Latest news with #IslamicReliefCanada
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Praying in unity': Eid worshippers celebrate Feast of Sacrifice
Around 15,000 local Muslims converged on the convention centre Friday to mark Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice. The event remembers the story in the Qur'an of Ibrahim's willingness to obey God by sacrificing his son, Ishmael (known as Abraham and Isaac in the Old Testament, or what Jews call the Tanakh). It was held in three sessions to accommodate everyone who came to pray and hear sermons from Islamic leaders. French speaking worshippers also gathered at the Heather Curling Club for prayers. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Around 15,000 local Muslims converged on the convention centre Friday to mark Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice. Ismael Mukhtar, an imam at the Grand Mosque, preached about the importance of being willing to follow God in life and to submit to him. One of the leaders who preached at the convention centre was Ismael Mukhtar, an imam at the Grand Mosque. During his sermon, Mukhtar spoke about the importance of being willing to follow God in life and to submit to him. 'As Muslims, we are to follow the example of Ibrahim, to be willing to sacrifice what is most precious to us for God,' he told the gathering. That, he added, is the essence of Islam, that 'we are willing to go to the furthest point of sacrifice in obedience to the creator.' Eid al-Adha occurs at the end of the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca. Like Eid al-Fitr, which takes place at the end of Ramadan, it has a major focus on charity, or what Muslims qurbani, or sacrifice. In some countries in the global south, it is common for people to kill a goat, sheep or cow and donate some of the meat to people in need. In Canada, people donate an equivalent amount of the cost of an animal to an organization like Islamic Relief Canada, which uses the funds for programs overseas. Manitoba Muslims were also encouraged to donate to the Canadian Red Cross to help wildfire evacuees. 'We are to care about people around the world, but also about people closer to home,' Mukhtar said. Hisham Ali, a refugee from Sudan, said the celebration was a time to 'enjoy praying with people from other cultures.' Separated from his family for more than two years, praying with a large group helped Ali, although he admitted it was difficult praying without his family. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Eid al-Adha occurs at the end of the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca. Fellow newcomer, Saheed Adeniyi, was happy to see people from different countries and cultures 'praying in unity.' Formerly from Nigeria, he said he hoped the Winnipeg community could see people coming together as one and be kind to one another. Sundays Kevin Rollason's Sunday newsletter honouring and remembering lives well-lived in Manitoba. Nedzima Mehmedovic, who was there with her daughter, Adna, and mother, Nazifa Vukovic, called the prayers beautiful. Mehmedovic, who has been in Canada for 20 years after immigrating with her family from Bosnia, says Eid al-Adha is a 'spiritually fulfilling' time. 'It's good to be with so many worshippers,' she said. After the prayers, participants went to their homes to be with families and friends and to share meals together. faith@ The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER John LonghurstFaith reporter John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
KZN primary school transformed with new library and facilities
The official opening of the new library at Thandokwethu Primary School last Thursday coincided with a visit by a group of volunteers from Islamic Relief Canada, as part of their Inspire – Volunteer Abroad programme. Image: Supplied Thandokwethu Primary School in the rural community of Dududu, located on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, has been revitalised through a dedicated rehabilitation project spearheaded by Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA), in collaboration with Islamic Relief Canada. The culmination of over two years of hard work was celebrated with the official opening of a new school library last Thursday. This transformational journey began in 2022, when a devoted and concerned teacher, Nikaya Shaikh, contacted IRSA and asked for support for the dilapidated school. When IRSA visited the school, they saw every single window broken; walls with large holes through which the outside could be seen, and where rain would flood the classrooms; hazardous asbestos roofing; and absolutely no running water or sanitation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ From goats sleeping in the classrooms, Thandokwethu Primary School now has doors, proper roofing and ceramic tiles. Image: Supplied The school and the surrounding community's resilience and commitment to finding a sustainable solution to the school's challenges also struck the team. Supported by funding from Islamic Relief Canada, IRSA began its mission to revitalise the school. Rehabilitation included infrastructural improvements such as the installation of vital water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities; secure fencing; upgraded classroom environments; and the creation of a safe play area. Investing in crucial teacher training and essential learning resources, IRSA fostered a more conducive and stimulating educational environment. The official opening of the new library at Thandokwethu Primary School last Thursday coincided with a visit by a group of volunteers from Islamic Relief Canada, as part of their Inspire – Volunteer Abroad programme. Image: Supplied Thandokwethu Primary School principal, Mrs Zulu, said: 'There were holes in the roof, the rain would come in and children couldn't come to school, goats would come and sleep in the open classes. We didn't even have doors in the classrooms, we used to use an old chalkboard to close off the doorway. 'Now we have a space for the kids to learn well. We are probably the only school in an area like this that has proper roofing and ceramic tiles and that has a library. This is unheard of in communities like ours. We never thought this would be possible. We can't thank Islamic Relief enough.' A standout feature of the revitalisation effort was the installation of a borehole providing a sustainable source of clean water, benefitting not only the learners and staff but also the surrounding Dududu community of approximately 2,000 residents. This initiative not only addressed immediate issues of sanitation and hygiene but also strengthened community spirit and involvement. 'Islamic Relief is grateful for the opportunity to have rehabilitated Thandokwethu Primary School and to serve the surrounding community. We will continue to nurture the meaningful relationships forged through this process, and we look forward to seeing how the infrastructural upgrades contribute to the growth and development of curious, empowered and inspired young minds,' IRSA CEO Yusuf Mohamed said. From goats sleeping in the classrooms, Thandokwethu Primary School now has doors, proper roofing and ceramic tiles. Image: Supplied The official opening of the new library last Thursday coincided with a visit by a group of volunteers from Islamic Relief Canada, as part of their Inspire – Volunteer Abroad programme. This visit gave Canadian volunteers an opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible transformation at the school and to engage directly with the learners, educators and community members. It served as a poignant affirmation of the power of global solidarity and the enduring legacy of service in creating dignified, safe and inspiring learning spaces for children in vulnerable communities. The public is invited to donate books and learning resources to the library at Thandokwethu Primary. Those wishing to contribute can email
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Female genital mutilation still happening in Canada, new research finds
A recent report has revealed that female genital mutilation/cutting is still occurring in Canada. (Credit: unomat / iStock) A recent report suggests female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is still happening in Canada. The research, conducted by Islamic Relief Canada through interviews and an online national survey of health-care practitioners, also found girls are taken overseas to have the procedure done — a practice known as vacation cutting. The report, which received funding from the federal Department of Women, Gender and Equality, cautions that while data on the practice is scarce in Canada, survivors have shared their experiences. In one case, a survivor revealed her grandmother flew to Canada specifically to perform FGM/C on her. 'This report is a vital step in understanding the extent of FGM/C in Canada and addressing the gaps in support for survivors,' Reyhana Patel, director of communications and government relations at Islamic Relief Canada, said in a news release in late March. 'One of the key themes of this study is that to truly end this practice, it must be community-led.' FGM/C is when the labia or clitoris of a girl or woman is excised, mutilated or infibulated — the removal of the vulva and its suturing — in whole or in part, for non-medical reasons. The Criminal Code was amended in 1997 to clarify that FGM/C is a form of aggravated assault, and that removing a child from Canada to have it performed is a criminal offence. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Patel said the legality of the practice will not deter its occurrence in the country. 'A comprehensive, community-led approach — supported by governments, policymakers, and service providers — is essential to effectively address and prevent FGM/C in Canada,' Patel said. Other key findings in the report include the health-care system's inability to properly address the needs of survivors, the need for a more integrated, culturally sensitive approach to health care, and the role of community leaders, including religious leaders and elders, in combating FGM/C. 'By involving communities in educational efforts and advocacy, a sustainable approach to ending the practice and supporting those impacted can be established,' Islamic Relief Canada said. According to the World Health Organization, more than 230 million girls and women who are alive today have undergone FGM/C in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The practice is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15. In addition, four million girls are at risk of some form of the procedure annually. Immediate complications can include severe pain, excessive bleeding, genital tissue swelling, infections, urinary problems, issues with the wound healing, injury to surrounding genital tissue, shock, and potentially death. Long-term risks can include urinary, vaginal and menstrual problems, scar tissue, issues having sex, increased risk of childbirth complications, the need for later surgeries, and psychological problems including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low self-esteem.
Toronto Sun
07-05-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
Female genital mutilation still happening in Canada, new research finds
A recent report has revealed that female genital mutilation/cutting is still occurring in Canada. Photo by unomat / iStock / Getty Images A recent report suggests female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is still happening in Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The research, conducted by Islamic Relief Canada through interviews and an online national survey of health-care practitioners, also found girls are taken overseas to have the procedure done — a practice known as vacation cutting. The report, which received funding from the federal Department of Women, Gender and Equality, cautions that while data on the practice is scarce in Canada, survivors have shared their experiences. In one case, a survivor revealed her grandmother flew to Canada specifically to perform FGM/C on her. 'This report is a vital step in understanding the extent of FGM/C in Canada and addressing the gaps in support for survivors,' Reyhana Patel, director of communications and government relations at Islamic Relief Canada, said in a news release in late March. 'One of the key themes of this study is that to truly end this practice, it must be community-led.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. FGM/C is when the labia or clitoris of a girl or woman is excised, mutilated or infibulated — the removal of the vulva and its suturing — in whole or in part, for non-medical reasons. The Criminal Code was amended in 1997 to clarify that FGM/C is a form of aggravated assault, and that removing a child from Canada to have it performed is a criminal offence. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Patel said the legality of the practice will not deter its occurrence in the country. 'A comprehensive, community-led approach — supported by governments, policymakers, and service providers — is essential to effectively address and prevent FGM/C in Canada,' Patel said. Other key findings in the report include the health-care system's inability to properly address the needs of survivors, the need for a more integrated, culturally sensitive approach to health care, and the role of community leaders, including religious leaders and elders, in combating FGM/C. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'By involving communities in educational efforts and advocacy, a sustainable approach to ending the practice and supporting those impacted can be established,' Islamic Relief Canada said. According to the World Health Organization, more than 230 million girls and women who are alive today have undergone FGM/C in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The practice is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15. In addition, four million girls are at risk of some form of the procedure annually. Immediate complications can include severe pain, excessive bleeding, genital tissue swelling, infections, urinary problems, issues with the wound healing, injury to surrounding genital tissue, shock, and potentially death. Long-term risks can include urinary, vaginal and menstrual problems, scar tissue, issues having sex, increased risk of childbirth complications, the need for later surgeries, and psychological problems including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low self-esteem. Read More Columnists Canada Sunshine Girls Toronto Blue Jays Toronto & GTA
Morocco World
22-02-2025
- General
- Morocco World
Ramadan 2025 to Start on March 1 in Canada
Rabat – Muslims in Canada will begin fasting for Ramadan 2025 on March 1, according to astronomy calculations. Islamic Relief Canada said that, as is the same with all the countries, the confirmed date for Ramadan will depend on the sighting of the moon. 'As the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year,' the source said. Canada is home to over 1.7 million Muslims. 'The proportion of Canada's population who reported being Muslim has more than doubled in 20 years, rising from 2.0% (579,640 people) in 2001 to 4.9% (1,775,715 people) in 2021,' according to a report by Statistics Canada. In terms of the demographics of Muslims in Canada, the same source cited that the majority are South Asian, followed by Arab and West Asian. The majority of this population is born in Canada, but there are also a large number of immigrants. The country also identifies Islam as the second most commonly reported religion in Canada, with the first being Christianity. During the ninth and most holy month in Islam, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining for all forms of food and drink during these hours, as well as nicotine and engaging in sexual relations. Muslims in Canada attend or host joint iftar meals, as with all Muslims during this sacred month, to break the fast with friends and family. They also attend special sermons to recite the Quran organized by mosques across the country, and flock to mosques for Taraweeh players following isha prayers at night. 'During Ramadan, charitable organizations across Canada will host iftars and other large events to raise money for the less fortunate Muslims, both in Canada and abroad,' CIC News said . Many countries are expected to join Canada in celebrating Ramadan on March 1, including Saudi Arabia, the US, and Morocco. Tags: ramadanramadan date
