There are many different sites one comes across when surfing the web, but one particular site caught my attention. I was searching for a site which presents a balanced package of Islamic material, and when I came across kalamullah.com, I had found it. This site covers a variety of different topics and is aimed at a large audience. It has specific sections for brothers and sisters, as well as youth and adults.

Kalamullah presents material which is strictly religious, such as the Quran and Hadith, as well as more communal issues such as those of family and society. Each section of the site offers a great variety of views and materials that one can look into for further details.

Kalamullah also has a very useful feature, which is its collection of books, videos and lectures. Each of these sections offers a variety in terms of writers, lecturers and schools of thought. One thing I was impressed by on Kalamullah, was that it did not promote or condone any particular viewpoints or schools of thought. It offers a great variety of all kinds and this allows visitors to be exposed to all of the differing views that are out there.

All in all, Kalamullah is a source of information and a medium which allows “humanity to develop a better understanding about the pure Islam and the real message that it teaches: Peace, Submission, Surrender and Obedience to Almighty God and to clear up all the misconceptions anyone might have about this way of life that strives for peace.”

www.kalamullah.com

For those souls who have lost their way in the bitter cold of the winter night, and have happened to stumble upon ‘Little India’, those souls have lived. 

Gerrard India Bazaar, located in downtown Toronto, is a scintillating South Asian cultural experience few are likely to forget. Host to over one hundred shops and restaurants specializing in South Asian culture, music, and food, the Bazaar provides an accurate miniature representation of what South Asia consists of. 

As a wanderer, one can’t help but be drawn to the shops’ windows to admire the rich luxurious colours, and the allure of the intricacies, of the latest South Asian fashions. Whether it be hand embroidered-pure imported silk saris, exquisite bridal lehengas adorned with sparkling gems, or royal sherwanis and jodhpuris, there’s something here for everyone. Being a wanderer, keep in mind that the more likely an outfit is going to make you go ‘ooh’, the more likely your money pouch is going to go ‘ouch’.

For centuries, South Asians have acquired quite a refined taste for high quality gold, and upon entering one of several jewellers’ stores, you’ll find that it is no different. Laid out for your pleasure will be an array of first-class 22KT gold and diamond jewellery, from countries renowned across the globe for their high standard gold such as Singapore, Dubai, Pakistan, and India itself. If you’re looking for something simpler, then available for you are also a range of styles composed of real precious/ semi-precious stones and gems.

All of this wandering is bound to have made one hungry… The smells of aloo paratha, chicken biryani, and tandoori platters waft through the air and tempt those on the fringes of the region to enter and have a taste. After having had the savoury and spicy, why not sweeten your mouth with some gulab jamun, ras malai, or kulfi?

With your hunger satisfied, and your body strong enough for you to be on your way, why not grab a paan, and a Bollywood movie as a souvenir, and head off?

Don’t worry, simple wanderer. You won’t have to do the trek alone. You’ll have the sights, sounds, and smells, of Little India lingering on your mind all the way home.  

 

Gerrard India Bazaar
1426 Gerrard Street East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4L 1Z6

Path to Piety was a three day Islamic conference at Masjid Darus-Salaam in the east end of Toronto. It was held this Easter long weekend. The timing is a bit hard for university students but there were many present in the crowd.

The conference was free to attend and featured speakers: Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf, Shaykh Ahmed Ali, Shaykh Shoaib Desai, Shaykh Sulaiman Moola, Shaykh Husain Abdul Sattar & Shaykh Sulaiman M. Ravat. The event had no fancy seating arrangement all were expected to sit on the floor and the sisters’ area was to the back behind a partition. The aim of the conference was to have a more traditional feel.

The Shaykhs provided moving lectures as expected and were upfront and to the point with their lectures. They did not disappoint the crowd.  There were slight changes in the program guide as the weekend progressed. And the program timings did end up getting pushed back. Though, I don’t believe anyone minded.

The atmosphere was welcoming and the volunteers were courteous. And this year if you weren’t able to attend in person a live audio stream was available over the web. The audio had a slight buzz and would cut in and out but, the feature did help a lot of people listen in.  

Sunday March 28, 2010 marked the seven-year anniversary of the kidnapping of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Events, protests and marches took place in many cities all around the world to show their discontent with the torturous treatment of our dear sister and to raise awareness about her case. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui was a Pakistani citizen, charged for a crime allegedly committed in Afghanistan, and her trial by jury took place in New York. For what reason? The mystery remains.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui was found guilty on seven charges in a courtroom where her destiny was decided by 12 New York jurors. A family member of Aafia’s stated:

“Today marks the close of another sad chapter in the life of our sister, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Today she was unjustly found guilty. Though she was not charged with any terrorism-related offense, Judge Berman permitted the prosecution’s witnesses to characterize our sister as a terrorist — which, based on copious evidence, she clearly is not. Today’s verdict is one of many legal errors that allowed the prosecution to build a case against our sister based on hate, rather than fact. We believe that as a result, she was denied a fair trial, and today’s verdict must be overturned on appeal.”

The event that took place last Sunday was a part of the Justice for Aafia Coalition’s global effort. The GTA chapter’s event took place at UTM where there was a screening of the documentary “Dr. Aafia Siddiqui—Prisoner 650.”

Next, Bayan Khatib, the translator of ‘Just Five Minutes: Nine Years in the Prisons of Syria’ shared the experiences of the author, Heba Dabbagh. In her story, Heba talks about the Mukhabarat agents who storm into her apartment and ask for five minutes of her time. Little did she know, these five minutes would turn into the longest nine years of her life. Throughout the book, Dabbagh shares her journey full of interrogation and torture and articulates stories of spies, children, cellmates and the oppression of thousands.

There was also a message from ex-Guantanamo detainee and British citizen, Moazzam Begg. His video message consisted of his experiences of torture and the importance for all of us to be aware of these incidents happening under the radar. This was also very moving because it once again showed us the vulnerability of all of us as citizens of Western countries.

Overall, the event was very well organized and very much needed to spread awareness of such issues. We need to come together in time of need for the greater community, and put every effort forth to use the resources we’ve been blessed with and speak up for justice.
 
Sister Aafia’s sentencing is scheduled for May 6, 2010. Please keep her and all of the oppressed in your duas.

Below is a 2 part link to the documentary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05uY19D2Kzs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52F9b1kC0nY&feature=related

Since I was eight years old, there has been one tradition that my family has been partaking in that I don’t think will ever get old ! Every Friday, without a doubt, my father attends Jumuah (Friday prayers) at Madina Masjid, and every Friday afternoon, I come home from school to the wonderful smell of Madina Halal Pizza.

Madina Halal Pizza is located on the north side of Danforth in between Greenwood and Donlands (1078 Danforth Ave) and it has the best pizza I have ever tasted. I have gone to numerous pizza places and tried many, many different pizzas, both homemade and store bought, but none has come even close in taste.

It’s a cozy little restaurant, snuggled in between a line of other small shops. The only difference is, on Fridays, it is overflowing with people. The employees are amazing and the customer service could never be better.

The pizza is always fresh and extra cheesy; their combos are the best deals to get for lunch.The following are their combos which are (1 Slice of Pizza by itself is $1.50):

• 2 Slices of Pizza and a pop (or bottled water): $3.50
• 1 Slice of Pizza and a pop (or bottled water): $2.25

They also sell chicken wings and whole chicken as well (which is also awesome!). I am not sure about the rest of their menu, but I do know that it probably tastes as good as everything else I have tried.

 I think the only thing that should be worked on is getting more employees for their busy days, Friday. Occasionally, I’ve noticed that the pizza slices are not always equal...which isn’t necessarily a problem until you realize that your slice of pizza is no bigger than half a slice of bread...

Other than that, the prices are reasonable and the food is great and always fresh, and it’s 100% HALAL. What more could a person want?

As the Vancouver 2010 games wrapped up and Canada swelled up in pride with its highest gold medal count and its victory over the USA in hockey; I sat there in front of my TV with a smile on my face.

That was then and this is now…

From the opening ceremony to closing ceremony I’ve realized that I was never represented as a host. Because I’m not a fiddler nor am I an aboriginal (to be fair the Host Nations were not 100% correctly represented – e.g. the Inukshuk does not represent any of the four Host Nations).  I am a Canadian born Muslim with Indian ancestry.  Not an ounce of my culture, beliefs or what makes me Canadian was represented.

Where was the presentation of minorities that make up the multicultural fabric that is Canada in the Olympics? Did I miss this segment? Was it on Pay Per View?

Canada had its chance to eliminate several stereotypes we have in the world. Rather we decided to dedicate our tax funds and our international air time to further your misconceptions of us. But, hey at least now you know we can make fun of ourselves. We are good at that. So don’t feel left out when you’re making fun of us instead give us a call so we can join in with you.

The Olympic Games have become a modern day battlefield where the country with most medals basks in its supremacy. Moving away from the amateur sports competition it has become about the best professional and therefore has become exclusive to those athletes who can afford the latest and most expensive gear.

So, when an athlete wins a medal how does a nation benefit? Who do the ceremonies represent?

Maybe I will have an answer by 2014. 

So before the mobs start hiking up their dhotis, rolling up their sleeves, and lighting up their torches, about how I consciously and voluntarily allowed the juices from an 8 ounce piece of centre-cut top sirloin steak, seasoned and grilled to perfection, served over grilled onions and mushrooms, and topped with jumbo black tiger shrimp… let me tell you that the chef for the night was Chef Afzal Bhatti.

Affy’s Premium Grill is a pleasant little savoury surprise that some people have been fortunate enough to stumble upon, and then there are those that haven’t. Located in Pickering, Ontario, Affy’s is a halal grill and restaurant specializing in steaks, chicken, and seafood. For those of you who are tired of eating rabbit food, and whose stomachs’ have been demanding ‘Where’s the meat?!’, this hidden gem is surely a sight for sore eyes.

Upon entrance, the mahogany coloured walls and the plush maroon restaurant booths, accompanied by the dim suspended lightings, conjure up an atmosphere of comfortable complacency, celebration, and good cheer. Separated by a wall is the other seating component of the restaurant: white tablecloth laden casual dining tables and chairs reserved for larger groups. And for you guys who are worried about missing the hockey game: two large wall mounted flat screen TVs surrounded by black leather couches. Taking in the smells of roasting, grilling, sautéing, and deep-frying, all while watching Kessel shoot the winning goal… Nice.

Although the place gets quite busy during the evenings and weekends, taking your orders and serving to your needs are female waitresses of different ages and ethnicities, but all quite courteous and efficient. Moderately garbed in unpretentious black, their uniforms, like the food, are tasteful. And since the menu is moderately priced… you’ll have a smile on your face when she brings you the bill.

Cajun Fried Calamari, Filet Mignon au Poivre, and BBQ Beef Back Ribs, are some of the higher end items on the menu. Lighter fare such as salads, sandwiches, and pasta are also available. An aspect that many took a liking to, was the choice of sides that came with each item. The steaks, seafood, and chicken, for example, are served with your choice of any two of the following sides: French fries, baked potato, sautéed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, garden salad, or Caesar salad. The portions are generous, and seem to satisfy the average man’s appetite. The gravies present with some of the sides, such as the mashed potato and the baked potato, were found to be a bit overpowering, and therefore not very appetizing. Items known as ‘Entrée Enhancers’ were also found on the menu, which were designed to add that special touch to their already authentic menu items, such as Shrimp Skewers, as well as Lobster Tail. With all of the food that you’ll be swallowing, you’ll need something cool and refreshing to wash it down. You can opt for the regular pop, juice, or shake, or if you’re feeling like experimenting a little, why not try their non alcoholic versions of alcoholic drinks such as Pina Coladas, Banana Banshees, Peach Balinis, or Margaritas.

So if you’re ever in the area, or even feel like trying something new, why not head over to Affy’s Premium Grill?
Make sure to bring along an empty stomach, your wallet, and a group of good friends, and it’ll make for a night that you won’t forget. Bon appetit!


AFFYS PREMIUM GRILL

2200 BROCK ROAD, UNIT C2
PICKERING, ONTARIO, L1X 2R2
PHONE: (905) 239-5415
FAX: (905) 239-5416

Website: http://www.affysgrill.com
E-mail: info@AFFYSGRILL.com  

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! ;))

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!