK's case, that common enemy is the white Canadian.)

And if that's the case, should we care at all? At the end of the day, it's funny and it makes us proud of our heritage. That should be all that matters, right?





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We often hear about how Muslim women, young and otherwise, need more of a voice, an outlet, a channel where they will be able to express themselves creatively and articulate their experiences, good and bad. There have been some attempts to provide that outlet, refer to Shaheena’s article on Muslim Girl Magazine. However, as Shaheena’s article alluded to, while these attempts are commendable, there are some issue with them as well, like how exactly to portray the modern Muslim woman.

Depending on one’s definition of modern, this issue of how to portray the modern Muslim woman will be a difficult one. If the definition of modern is taking non-Muslim or Western concepts and trying to apply them to Islam, then clashes will occur and sometimes a casualty of those clashes is a person’s deen. However, if the definition of modern is to take Islam and its teachings and apply them to the modern world, with the goal of maintaining the integrity of one’s practice of the religion, then a person’s deen will be less likely to be damaged, insha’Allah.

The Muslimah Source website is a wonderful resource for young Muslim women that attempts to do just that, and does it ever do it well! It takes the principles of Islam and applies them to the modern challenges facing young Muslimahs. The articles are entertaining, well-written and offer practical, creative advice. The website is an excellent showcase of how the modern Muslim woman can navigate and excel in a world that has special challenges for us.

Check out the website and throw in your two cents!
(Though be assured, your comments are worth more to kih than that! ;))

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Check out Shanele Soares' Series
on the Inner Life of a Convert
Part 1 - This Week
 
 
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Sometime in mid-January, I wound up at the One Love Jamaican Vegetarian Cafe, a quaint little restaurant at College & Bathurst.  This restaurant is run by the same couple who sells the famous Corn Soup at Toronto's Harbourfront every summer. (Yes - they make a killing selling hot soup in the SUMMER). And this isn't just any normal Corn Soup: the line-up's for this tasty treat wind around and around their little cart, and people actually leave in frustration when they run out. They've finally set up a permanent shop in Toronto and I went with a good friend to have a great vegetarian meal.

While I was there in the small, unassuming (and slightly uncomfortable) cafe, a short, energetic lady came in, dressed in big, thick workout clothes. She was carrying a very expensive camera and was snapping photos of everything around her. All the while, she was trying to strike up a chat with anyone who would listen.

In all honesty, my response to overly friendly people is the same as most Torontonians - "this woman is crazy." My initial judgment is that she was indeed insane. and the burden of proof was on her to show otherwise.

Eventually, we ended up talking for quite some time, and she pulled out a business card. It read "“www.toronto365.ca: LIFE is to be enjoyed, get out & have FUN!”Ann (crazy lady) revealed that she is in fact quite amazing. Having traveled to more than 40 countries around the world, she decided she was going to start a "Staycation" Blog about Toronto. For 365 days, she was going to try something new every day. She was going to see the city on a dime and discover new and hidden gems.

From the Winter City Festival, to meeting George Stroumboulopoulos of The Hour, she truly is hitting a wide range of notes. It's a fresh, fast-paced, city life.

Nonetheless, something about her blog, though exciting and entertaining, reads like a mid-life crisis. She left a lucrative import/export business to start up this blog, and she's doing it for free. A single lady, jumping from one issue to one cause to one party, without getting attached and committed to anything... it's a little depressing. The layout of her website is as erratic as she is, and the banner image, displaying a young, hip urbanite out on the town starts to look a little sad after a while. After all that traipsing through the city, what does this urbanite come home to? Another night alone planning a day meeting people she will likely never see again? 

The writer of this blog does a good job of convincing you that she is indeed committed, attached and passionate to challenging herself. I may be completely misjudging her motives and her intentions for this blog, but a part of me still questions her lifestyle; this get-up-and-go and live-every-day-like-a-party lifestyle.

This seems to be the everyman interpretation of the famous Latin words "carpe diem". Like seizing the day always means you have to jump off a bridge or go scuba diving in the winter. Yes, there's a bit of that involved in correctly seizing a day. But at some point, that all becomes a distraction and an escape from the reality of your life.

I'm not fully convinced about the concept, but it's still an interesting blog. From attending live tapings to taking part in Improv Comedy Shows, she's got more experiences under the belt than most people can dream, and she doesn't care how crazy she looks running into a restaurant taking random pictures of patrons and their food.

Note: You'll find my little run-in with her on Day #18 of her staycation!

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