“During COVID-19 lockdown, Muslims can’t go to the mosque due to large gathering restrictions

Ramadan 2020 is also falling during lockdown

City of Windsor Canada approved the request of Muslims to have call of prayer broadcast on speakers until end of Ramadan

This has really uplifted Muslims spiritually

Here is my experience with hearing Adhan out loud from the speakers of Minaret of Windsor Mosque

Malik Bhai

“I reflect quite often on the fact that I’m mayor of the fourth most diverse community in Canada.

It’s that diversity that helps make us stronger as a community.

I say that so often to different groups, and I really mean it.

When I hear, as mayor, racist comments or when I read some of the things that I’ve read I’m deeply disturbed by that because that does not reflect the broader community that I know in my city.

I think people appreciate that the city responded in this particular way.

And I think because of the situation that we’re in, it was the right thing to do.

We’re not alone doing it – many other cities across the country are doing it.

And I quite proud of that community and all that they’ve offered to help make our city better.”

Mayor Drew Dilkens, City of Windsor

Drive-Thru Iftar Program

Winnipeg Grand Mosque, Manitoba Islamic Association, 2445 Waverley Street

“Just sharing a glimpse of line at the Iftar drive thru program.

Proudly serving the community.

Thank you for partnering with us (MSA, PSA & MIA.)

Thank you to all our vendors: Barbeque Hut, Uppal Spice Delights, City Pizza, Pitza Witza.”

Canada Pakistan Trade & Cultural Association of Manitoba

https://www.facebook.com/359169438105756/videos/235921304492005/

 

Dan MacDonald spoke with Mirza Baig, President of Windsor Islamic Association, about the Call to Prayer in South Windsor on his AM800 CKLW Radio show.

 

 

Mississauga is right to stand against intolerance

 
By Star Editorial Board

Wed., May 6, 2020

 

City councillors in Mississauga did a good and generous thing last week when they gave permission for local mosques to broadcast the evening call to prayer during the month of Ramadan.

It was a simple yet meaningful gesture at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible for Muslims to gather together physically at their places of worship. “People need comfort and familiarity during this difficult time,” Mayor Bonnie Crombie said by way of explanation.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie seen at a Nov. 18 budget committee meeting.

That should have been the end of it. But, as the saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished. For their trouble, councillors were subjected to a barrage of abuse on social media, so much so that they felt they had to revisit the issue on Wednesday.

To their credit, they reaffirmed their decision to allow an exemption to noise bylaws during Ramadan this year. Muslims who aren’t able to go to their mosque can hear the evening call to prayer, or Azan, broadcast through loudspeakers.

It would, of course, have been quite wrong to back down in the face of the complaints, even under the guise of “consulting” further with various parts of the community.

Allowing a temporary exemption from a noise bylaw for a few weeks, for a call to prayer that lasts less than five minutes, is just the decent thing to do at a time when everyone is trying to make the best of a tough time.

Many other cities have done the same thing — Toronto, Hamilton, Brampton, Ottawa and Windsor among them. Halifax and Edmonton, too.

In Europe, Germany and the Netherlands have also allowed amplified prayers during Ramadan to ease the pain of Muslims denied permission to get together in person at a time when family and community gatherings are most important.

The good news is that this has been, for the most part and in most places, quite uncontroversial. In Toronto, city staff simply decided on their own to make an exemption from noise bylaws until the end of Ramadan on May 24.

Nor should it be controversial. Church bells can be heard every Sunday, and anyone complaining about those would rightly be considered an intolerant crank. And everyone, of every religious persuasion or none at all, must put up with weeks of Christmas music everywhere they turn from Halloween to the end of year.

Yet somehow, for some people, the prospect of hearing the sunset call to prayer from a mosque is apparently intolerable. An open letter circulating online called hearing the Muslim call to prayer a “violation of human rights” and even suggested it might trigger PTSD in veterans who fought in Afghanistan or Iraq. It garnered thousands of signatures in support.

In Brampton, the chair of a school council, Ravi Hooda by name, used the occasion to tweet insulting comments about Muslims (for that Peel Region School Board booted him from his position). And a column in the Toronto Sun sounded an alarm about “Sharia-Bolsheviks” who want to “change our society permanently.”

It’s worth noting, though, that this loud and intolerant minority is far from the complete picture. The Interfaith Council of Peel, a group of religious leaders ranging from Buddhists to Unitarians, supported Mississauga’s decision with these words: “Rather than thinking of this simple action as divisive or favouring one group over another, may it be a reminder that members of our community are deeply missing each other.”

That’s about the size of it. Allowing a temporary exemption to a noise bylaw, at what all agree is a time of unprecedented challenges, threatens no one and takes away nothing from any community.

If we are truly, as the current slogan goes, “all in this together,” we can start by abandoning needless suspicion and doing what we can to make life a little better for our fellow citizens — of whatever background.

 

First Public Athan at the First Second Mosque in Toronto

Witness the first public Azaan in the first Second Masjid of Toronto.

Municipalities across Canada have recently allowed for the public broadcast of Athan at Maghrib time during the month of Ramadan.

Many of us are accustomed to going to the mosque during Ramadan, however this year, with the pandemic, it is not possible.

So hearing the athan being broadcast acts as a source of comfort for Muslims.

 

Sister Sara Mill commented on youtube . . .

“This video is amazing MashaAllah,

I have been comming to this mosque ever since I was born and today I’m 17 years old!

The amazing community, the memories, get togethers, diversity is everything.

It’s really unfortunate that we cannot congregate at the mosque like we normally do,

but InshaAllah we shall reunite again soon.

Never thought I would see the day when the mosque would close their doors but this video brings back amazing memories,

Thank you Isna for making this!

Shoutout to Jami mosque OG, y’all know who you are!!!!!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Don’t recognize one person in this video except Sheikh Hamdi,

I think next time a video is done it should be with people who actually regularly attend the mosque!

Thanks for also including the neighbors,

May Allah bless all of you!

 

Dundas Street Mosque at 3047 Dundas Street West was Toronto’s “First” Masjid.

 

http://30Masjids.ca/Day-1-Mosque-One-The-Forgotten-Dundas-Street-Mosque/

 

That building was sold with proceeds from the sale put towards purchase of 56 Boustead Avenue, a former Presbyterian Church, by Muslim Society of Toronto.

 

http://30Masjids.ca/Day-1-Jami-Mosque/

 

Jami Mosque is Toronto’s Second Masjid.

Jami Mosque is Toronto’s Oldest Masjid still in continuous uninterrupted operation.

 

 

 

The letter of support sent by ICP to the Mayor’s Office May 2020 over the Council’s decision to allow the broadcast of calls to prayers during Ramadan.

“Dear Mayor Bonnie Crombie,

The Interfaith Council of Peel supports the City of Mississauga’s resolution to approve the broadcast of calls for prayers to all faiths in the city.

In this pandemic time,

so much has been taken from us, and especially from communities of faith who yearn to gather not only for worship and celebration,

but also to do good work in our neighbourhoods and our city,

and to support one another in both good and challenging times.

Rather than thinking of this simple action as divisive, or favouring one group over another,

may it be a reminder that members of our community are deeply missing each other,

that our lives personally and collectively have changed.

May this call be a reminder to take just a few moments to think of those who cannot gather:

celebrating families and grieving families, friends and social groups, even sports teams – and faith communities;

to be thankful for healthcare workers, police, fire and EMT’s, and people on the front lines,

for workers who are performing essential roles to keep us safe and to keep our communities going;

to pray for courage for our leaders who are making hard decisions;

to pray for people who face hate and discrimination brought on by fear and anger.

Each faith has ways that outwardly inspire and encourage their congregations and we are in support of the City and Mayor’s efforts

especially in this very challenging time to enable faith communities and faith leaders to reach out and support our diverse community and bring us together in a spirit of hope and comfort. ”

Signed by Interfaith Council of Peel.

Windsor Islamic Association livestreamed their first ever Public Adhan Al Maghrib, Call to The Prayer after Sunset, on Tuesday evening.

By Maghrib Sunset Time, the Masjid’s parking lot was full of cars.

Muslims remained inside their cars, practising physical distancing.

Others waited while standing outside, also practising physical distancing, some wearing masks.

Doors of the building facing the parking lot were open, allowing the Adhan being broadcast from loudspeakers inside to reach Muslims listening from outside.

Adhan was also broadcast from loudspeakers attached to the outside of the minaret.

Having heard Adhan Al Maghrib start, Windsor Muslims then broke their fasts.

The livestream uniquely takes us on a walk from outside on the parking, walking into the Masjid, finally arriving inside the main prayer hall to see Imam Mohamed Al Jammali calling Adhan Al Maghrib . . .

https://www.facebook.com/335469106531282/videos/546727942949016/


 

https://www.facebook.com/335469106531282/videos/546727942949016/

At the five minute mark of the livestream, Imam Mohamed Al Jammali takes the smartphone from the brother recording then shares an emotional commentary from inside the masjid while looking at the Muslims in their cars outside in the parking lot.


 

“First time in Windsor history City of Windsor relaxed its noise by law to accommodate Muslims to call for prayers during the month of Ramadan.

Imambargha Dar e Batool made arrangements to broadcast Azan on Walker Road on speakers making history.”

https://www.facebook.com/ImambarghWindsor/videos/308088853510073/

RS077xYawL4

Several minutes after completing 30 Masjids’ First Ever Drive By Ziyarat of Islamic Foundation of Toronto,

We arrive at Jame Abu Bakr Siddique, Scarborough Muslim Association, for our first ever Drive-Thru Iftar Haleem Pick Up . . .

Every day of Ramadan 2020,

Jami Abu Bakr Siddique, Scarborough Muslim Association, has offered a Drive-Thru Iftar Pick Up Service.

It is first come, first served, beginning at 7 p.m.

We arrived a few minutes before that, yet they were already in operation, so were among tonight’s first served.

The Masjid is at 2665 Lawrence Avenue East, near Midland Avenue.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful

We Recognize and Thank Our Frontline Heroes.

Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, Pharmacists, Hospital Staff, Police,
Firefighters, Transit Workers, Transport Crews and All Essential Services Personnel.
May Allah Protect, Unite and Bless us all during this difficult time. Ammeen.

 

 

Outside of Drive-Thru Iftar Pick up hours, the gate is closed.

Sign on the gate says Masjid Closed.

No line up !

No longer than a few seconds, and we had picked up one serving of Haleem through the driver side window.

Moments later, the volunteer brother handed out two more servings of Haleem.

Because they had a box ready to accept the Zakat Al-Fitra one must offer before the Eid Al Fitr prayer at Ramadan’s end, we were happy to take the opportunity to drop 3 X $7.00 into the box today.

It sometimes happen people don’t pay until the very last minute, even on the immediately before the Eid Prayer would begin.

Doing that is truly a missed opportunity in one’s own religious obligation.

The Bosnian Muslim Proverb,

“Every chance is your last chance, the circle is not round.”

Is instructive here.

Sometimes when you come around, what was there when you first were there, is no longer there.

The opportunity is gone.

Alhumdulillah,

We were able to pay Zakat Al-Fitra in cash today.

www.tronnotires.ca

Since start of Ramadan 2020,

Jame Abu Bakr Siddique has been broadcasting a Public Adhan Al Maghrib, Call to The Prayer after Sunset, via loudspeakers atop the masjid.

Spot the loudspeaker.

The Mihrab, or prayer niche, facing Makkah.

There are many, many, many Muslims who live in walking distance and listening distance of the Masjid, within this mid-Scarborough neighbourhood.

During our very brief time here,

More Muslims were observed walking to pick up their Drive-Thru Iftar Haleem than were seen arriving by car as we did.

 

Haleem

 

 

Haleem is made of wheat, barley, meat: usually minced beef or mutton; goat meat; or Lamb and mutton; or chicken, lentils and spices.

Sometimes rice is also used.

 

This dish is slow cooked for seven to eight hours, which results in a paste-like consistency, blending the flavours of spices, meat, barley and wheat.

Seven to Eight  Hours  to Prepare.

If you were wondering why Fasting Muslims would drive to Jame Abu Bakr Siddique Masjid to pick up a single serving of Haleem, that’s a big part of the why.

Haleem, not to confused with Al-Haleem . . .

Al Haleem (Arabic: الحليم‎) is one of the Names of Allah.

The word Haleem comes from the root “hilm”, which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to be forbearing, mild, lenient, clement; to be forgiving, gentle, deliberate; to be leisurely in manner, not hasty; to be calm, serene; to manage one’s temper; or to exhibit moderation.

Having “hilm” can be understood to have a wisdom and a forebearance that allows a person to control their anger.

Hilm is an intelligence that, in our terms, allows someone to control their anger, even if their anger is justified.

It allows you to, when you are justifiably angry, control it and not manifest it.

The English word, Hangry, comes to mind.

While fasting in Ramadan, one might become angry due to one’s hunger, and become Hangry.

Having some Haleem at Iftar Time, when one breaks their Ramadan Fast for the day, may help one be happy instead of hangry.

Alhumdullilah,

Happy we did Drive-Thru Iftar Haleem Pick Up today at Jame Abu Bakr Siddique.

En route to Jame Abu Bakr Masjid, Scarborough Muslim Association, to experience their Drive-Thru Iftar Pick Up,

We decided to drive down Markham Road and at least Drive-By one of our Favourite Masjids,

The Islamic Foundation of Toronto . . .

 

 

Before we broke our First Fast on Day 1 of Ramadan 2020,

We had livestreamed Shaikh Yūsuf Badāt’s pre-Iftar 30 minute Ramadān Special Program from The Islamic Foundation of Toronto.

Today, Alhumdulillah, we’re driving by, seeing IFT Live & in person.

We have Drive-Thru Iftars because of Pandemic Lockdown of Masjids,

Why not have Drive-By . . . Ziyarats . . . ?

I just made that up.

Ziyarat comes from Arabic: زار‎ “to visit”.

Okay, so I didn’t just make that up. Muslims have always been visiting Masjids.

I did however just invent the term “Drive-By Ziyarat” . . . for the purpose of this and future 30 Masjids blog entries about Driving By Masjids and Islamic Centres that are closed due to COVID 19 Pandemic Lockdown especially during Ramadan 2020.

And because you are Islamic Foundation of Toronto,

Why not also have Drive-Thru Masjid Office Hours  ?

By using your now Pandemic Lockdown Empty Masjid Parking Lot . . .

IFT Drive-Through Office Now Open

 

“Islamic Foundation of Toronto is pleased to announce that we have now opened a drive-through office in the Masjid parking lot.

This was done due to significant demand from our community, and will be open during Ramadan for any community inquiries and services.

Please note our hours:

– – Daily from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM – –

Please note that although our drive-through office will be open,

The rest of the Islamic Foundation facilities and services will remain closed until the restrictions are lifted by the authorities.

Alhamdulilah,

Islamic Foundation of Toronto has been working diligently with our volunteers and community leaders to provide virtually conducted programs for our communities.

Although the physical facilities are closed,

Islamic Foundation is still here to support our community and want to encourage you to join us virtually.”

 

 

Heading south on Markham Road towards Islamic Foundation of Toronto

Through the intersection with Nugget Avenue, felix culpa Nugget Mosque

Final look at Islamic Foundation of Toronto completing 30 Masjids first-ever Drive-By Ziyarat . . .

 

First Ever Public Adhan, Call to Prayer, made outside Dar Al Sunnah, in Edmonton, Alberta.

It’s unclear to me whether this was Adhan Al Maghrib, Call to The Prayer after Sunset, or Asr or Dhuhr.

Since mid-March 2020,

Jumah Prayer has been cancelled at Canadian Sufi Cultural Centre, 270 Birmingham Street in Etobicoke, Ontario.

The following note now tops Jerrahi Order of Canada‘s website . . .

“We have cancelled our gatherings till further notice to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.

This is a precaution we are taking to protect the health and well being of individuals and society which has the greatest importance in our religion.

We will provide updates as they become available.

At these difficult times, we accept donations that will go towards food bank for people in need.

RAMADAN Program (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)

Connect using Zoom Pro.

Please check our what’s app group for instructions on how to connect!

8pm Greetings
8:15: Magrib (Prayer)
8:20: Iftar (Supper)
8:40: Usul (Prayer)
9:00: Discussion (Sohbet)
9:45: Isha (Prayer) & Teravih (Prayer)

Later we might continue casual discussions!

Ramadan 2020 may not have Whirling Dervishes in South Etobicoke, like Ramadans past . . .

. . . It may have Shared Iftar and Sohbet Watch Parties via Zoom . . .