IQRA

Contribute with Confidence

By Muneeb Nasir

Tariq Ramadan in his book, Radical Reform: Islamic Ethic and Liberation, addresses Muslim societies and communities everywhere with a bold call for radical reform.

The publisher, Oxford University Press, writes in its description of the book that ‘it is bound to provoke controversy and spark debate among Muslims and non-Muslims alike’.

Ramadan argues that radical reform demands not only the equal contributions of scholars of both the text and the context, but the critical engagement and creative imagination of the Muslim masses.

In response to this call for critical engagement, a group of interested and courageous readers in Toronto, (seeking to contribute with confidence!), have been meeting to discuss and reflect on the author’s bold proposals for reforming Muslim minds - see Reading Circle schedule here

Reflections on 2nd  week reading, II. Classical Approaches of the fundamentals of law and jurisprudence: Pages 41-84

Closer to the Prophet’s generation and within the milieu that received the divine communication, there was a natural desire to remain faithful to the message (advocates of tradition).

Exposure matures and widens understandings.

Ban on Tariq Ramadan angers rights activists

The lines between the Obama and Bush administrations appeared blurred this week after a lawyer for the government argued a ban should be upheld against the entry of Tariq Ramadan, a leading Muslim scholar. (READ MORE)

Domestic Violence - A Disturbing Reality

By Muneeb Nasir

 

I attended a forum on the topic of domestic violence this past weekend that was organized by the Canadian Council of Imams and the Canadian Council of Muslim Theologians. The program titled - ‘Domestic Violence: Myth or Reality? - was held at the Islamic Information and Da'wah International in downtown Toronto.

The small group of attendees listened to presentations by a police officer and an Imam on the topic and engaged in discussions.

 

While this is a commendable awareness raising endeavor by the organizing groups, I was especially disappointed by the turnout of Imams from both groups, given that they were the ones putting on the event (only three were there).

 

Given the seriousness of the issue of domestic violence, I would have thought that there would be a platform of Imams who, by their presence, would have shown that they are indeed righteously indignant and concerned about the welfare of vulnerable members in our society.    

 

Engaging Critical Minds and Creative Imaginations

BY MUNEEB NASIR

 

Professor Tariq Ramadan in his book, Radical Reform: Islamic Ethics and Liberation, addresses Muslim societies and communities everywhere with a bold call for radical reform.

 

The publisher, Oxford University Press, writes in its description of the book that ‘it is bound to provoke controversy and spark debate among Muslims and non-Muslims alike’.

 

Professor Ramadan argues that radical reform demands not only the equal contributions of scholars of both the text and the context, but the critical engagement and creative imagination of the Muslim masses.

In response to this call for critical engagement, a group of interested and courageous readers in Toronto, (critical minds and creative imaginations!), have been meeting to discuss and reflect on the author’s bold proposals for reforming Muslim minds - see Reading Circle schedule here

Reflections on 1^st week's reading, About Reform: Pages 11- 40

 

Engagement and activism are important for those who want to be serious about reforming themselves and the Muslim conscience.

 

Apathy and casting blame on scholars or simply accepting that it is a common and current human disposition to be disengaged wouldn’t cut it.

 

Overcoming the double alienation that threatens and clouds the Islamic conscience - that self-ignorance of the inherent reform process within Islam, compounded by fear of change or of the other – is another requirement and must be tackled boldly.

 

While being involved in this process, it is necessary to reaffirm and remain grounded in those unchanging principles, the immutable norms (thawabit).

 

Restoring the universal dimension of Islam to one’s consciousness, in which one's values and ethics are thought of as good for all, would seem to be a requirement for transformation reform.   

 

If not, one would not be interested in or willing to change the world, as transformation reform refers to an ethics with the requirement of changing the world rather than one that refer simply to the requirements of a changing world.

 

Trying to adapt induces a reaction while seeking to transform produces a response.  

 

Texts <-> Contexts -> to act on context and improve it; without ever accepting its shortcomings and injustices as a matter of fate.

Living the Message Daily

By Muneeb Nasir

(Excerpt from Friday Khutba delivered at the University of Toronto on March 13, 2009)

 

Muslims are thinking of Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, in this month of Rabi ‘Awwal, which is widely reported as that of his birth.

 

They are recounting, remembering, and praising this great Prophet and Messenger of Allah, who affects their daily lives and whose example they try to follow.

 

Throughout the centuries, millions have revered and described the greatness of Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him.

 

We are among the tens of millions of people who believe in Allah, and who recite His praises, His Glory and Majesty; we have come to know the Almighty through the beloved Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad.

 

As Muslims, our daily challenge is how to live in the way of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him.
 

Weapons of Mass Distraction = Weapons of Mass Destruction

BY MUNEEB NASIR

(Excerpt from Friday Khutba delivered at University of Toronto and Masjid Toronto in February 2009)

Distractions are devastating for believers in God who are seeking spiritual growth.

Distraction here being that inability to identify and attend to what is most valuable in one’s earthly life for success in the eternal realm.

In God’s final revelation, the Qur’an, such distractions are identified as a cause for loss in a believer’s spiritual development.     

‘Believers! Do not let your wealth and children distract you from remembering God. Those who do so will be the ones who lose’ (Qur’an, 63:9).

Distraction can nurture procrastination which leads to that devastating condition - regret.

Medical Students Lend Hand and Hearts to Homeless

By Dr. Taufik Valiante

On Friday February 20 at the University of Toronto Medical Science Building, a group of aspiring doctors being interviewed for a position in the medical class of 2013, were expounding on their commitment to help others.

At the same time and not too far away, a group of medical students weremaking good on these very societal obligations as they prepared almost 200 lunches for distribution to homeless shelters throughout the downtown core.

This project, created by the Muslim Medical Student Association (MMSA) at the University of Toronto and supported with funds from the U of T Medical Society, included students from all faiths, ethnic backgrounds and years of training.

The Good Samaritan redux

A little more than 10 ago, just after I'd been diagnosed with cancer, my wife and I moved to a new residence. As word of my disease spread, friends started calling less and less, or not at all. Some would ask if they could help, but never followed through. Others offered excuses, but still stayed away. It was tough but we understood: Cancer scares people. (READ MORE)