Latest news with #IslamicSocietyofNorthAmerica
CBC
12-04-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Muslims rallying voters have a message for party leaders: avoiding important issues could cost you votes
Social Sharing Every Friday afternoon, Mustapha Ramadan stands outside the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) mosque in Mississauga, Ont., organizing a long line of cars arriving for prayers. He's one of many Muslims who say they plan on voting in the upcoming federal election, but haven't decided who will earn their ballot. One reason for this indecision is what many Muslims say is the lack of attention party leaders have been paying to the community and the issues that matter to them during this campaign. As the chair of ISNA, Ramadan has welcomed many politicians to the mosque, which is one of the largest in Canada — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre attended their summer Eid festival in 2023, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was at the mosque in 2022, serving food for iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal during the holy month of Ramadan. ISNA is a popular stop during election campaigns, but this time around, Ramadan says, things are different. "We haven't seen anything yet," he said, noting none of the federal party leaders have visited the mosque during the campaign so far. This lack of attention concerns Ramadan and other Muslim leaders who say they want politicians to engage with the community on issues that matter to them, like the ongoing war in Gaza, Islamaphobic attacks or Quebec's secularism law. One expert suggests that because these topics are often seen as controversial, politicians steer clear for fear it could cost them at the ballot box, but those working to mobilize Muslim voters warn that avoiding these issues could have the same effect. Pushing Muslim issues to the forefront More than 100 Muslim organizations across the country have signed a joint statement urging Muslims in Canada to vote in the upcoming election, make their voices heard and push politicians to address what they see as crucial issues. Reem Sheet, with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), says Muslims here have been watching the horror of war unfold in Gaza, as well as witnessing Islamophobia closer to home, like the 2021 truck attack that killed four members of the Afzaal family in London, Ont., and an unprovoked attack on a hijab-wearing woman at an Ajax, Ont., library late last month. "I think our community just wants to see that Canada is taking the right steps forward to make sure that these horrors don't continue for our community," said Sheet. CBC News reached out to the three main parties for comment. The Conservatives did not respond in time for publication. The NDP said it has taken the strongest stance of any major party on defending human rights and international law by calling for a permanent ceasefire. Singh himself sponsored a motion in March 2024 calling for the federal government to recognize Palestinian statehood that passed after the Liberals introduced amendments. In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Liberal Leader Mark Carney said he has regularly met with Muslim communities, called for the completion of the ceasefire agreement, and "the return of all hostages, and a safe resumption of humanitarian aid at scale so that Palestinians in Gaza can rebuild their lives." In a statement, NCCM acknowledged that Carney had met with their organization and many others to discuss issues that matter to Canadian Muslims, but they urged him to take more concrete actions to address their concerns. Sheet says those concerns include the fact that Muslims are still waiting for federal leaders to present a national strategy on combating Islamophobia, and to make clear their stances on the war in Gaza. WATCH | Muslim voters discuss their concerns during the federal election: Some Muslim Canadians want a clearer idea of where the federal parties stand 2 days ago Duration 2:01 More than 100 Muslim and Arab organizations signed a letter calling on political parties to take a principled stance on the conflict in the Middle East, among other things. Aisha Sherazi, a community volunteer in Ottawa, says while voters want to hear from the party leaders on issues that matter to them as Muslims, there are other things that affect their daily lives, too. "We're regular citizens," she said. "So of course, you know, affordable housing is important … what happens with the economy is going to impact everyone." Balancing act Many politicians view talking about the war in the Middle East as a divisive issue, especially during an election, according to Ruby Dagher, an assistant professor in international development at the University of Ottawa. "I think if you're looking for votes, it is absolutely dangerous territory," said Dagher. "It's the need to win certain votes, but at the same time the fear of losing other votes that makes it … difficult to find that balance." That balancing act was on full display at a Calgary rally for Carney on Tuesday, when a protester shouted, "Mr. Carney, there's a genocide happening in Palestine!" In the moment, Carney responded, "I'm aware, which is why we have an arms embargo." Later, asked to clarify if he saw genocide in Gaza, he said it was noisy, so he "didn't hear that word," and said he meant he was aware of the situation in Gaza. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Carney's words "irresponsible" in a post on X. Carney clarifies Gaza comments during recent rally 3 days ago Duration 1:15 Liberal Leader Mark Carney, speaking from Calgary on Day 18 of the election campaign, is asked about his interaction with a protester at a recent rally who yelled, 'there's a genocide in Gaza' and Carney responded, 'I'm aware.' Carney said it was noisy at the rally and that he 'didn't hear that word,' referring to genocide. Sherazi, who's already decided how she'll vote, says though the leaders naturally command a lot of attention, people should also focus on their MPs. "A lot of the coverage is on the leaders themselves, and you're not really voting for them," she said. "When you vote, you've got to vote for your local individual whose responsibility is to advocate for you, and I think that people forget that." Though the party leaders may not have visited ISNA, other politicians have turned out. Charles Sousa, the incumbent Liberal candidate for Mississauga-Lakeshore where ISNA is located, was at the mosque during Eid prayers this year. Dalia Hashim, the mosque's public affairs manager, says he received a round of applause when he vowed to support the Muslim community. The power of the Muslim vote The power of the Muslim vote is not something that should be taken lightly, according to Umair Ashraf, the executive director of Canadian Muslim Votes, a nonpartisan organization that focuses on political education and civic engagement. During the 2024 U.S. election campaign, many Arab American and Muslim voters in Michigan who helped Joe Biden win in 2020 told CBC News they wouldn't support Kamala Harris's election bid due to the administration's response to the crisis in the Middle East. In the end, Michigan flipped for the Republicans and ultimately helped send Trump back to the White house. Ashraf says that power exists in Canada as well. "There are almost 1.8 million Muslims across Canada, and at times there can be anywhere between 60 to 80 ridings where there can be a Muslim swing," he said, referring to ridings where Muslim voters make up a significant portion of the population. Dagher says that while that may be true, a Muslim voting block here may not be as powerful as those in the U.S., partly because issues like the war in Gaza have been overshadowed by Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to annex Canada, but also because Muslims don't all vote the same way. She notes that the community's support appears to be spread out enough that Muslim voters are unlikely to tip the scales in any one direction. "I'm not saying it's nothing, but I also don't see it as a major factor that's going to influence, given that each group has been able to attract some Arab electorate specifically." When it comes to courting the Muslim vote, Sherazi suggests that politicians should take a strong stance about what's happening in the Middle East and be deliberate about using language that unifies rather than divides. "It's incumbent upon our leaders to really speak up and kind of reassure people that as Canadians, we feel passionately about international law, that those things matter, that humanity matters," she said.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ramadan will come to an end with Eid al-Fitr. Here's when Muslims will celebrate in 2025
Ramadan, a time when fasting, prayer and reflection are heavily prioritized. It is one of the most sacred times for Muslims and it comes to an end on March 30 with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. If you're unfamiliar with Ramadan, here's a chance to learn more about the religious holiday. Ramadan began at sundown on Friday, Feb. 28, and ends at sundown on Sunday, March 30, according to the Islamic Society of North America. The month-long fast concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, meaning 'the Festival of Breaking the Fast.' According to the Henry Ford Community College, Ramadan takes place during the month when Muslims believe the Qur'an started to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It's said the angel Gabriel appeared to him in A.D. 610, giving Muhammad the Islamic holy book. It's a holy, sacred time focused on worship, prayer, fasting and studying the Qur'an. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to spend more time praying at the mosque. Additionally, a sixth prayer, optional, called the Tarawih prayer, is recited in the evening, along with the five daily prayers practiced year-round. Story continues after gallery. Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a requirement during the month of Ramadan for those who are able to do it safely. Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sundown. The fast is believed to help participants focus on what's most important in their lives, as well as increase self-discipline, renew their faith and seek forgiveness. It's also encouraged to prioritize compassion, helping to increase awareness of Allah, meaning God in Arabic, and be more conscious of the poor, sick and suffering. Each evening after sundown, the fast is broken with a prayer and meal called iftar. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it's typical to break one's fast with dates and water or milk, followed by a meal. It's also common to spend time with friends and family after iftar, enjoying one another's company and eating delicious foods together before the next day's fast, beginning at sunrise. Dates and times for sunrise and sunset in various locations can be found here. The length of Ramadan typically fluctuates between 29 and 30 days based on the year. According to National Geographic, Ramadan is the most sacred month of Islamic culture and is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. Each year, the dates of Ramadan fluctuate, as its start is based on the phases of the moon. The start is determined by a moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia, and Ramadan begins the day after the committee spots the new crescent moon. If the moon isn't visible, lunar calculations are used to predict its location in the sky. Eid al-Fitr, a two-to-three-day festival at the end of Ramadan, on April 9, is one of two eids celebrated on the Islamic calendar each year. According to the USC Dornsife, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with special morning prayers, as well as delicious foods and gifts for one's family or those in need. It's also considered a time of forgiveness, where Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. In countries with larger Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is considered a national holiday, closing schools, businesses, etc., and allowing families, neighbors and friends able to partake in the celebrations together. According to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the five pillars are the primary obligations a Muslim must fulfill in his or her lifetime. They include shahadah, the profession of faith; salah, prayer; zakat, almsgiving or social responsibility; sawm, fasting, which is observed during Ramadan, as the Qur'an considers it an act of deep personal worship where Muslims seek a richer perception of God; and lastly, hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah. Muslims physically and financially fit enough are encouraged to travel to Makkah, or Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, to fulfill the hajj pilgrimage, walking in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad in the holy city. According to Islamic Relief UK, Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, the Kaaba, considered one of the most sacred spots on Earth by Muslims, is in the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca. Kaaba, meaning 'cube' in Arabic, is a black stone cube important to the Hajj. Furthermore, it's the qibla, or direction, in which Muslims face for their prayers, taking place five times a day. However, Islam is the world's second-largest religion, with over 1.9 billion followers, and is the third-largest religion in the U.S. after Christianity and Judaism. As of 2017, a total of 3.45 million Muslims practiced in the U.S. The states with the largest Muslim populations include New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas and Michigan. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: When is Eid al-Fitr? When is the last day of Ramadan 2025?
CBC
04-03-2025
- General
- CBC
Opening of Yellowknife's Islamic Centre delayed again amid funding shortfall
The opening of the Islamic Centre of Yellowknife has been delayed yet again. The long-awaited centre was expected to open in March, but an official says it's still short on funding and may not open until later this year. "I know the people were heartbroken who were supposed to pray in Ramadan there," said Shaykh Habib Hasan, the Imam of Yellowknife mosque. "Everyone is patient about it, but they cannot wait to pray in the new Islamic Centre." Yellowknife has been without an Islamic centre since 2019, when the previous one in Old Town was demolished to make way for the new building. Fouzan Khan is the CEO of the Canadian chapter of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), which is co-funding the project. He says the news is disappointing for many, as the project has faced construction and funding delays. The centre is 70 to 80 per cent complete, but costs have more than doubled since construction began almost three years ago, from $2.5 million to $6.5 million. "It's the cost that has been the most challenging part... working with construction in Yellowknife is very different than in some other parts of the country," Khan said. "It's a unique project in itself. And the community is smaller, so it doesn't have the internal capacity to complete it. Rallying people across the country to get behind this project has also been more of a challenge than we anticipated." Yasir Hussain, operations manager at ISNA, says they are still about $1 million short. He says that the logistics of northern construction have been a key factor in rising costs. "If you were to break it down to two things, the delays and the ballooning costs came right down to the shorter construction season, the weather, and just manpower for a highly customized project like this," Hussain said. Although national fundraising continues, Hussein hopes for a final push from the Yellowknife community to cover about half of the remaining costs, or about $400,000 to $500,000. "That would cover interior millwork, the carpet, painting, and all the other static elements that go into this project," Hussain said. He remains optimistic that the centre will open by August or September. Space challenges With construction ongoing, Hasan says members of the city's Islamic community have been gathering in a temporary space at Monkey Tree Place. But, he says it's too small for larger gatherings. "The place is still small, sometimes gets very hot, sometimes gets cold, but Alhamdulillah, people are coming," Hasan said. Although the Monkey Tree location accommodates about 100 people, Hasan says it still feels small for the local Muslim population of 400 to 500, many of whom are attending night prayers during Ramadan. "So we've rented the Multiplex on weekends so that the ladies can also attend the prayers," Hasan said. He adds that once the new centre opens, the community will be able to host more programs, including family activities and youth initiatives. "So it's not only for us … everyone is welcome," Hasan said. Abdul Karim Yalahow, who's lived in Yellowknife since 1997, remembers when there was no mosque. At the time, a small group of 30 to 40 Muslims gathered on Fridays at the public library. That changed in 1999, when they found a former daycare in Old Town up for sale. "We scrambled, about 10, 11 of us, collected money from each other to put that money down," Yalahow said. The Islamic Society of North America-Canada funded the rest, and Yellowknife Muslims prayed there until it was demolished in 2019 to make way for the new centre.
CBC
01-03-2025
- General
- CBC
Muslims in Toronto welcome start of Ramadan and season of giving
Muslims in Toronto and around the world are welcoming Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, charity and community gatherings. Each sunset, worshippers will come together to break their fast at a meal called iftar, including at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Canada's headquarters in Mississauga, where staff and volunteers will be providing thousands of free meals to people in their community, whether they're Muslim, or non-Muslim. "Everyone else prepares kind of for big milestones throughout their year. For us, Ramadan is our kind of Super Bowl in the time we prepare the most for," said Dalia Hashim, ISNA Canada's youth, outreach and public affairs manager. Many Muslim organizations step up their charity work at this time, motivated by the way fasting reminds them of the plight of those less fortunate. Every year, the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) holds an iftar fundraiser for aid to Gaza. This year, that effort is especially important given the opportunity to deliver supplies amid the Israel-Hamas war and frigid winter conditions in the region, says IDRF's chief operating officer Nabil Ali. "I'm going into Ramadan motivated with knowing that we have the ability to to make a difference by ensuring that plates are full and cups have water in them — and that's that's our goal," he said.
