Sunday 25 August 2013

THUNDER BAY


facebook

https://www.facebook.com/iwater4life


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buWVgyDs4jU


http://iwater4life.blogspot.ca/2013/07/if-you-like-giving-charity-and-you-like.html

twitter iwater4life

https://twitter.com/Iwater4life

Labor Day Breakfast

Labor Day Breakfast 


8/25/2013
Assalam Alaikum

Re: Invitation to Labor Day Breakfast 10 AM-Noon, Monday, September 2, 2013

You are cordially invited to a special Labour Day Breakfast at Malton Islamic Centre which is bringing the leaders from all across the GTA area.

Because of your critical work in the Muslim community and active participation in the Interfaith movement I'm inviting you to meet our Chief Guest Imam Malik Mujahid, Chair of Parliament of World Religions, visiting from Chicago. The Parliament is the largest interfaith body in the world. He would like to hear from your interfaith experience. Imam Mujahid will also make a presentation about
 the Muslim community and the challenges of participation in the interfaith movement.

You are most welcome to bring your respected spouse at this specially hosted breakfast by friends of Interfaith in the Muslim community of Toronto.

What:
 Breakfast Presentation: Working Together for a Better World When: 10 AM-Noon, Monday, September 2, 2013 Where: Malton Islamic Centre, 6836 Professional Court Mississauga ON.

RSVP hab2u@hotmail.com 

Please invite someone you may think is appropriate for this event.

Thanks
Habeeb Alli




Please see a bio for Imam Mujahid below:

Imam Mujahid was selected as one the 500 most influential Muslims in the world in 2011 & 2012. He is an Imam at the Down Town Islamic Center of Chicago and President of Sound Vision Foundation.

Imam Mujahid serves as Chairman of the Parliament of the World's Religions. He was elected three times to this position. Previously he served as vice chair twice. Previously he served on the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago which is composed of chief leaders of the Greater Chicago faith communities.

He is active with think tanks in the US. He served as a member of the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations’ Task Force on The Civic and Political Integration of Muslim Americans, in 2007. He also has served on the Independent Task Force on Civil Liberties and National Security by the Council on Foreign Relations in New York from 2006-2009.

Imam has played a leading role in bringing Universal health coverage for children under 18 in the state of Illinois.

As the national coordinator of the Bosnia Task Force, USA, in the ’90s, he successfully led efforts in collaboration with the National Organization of Women (NOW) to declare rape as a war crime.

Imam Mujahid has authored more than 400 articles on Islamic living and public policy. He is a blogger at HuffingtonPost. His book on political sociology was the winner of an Outstanding Academic Book of the Year Award by American Library Association in 1990.

Thursday 22 August 2013

My book launch in Guyana,


Guyanese Author launches ‘Whispers of Kaieteur’

MARCH 18, 2013 | BY  | FILED UNDER NEWS 


Canadian-based Guyanese, Habeeb Alli’s 15th publication was launched on Thursday evening last in the Conference Room of the National Library located on Church Street in Georgetown.
Author, Habeeb Alli hands over a copy of his book to a student of the ISA Islamic School
Titled the ‘Whispers of Kaieteur’, and inspired by the magnificent Kaieteur Falls, the book chronicles news, letters, poems, and a number of personal activities of its author, with deep reflection of his home, Guyana.
There is also a piece reflecting on his time living in Mahaica Creek.
The book basically focuses on the strengthening of society and its people in various settings so that peace could prevail, and persons can enjoy harmonious relationships.
Ironically, Alli was a Queen’s College student pursuing the Sciences. And as he puts it, the Sciences have inspired him to experiment with his more creative side.
Meanwhile, a book review done by PhD candidate in Theology at Emmanuel College, Susan Harrison, described Alli’s publication as a piece having the capacity to network and build bridges of understanding within and beyond the Canadian Muslim community.
Harrison also pointed out Alli’s “compassion for humanity and tireless efforts, rooted in his devotion to Allah, hallmarks that are evident in his writings”.
She went on to establish that “Alli’s book makes evident his capacity to His Guyanese background; gives him an edge at noticing where communities are ready to transcend racism and other barriers on the path of faith. Indeed, it has given him the ability to ‘navigate between cultures, traditions, and religious personalities’ and we, his readers, benefit from his dexterity.”
She also highlighted Alli’s ‘people-oriented’ nature, stating that “his compassion for humanity and tireless efforts, rooted in his devotion to Allah, overflows in these poems, articles, letters, and accounts of the myriad of activities he has both catalyzed and given testimony to on these pages.”
As far as the news component of the book goes, Harrison asserted that the news reports show a vibrant, living, faith-based community that is active in caring for one another and their neighbours in Canadian society, and further abroad.
At the launching ceremony on Thursday last, a presentation of copies of the book ‘Whispers of Kaieteur’ was made to the National Library and the ISA Islamic School.

Enmore is the place!


APRIL 29, 2013 | BY  | FILED UNDER LETTERS 
Dear Editor,
I have discovered the beauty of Guyana all the way in Calgary this week. I met a gentleman who visited Guyana in 1985, I had had this etched memory of him in English shorts and camera hanging on his shoulders; too young to remember names and old enough to know that this was intriguing- an Indian gyal married to an Englishman!
Anyhow, he said he had lost his camera naively to some unknown passerby, who asked to see his camera and upon return he later realized the leather case was the only thing he owned now! Camera and beautiful memories all gone!
However, what makes Guyana so divine in the hearts of the visitors and still the destination of homesick diaspora across the world is the fact that love and generosity, good taste and excellent cooks still grapples the hearts of endless visitors, like the Kaieteur- when the eyes are first beset with this pristine glory.
The gentleman said he would always think after these many years and world travels, that Enmore would be the ideal place to settle! Yes, my own Enmore would be the place to settle with its lush green expanse of sugar cane fields and fertile rice acreage, sequined with black water trenches and much fruit gardens! Well you never miss the water til the well runs dry!
I must say thank God for being Guyanese- my recent trip to Guyana made me feel special, with a well attended book launch of ‘Whispers of Kaieteur’ at the National Library, a presentation of kindness to the folks making a difference to keep Georgetown the Garden City- and not the garbage city; and the wonderful platitudes of development amidst the corruption and crime. It’s amazing how people see contentment and empathy for others who live through devastation of humanity daily. My sincerest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones recently and in the Boston tragedy- the essence of life is at times in the words of Rumi to feel pain whilst others mock your honesty!
As I had said before that Enmore historically and socio-economically has all the trimmings to make it a town. Not Jonestown but Demerara Gold is what made this fellow remember Guyana! That the sugar cane is still ripe with such potent powers that a son of a British planter living in Calgary could feel the juices dripping down his fingers, all these years; that he wants to make Enmore his resting place. Of course you’ll have to get the old boys club there to clean that cemetery, turned “jumbie- jungle”!
As Oprah said, recently, that when one finds beauty, it’s the self reflection of the inner person, wishing to return to a place one day, where the love of self will be greater than the love of others and that is true love!
Congratulations again to the organizers of the annual Enmore social in Toronto- it’s time to consider making the true Enmorean shine for the goodness of humanity.

Book Launch in Mar. That's Shamal's picture on my name,

Author Sheikh Alli launches ‘Whispers of Kaieteur’PDFPrintE-mail

Written by Shirley Thomas   
Friday, 15 March 2013 19:59
‘WHISPERS OF KAIETEUR’, a new publication chronicling news, letters, poems and myriad personal activities by author Sheikh Habeeb Alli was yesterday launched at the National Library, Church Street, Georgetown.

alt
Author Sheikh Habeeb Alli addresses the gathering
In his book, Alli focuses on the ‘building up’ of society and presents visions of a ‘community’ in which people, Muslims, Inter-faith persons and others in various settings, could be at peace with each other and enjoy harmonious relationships.
In a book review done by Susan Harrison, PhD candidate in Theology at Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto, she spoke of Alli’s compassion for humanity and tireless efforts, rooted in his devotion to Allah, hallmarks that are evident in his writings.
Harrison said: “Alli’s book makes evident his capacity to network and build bridges of understanding within and beyond the Canadian Muslim community. His Guyanese background gives him an edge at noticing where communities are ready to transcend racism and other barriers on the path of faith. Indeed, it has given him the ability to ‘navigate between cultures, traditions, and religious personalities’ and we, his readers, benefit from his dexterity.”
alt
The gathering at the book launch at the National Library

She also highlighted the innate ‘people-oriented’ nature of Sheikh Habeeb Alli, noting, “His compassion for humanity and tireless efforts, rooted in his devotion to Allah, overflows in these poems, articles, letters, and accounts of the myriad of activities he has both catalyzed and given testimony to on these pages.”
Alluding to the news component of the book, Harrison asserts that the news reports show a vibrant, living, faith-based community that is active in caring for one another and their neighbours in Canadian society, and further abroad.
“Between the covers of this book we find many signs as to what it means to entrust one another “with your life and 
alt
Habeeb Alli’s book ‘Whispers of Kaieteur’
religion – knowing you will be dignified and your freedom of religion will be respected…” This book will be a blessing to all who read it,” she concluded.

At yesterday’s launch, apart from remarks by the author himself, there were also readings taken from the book by Brothers Mohan and Shamal.
A presentation of copies of the book ‘Whispers of Kaieteur’ was made to the National Library and Islamic entities.

Letter to editor on domestic violence


Would like to bring Canadian professionals to conduct workshops on domestic violence

Dear Editor,
Allow me to write on behalf of those troubled families who continue to lose loved ones to the evil tragedy of domestic violence. While I’m heartened at times by the progress in educating and legislating on this critical matter, it is still not enough, as more women and children and even men are victims of this ‘love that kills.’
I am trying to bring professionals from Canada to conduct workshops and hear first hand the horror stories within the Guyana  context, while sharing their own successful  models to help victims survive and fight  domestic violence in Canada. I hope I will get a favourable response from  both social agencies and religious bodies responsible for educating and guiding our adherents in the straight path.
Yours faithfully,
Habeeb Alli

Tuesday 6 August 2013

EID POEM

YOU CAME BY INTO MY NIGHT
STEALING MY SLEEP YOU, WALKED OVER MY DREAMS
WITH ENDLESS WHISPERS OF REPENTANCE
YOU SANG THE QURAN ON MY WINDOW SIDE

NOW THAT YOU TAKE LEAVE BY THE NEW MOON
MY TRAVELS ACROSS  OCEANS AND MOSQUES
MY SWEET MEMORIES OF BREAKING FASTS
THE TWINKLE IN MY EYES WILL NOW FADE

OH MONTH OF ABSTINENCE
OF TIME TO GIVE CHARITY WITHOUT MEASUREMENT
OF SEASON OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS
DO TAKE MY ADDRESS WHEN YOU JOIN SHABAN I MAKE AMENDS!


http://ameenamen.com/story/ramadan/2013

Previous
New
 
 
0
 
 
0
 
 
0
 
 
0
 
 
0
 
Next
On 2013-08-07 01:18:54.0 a story was written by Habeeb Alli who lives in ScarboroughCanada. You may find them on social media.  facebook   twitter    
Breaking fast with inmates
Ramadan Mubarak!
That may be a cliche for many but those incarcerated behind bars knows the value of Ramadan more than ever.
They relish to fast and break their fasts with families and friends. Muslims in prison wish they could listen to the Quran during Taraweeh or get new clothes for Eid.
Today I organised an iftar dinner with such men. Around the table were folks of varied backgrounds. One man said he fasted for two weeks and then weakened out. He is sorry and wanted to know how he can make it up. I said Allah forgives all sins and after Ramadan you could fasts the missed ones. Another brother said he was working in laborious construction and could not fast. He wanted to give away his hard earned dollars in charity instead. I said that is the spirit behind zakat in Ramadan- to empathize when you give charity with the needy but Islam doesn't want you to give away all your wealth, only 2.5 % after savings. Yet another wanted to know why Muslims fasts without drinking water. As their Imam, I mentioned that the thirst of summer is sometimes harder than the hunger of the long hours. All in the metamorphosis of the soul, as one takes 30 days usually to develop a habit, so too we character build kindness through our disciplined fast of one month.
The best though was the brother who had spent his last days behind curfews and conditions so he may be successful when he leaves for home. Today he returned to participate in the iftar dinner, serving us with his own hands gladly. He said that he had prayed for this day when that he could return the favors to this Christian run organisation, that had provided halal meals to him daily. As a Muslim he is so grateful that even if he has a single grain of rice he must not eat all of it. He wants the men to see that they too can do it! He used take the bus three hours to work and one hour to mosque so he could make his return to civil society meaningful, the way the new moon of Eid makes us all joyous and gives meaning to our entire Ramadan- time of recompense. Today I can say my journey with men and women behind bars was like the New Moon of Eid!
Never judge the date without a bite!

Eid Saeed and Kulli aam wa antum bikhair!
- See more at: http://ameenamen.com/story/ramadan/2013/id/23#sthash.A55GnXwN.dpuf

EID GREETINGS

Dear Editor


I would like to take the kind opportunity to extend warmest greetings for our compatriots celebrating Eid. 
After a month long fasting, regular nightly prayers and calculated charity it's time to celebrate. 

My recent visit to Guyana ushers a new era of development as well as the satisfactory growth of the Faith as we delight in the glorious rebuilt of the historic Queenstown Grand Mosque. With this prosperity in mind we have much more to give and Eid is not completed unless we feed a hearty meal to a needy. I remember how my father taught us to share our coins on the spread hand kerchiefs of those present at Enmore mosque.

This year I especially took on the issue of funding water projects around the world, nostalgic of my own days of searching for water 
in the land of many.

Love will win and as a nation I envisage a family united under faith from all colors under one Godliness. That's the mantra we sing on our way to prayers this day- God you are great and to you belong all praises and thanks.

Sincerely

Habeeb Alli
Whispersofkaieteur.blogspot.ca

Sent from Samsung Mobile