I was at work when I was approached by three handicap children in wheelchairs assisted by caretakers. These children were in a state of complete dependence; I glanced at them while I interacted with their caretakers and all I could say was Alhamdulilah (All Praise is to God) over and over again.

This is when the thought of, if I were to thank Allah for everything He has given me I would not be able to even if I spent all day and night for the rest of my life, entered my head.

I am a critic and I believe I constructively criticize in hope of seeing a better future. But, I and many of us who strive to improve the future should also stop and think of what we have and be grateful for it.

“But if you count the favours of Allah, never will you be able to number them.” [Sûrah Ibrâhîm: 34]

 

Forgive Me When I Whine - Zain Bhikha

Lebron James announced in a one hour TV special which team he would be signing on with. A basketball player that started out in the NBA playing for his home team the Cleveland Cavaliers and became known there as “The King”. He had many fans in his city and played his heart and soul for the team. But, when his contract expired and his chances of winning the championship in the NBA seem best fitted with another team he went for it.

Here’s what his former boss Dan Gilbert had to say about his decision:
 

The Quran Pen Reader is the latest in Muslim technology and can be yours for only $139.99 (+ taxes, S+H). But, wait there’s more if you call now…

The Quran Pen Reader is a device that when put near the Quran recites the verses it is pointing at. The device does cost about $140. It is nice to see technology being used for the sake of the religion and learning; and I can see its benefits for those who wish to self-study or are older and maybe shy of going to a teacher to learn.

But, I have to say the traditional form of learning with a teacher is best. As I believe the human touch can never be replaced by technology. The expectations of a teacher in itself is a great motivation to learn and compels one to meet goals and complete lessons.  Our tendencies are to be zealous in the start of a new project but gradually we lose interest. Traditionally the Quran has been taught by one person to the other and this creates a chain of transmission that can link back to Prophet (S.A.W.) with technology replacing the teacher the transmission leads back to Made in China.

All-in-all I do like the device but I believe the best teacher is a person.

Pros
·         The pen has a built-in rechargeable battery
·         Can be used like an MP3 to listen to the Quran
·         Good for self-study

Cons
·         Expense
·         Non-traditional 

The Bata Shoe Museum is one tourist attraction that not many people visit. It is located near St. George station in Toronto, Ontario and displays a wide variety of historical footwear. It is highly interesting to see where current fashion originates from. If you are into knowing little details and just looking at interesting displays than you will enjoy this place. It has a quiet environment and is suited for families and visits with small groups.

The one thing that took me back the most were chopines which are basically historical high heels the size of stilts! And I thought heels these days were too long.

There is nothing there that will make you shout and scream but you can learn a lot. Tickets prices are $12 for adults and $6 for students.  On Thursday evening between 5-8pm the admission is pay what you can with a suggested donation of $5. So, go check it out!

Exact Address: 327 Bloor St. West, in downtown Toronto

In Islam intentions play a huge role and any action can become a means of reward if done for the sake of Allah.

For example, if I were to go out and play basketball with the intention that I will become stronger and will do good with my strength I will accumulate reward for playing. For the same event I could also go with the intention to increase my brotherly bond with the people I am playing with and this would also be an intention that would grant me reward. The same thing done with no intention will reap me no reward.

 Such a task that would in no way seem religious can become a means of salvation for a Muslim because we do not know which deed of ours will lead us to paradise. Therefore, we should make good intention for the sake of Allah with every deed we do no matter what it is.

What is beautiful is that one attains reward the moment a good intention is made. What is even greater is that one still receives reward even if the action is not carried through.  The same is not applied to when a bad intention is made; one only acquires sin when the sinful action is committed.

So, don’t wait or hesitate let the good intentions begin!

*Reward here is reward with Allah (God).

One of the most feared acts is the act of public speaking. The uneasyiness, butterflies, stuttering and even trembling that takes over our mind and body just standing in front of an audience happens almost nowhere else. What makes this event so feared, so hard to pull off with confidence?

There could be many things most of it has to do with either unpreparedness or a lack of confidence due to inexperience.  Being unprepared is the fault of the presenter there is no other advice to give here besides be prepared! Being prepared and having rehearsed is the ultimate tool to pulling off a successful presentation.

But, what about those who just lack confidence? Here it gets complicated… Even being prepared the faces staring you down, looking into your soul makes you think; what are you doing here? Then there are those members of the crowd who keep talking, who keep making remarks while you are trying to present. You feel as if the oxygen around you is thinning, your lips become dry and what was the next line?

Let those thoughts go. Live in the moment. Don’t do anything differently whether you’re presenting to 500 people or 5. You know your stuff. And if you forget your next line just make it up on the spot. They don’t know what you were going to say. Be conscious of your pitch and tone. And have water with you… Ever feel your throat drying up then take a break and have a sip of water.

Listen, they want to hear what you have to say. Don’t rush through it. Slow down everything; let your mind relax, look at the crowd they are looking at you they don’t want you to fail. So, relax. Say what you have to say, how you want to say it and take your time.

And remember you are not alone there are many who have the fear of public speaking. And with practice one step at a time you will get better. Don’t let one experience dictate your future.

Bismillah ir-rahman ir-raheem, Asalamulikum, my name is Anas and today we will be talking about…

School’s out, exams over and you have all the time in the world. But, what is this feeling of void? It can’t be you are actually missing school???? Sitting at home staring at your Facebook feed having nothing to do can be a strange feeling. A feeling worse than going insane over assignments and exams! Life demands a purpose and for most students it starts and ends at school.

Always wanting what we don’t have. Snap out of it my friend. Figure out the time you have and utilize it and enjoy it.  Before you know it you will be back in school.

Here is how to make the most of your summer!

1)     Create a to-do list

2)     Learn more about Islam

3)     Reconnect with family & friends

4)     Find a job

5)     Learn – If you don’t use it you lose it

6)     Go outside

7)     Read books – Books you actually want to read

8)     Continue visiting keepingithalal.com

Don Mills Shopping Centre located at 1090 Don Mills Road, Toronto is a complete renovation of a previous mall. The new facility built is meant to integrate living with consumerism. It is important to note that most of the residents in the surrounding area are seniors. It is for this reason and our climate that the new centre is completely ludicrous and out of place.

The centre houses many high end shops with large alleys to DRIVE THRU. Each shop is separate and distinct from the other. What this means is that there is no indoor passage linking of any of the shops together. This means every time you wish to visit the next store you must embrace the elements.

This was all done for the sake of looks; it looks high-end out of California. Aesthetics has given way to practicality and comfort. The sole purpose is to be pleasing to the eyes. I understand it’s a high end shopping area but honestly how can it ever work in Canadian weather?

And this trend is increasing alarmingly with the new design of bus stops and other public places. The insanity of such structures must stop. When you are freezing in the cold weather you don't care how beautiful anything looks like. Especially concerning is that seniors are the ones who are most likely to shop there and they are prone to diseases and illness even by the slightest weather change and unfortunately they must use this inconvenient centre.

Have you seen things that just don’t belong? Let us know via the comments. 

                United we stand, divided we fall. The following is the Amman Message:

                            In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
   May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad and his pure and noble family.

(1) Whosoever is an adherent to one of the four Sunni schools (Mathahib) of Islamic jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi`i and Hanbali), the two Shi’i schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Ja`fari and Zaydi), the Ibadi school of Islamic jurisprudence and the Thahiri school of Islamic jurisprudence, is a Muslim. Declaring that person an apostate is impossible and impermissible. Verily his (or her) blood, honour, and property are inviolable. Moreover, in accordance with the Shaykh Al-Azhar’s fatwa, it is neither possible nor permissible to declare whosoever subscribes to the Ash`ari creed or whoever practices real Tasawwuf (Sufism) an apostate. Likewise, it is neither possible nor permissible to declare whosoever subscribes to true Salafi thought an apostate. 
            
Equally, it is neither possible nor permissible to declare as apostates any group of Muslims who believes in God, Glorified and Exalted be He, and His Messenger (may peace and blessings be upon him) and the pillars of faith, and acknowledges the five pillars of Islam, and does not deny any necessarily self-evident tenet of religion.

(2) There exists more in common between the various schools of Islamic jurisprudence than there is difference between them. The adherents to the eight schools of Islamic jurisprudence are in agreement as regards the basic principles of Islam. All believe in Allah (God), Glorified and Exalted be He, the One and the Unique; that the Noble Qur’an is the Revealed Word of God; and that our master Muhammad, may blessings and peace be upon him, is a Prophet and Messenger unto all mankind. All are in agreement about the five pillars of Islam: the two testaments of faith (shahadatayn); the ritual prayer (salat); almsgiving (zakat); fasting the month of Ramadan (sawm), and the Hajj to the sacred house of God (in Mecca). All are also in agreement about the foundations of belief: belief in Allah (God), His angels, His scriptures, His messengers, and in the Day of Judgment, in Divine Providence in good and in evil. Disagreements between the ‘ulama (scholars) of the eight schools of Islamic jurisprudence are only with respect to the ancillary branches of religion (furu`) and not as regards the principles and fundamentals (usul) [of the religion of Islam]. Disagreement with respect to the ancillary branches of religion (furu`) is a mercy. Long ago it was said that variance in opinion among the ‘ulama(scholars) “is a good affair”.

(3) Acknowledgement of the schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Mathahib) within Islam means adhering to a fundamental methodology in the issuance of fatwas: no one may issue a fatwa without the requisite personal qualifications which each school of Islamic jurisprudence determines [for its own adherents]. No one may issue a fatwa without adhering to the methodology of the schools of Islamic jurisprudence. No one may claim to do unlimited Ijtihad and create a new school of Islamic jurisprudence or to issue unacceptable fatwas that take Muslims out of the principles and certainties of theShari`ah and what has been established in respect of its schools of jurisprudence.

Original Message posted at: 
http://ammanmessage.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=91&Itemid=74

List of Endorsements: 
http://ammanmessage.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=31