I have composed a letter to the Canadian Government re: Gaza. Please copy and paste it and send it to anyone of power in the Government in Canada or any country for that matter. Do not stand by believing that you are powerless or only one person. Please also send it to major media sources demanding they change their biased broadcasting. Lets stand up for those who are being oppressed.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
As a Canadian Citizen, who has grown up believing that Canada is a country that works to support the peace, and liberties that it bestows upon its citizens I am writing to express my deepest anger towards the Canadian Government and the failure of politicians to adequately promote peace or put pressure on Israel towards the continual terror, loss of life, and cruel attacks they are putting on the citizens of Gaza. I demand that the government stand up for the rights of those persecuted and put an immediate end to the carnage that is occurring by a bully of a country, with unjustified means of attack.
I have read the letter the Liberal Party writes as its “Official Stance and Statement about what is occurring in Gaza, calling for a ‘Peaceful Resolution.’ I am utterly disgusted by the biased position the government has taken justifying the continual attack, and utter atrocity Israel continues towards those in Gaza by maintaining that it is “Israel's right to defend itself against such attacks, and also its right to exist in peace and security.” Such a statement not only ignores the plight of the Palestinians; as such attacks are in response to complete border lockdowns, denial of food, supply and electricity, but it is a statement by the Canadian Government that such defiance of human rights by Israel are condoned.
In the Liberal Party’s statement claiming right to “Peace and Security” it completely ignores the innocent citizens of Gaza who have been massacred by such terror, and whose dead bodies continue to pile, while those injured lay waiting for the aid, supply and support from countries like Canada, while Canada ignores such need and allows Israel to continue its murder.
Please re-look at the numbers and see that the 11 killed in Israel by Hamas’ rockets does in no way justify the carnage of nearly 700 Palestinians killed since December 27, including 150 children while almost 3000 have been injured in Israeli air strikes , blockade of aid and crossing points, and Israel’s seige on Gaza. There are rights that need to be upheld under the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law, and I expect Canada to be among those who fight for such rights. Not to mention the use of phosphorus by Israel over the Gaza region which undeniably affect citizens of innocence wherever it falls, not killing but maming and burning those who the chemical comes in contact with.
Israel has now fully invaded Gaza. Their ground troops are operating to the north, south and east of Palestine (The Australian, 6/1/09). Their atrocities are coming from air, land and sea, killing and destroying what remains of the already ruins of Palestine. Nothing is escaping this neo-Nazi rampage. Israel’s war is so shocking that they are prohibiting any reporters from entering the country. They are not even allowing any humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
I demand the Canadian government to condem Israel’s horrific massacre and to insist on Israel to lift its 18-month long blockade off the 1.5 million Palestinians who have been left without basic human needs including water, electricity and food. Moreover I demand the Canadain government take serious measures in helping the oppressed and innocent people of Palestine by putting an end to this inhumane butchery. We believe the Canadian government has the means to join the rest of the world in exerting pressure on Israel real enough that it is actually paid heed to by the Israeli government. Peace needs to be restored and it needs to be restored now!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Asalam Alaikum From Turkey
Bismillah...
Asalam Alaikum everyone, wow, three months have passed. I came to Turkey in November and between spending time here and lack of internet access (and just plain apathy maybe--) I put my blog on hold. Alhamdulillah it seems now more than ever is a time to speak up-- Muslims being persecuted left right and center, while the rest of the world sits back and watches a biased media and believes, or maybe just ignores what is going on... sadly many Muslims seem to be doing so as well. We continue on with our daily activites forgetting those persecuted in our dua, and not taking action to stop the attrocities that are occurring. Being in Turkey allows for many Middle Eastern media sources to be viewed--- my heart aches as I then flip to websites of Canadian news channels to view Israel as the "Good Guy" creating justice and stopping more "terror". Unforunately because nobody is doing anything about it now-- be it the international community or Muslim groups of significant power, it will be left to Allah on the day of Judgement when those who persecute will stand before Him labelled as murderous oppressors. I pray that Allah brings the Muslims victory, grants justice, and brings patience to those fallen victim to such crime.
The above serves as a segway for the rest of this post--- Today walking in the streets of Istanbul was a girl wearing a shirt that said "We are all from Gaza"-- No hijab, maybe not the person you would first guess as Muslim supporting those persecuted (Allah knows best of course) but there she was taking a stand. Alahmdulillah it helped me to sit back and realize just how much Islam is still here in Turkey. Of course the country is ruled by a secular state and I am no way ignoring the countless wrongs and injustices that are occuring here- I am constantly reminded of them as I watch my young relatives go to school having to remove hijab just to get an education, or being a niqabi and walking down the street to have insults hurled at me--- not even me just a person who chooses to cover their hair, or the brothers who can't wear a beard because they will lose a job... It isn't bombs or bullets but it is a hardship that the Muslims here face and makes me greatful for the freedom I do experience as a Muslim in Canada-- However, that being said, Islam is still alive here. Where else do you see a secular country that has mosques every 8 blocks and where the adthan calls out loudly in the streets below five times everyday! Where you can wake to the call of Allah (SWT) and pray in mosques of those dedicated to Allah (SWT). Beautiful mosques built to show the love the people here have for Allah (SWT). Stores where some store-owners great you with salaam, and people who when they look at my daughter say meshallah and remind me to recite Falaq and Naas over her. Where today the waitor that served us asked my daughters name and new that 'Asiye' was one of the women promised paradise because of her perfect faith... Yes Islam is still alive here.
Being in a country other that Canada helps put things in perspective. In Canada I think often Muslims either want only to leave Canada or the opposite they want to live in the West because they expect that it will bring something they didn't have in the country they previously lived in. I am learning that what is best is that we pray that Allah (SWT) gives us whatever is best for us. That we pray that He (SWT) puts us where we should be and that we are open to accept where that is. Because there is work to do as Muslims in Canada, just as there are things to run from with full force. There are lessons to be learned and things to be forgotten. And in Turkey, a country often labelled as dead when it comes to Islam, or those who practise culture instead of relgion, Allah has showed me a lot while being here. Areas that I took for granted while in the West. I am far more aware of waste, poverty, sincerity, honesty in business transactions... the list could go on and on.
I guess the intention of my ramblings is to really rethink about what I have been learning rather than tell others about it, however, if there is one lesson that I hope is taken, I hope that it is that we pray more. Pray for those persecuted, pray that Allah (SWT) puts us where we need to be to best serve Him, pray that He helps us to see the best in every situation, learn from others, and that He would benefit us in our religion in all ways. That we would actively be worshiping Him and learning about ourselves in this beautiful religion.
I pray that this finds you in the best and strongest of Iman, offering sincere prayers for our brothers and sisters all over the world. Especially those in Gaza. May we as Muslims and as a society stand up for their rights, and do something to make the atrocity stop. I also pray that if I have wronged anyone in the past that they would forgive me and that Allah would forgive me for any error I have committed openly or privately. Ameen.
Asalam Alaikum everyone, wow, three months have passed. I came to Turkey in November and between spending time here and lack of internet access (and just plain apathy maybe--) I put my blog on hold. Alhamdulillah it seems now more than ever is a time to speak up-- Muslims being persecuted left right and center, while the rest of the world sits back and watches a biased media and believes, or maybe just ignores what is going on... sadly many Muslims seem to be doing so as well. We continue on with our daily activites forgetting those persecuted in our dua, and not taking action to stop the attrocities that are occurring. Being in Turkey allows for many Middle Eastern media sources to be viewed--- my heart aches as I then flip to websites of Canadian news channels to view Israel as the "Good Guy" creating justice and stopping more "terror". Unforunately because nobody is doing anything about it now-- be it the international community or Muslim groups of significant power, it will be left to Allah on the day of Judgement when those who persecute will stand before Him labelled as murderous oppressors. I pray that Allah brings the Muslims victory, grants justice, and brings patience to those fallen victim to such crime.
The above serves as a segway for the rest of this post--- Today walking in the streets of Istanbul was a girl wearing a shirt that said "We are all from Gaza"-- No hijab, maybe not the person you would first guess as Muslim supporting those persecuted (Allah knows best of course) but there she was taking a stand. Alahmdulillah it helped me to sit back and realize just how much Islam is still here in Turkey. Of course the country is ruled by a secular state and I am no way ignoring the countless wrongs and injustices that are occuring here- I am constantly reminded of them as I watch my young relatives go to school having to remove hijab just to get an education, or being a niqabi and walking down the street to have insults hurled at me--- not even me just a person who chooses to cover their hair, or the brothers who can't wear a beard because they will lose a job... It isn't bombs or bullets but it is a hardship that the Muslims here face and makes me greatful for the freedom I do experience as a Muslim in Canada-- However, that being said, Islam is still alive here. Where else do you see a secular country that has mosques every 8 blocks and where the adthan calls out loudly in the streets below five times everyday! Where you can wake to the call of Allah (SWT) and pray in mosques of those dedicated to Allah (SWT). Beautiful mosques built to show the love the people here have for Allah (SWT). Stores where some store-owners great you with salaam, and people who when they look at my daughter say meshallah and remind me to recite Falaq and Naas over her. Where today the waitor that served us asked my daughters name and new that 'Asiye' was one of the women promised paradise because of her perfect faith... Yes Islam is still alive here.
Being in a country other that Canada helps put things in perspective. In Canada I think often Muslims either want only to leave Canada or the opposite they want to live in the West because they expect that it will bring something they didn't have in the country they previously lived in. I am learning that what is best is that we pray that Allah (SWT) gives us whatever is best for us. That we pray that He (SWT) puts us where we should be and that we are open to accept where that is. Because there is work to do as Muslims in Canada, just as there are things to run from with full force. There are lessons to be learned and things to be forgotten. And in Turkey, a country often labelled as dead when it comes to Islam, or those who practise culture instead of relgion, Allah has showed me a lot while being here. Areas that I took for granted while in the West. I am far more aware of waste, poverty, sincerity, honesty in business transactions... the list could go on and on.
I guess the intention of my ramblings is to really rethink about what I have been learning rather than tell others about it, however, if there is one lesson that I hope is taken, I hope that it is that we pray more. Pray for those persecuted, pray that Allah (SWT) puts us where we need to be to best serve Him, pray that He helps us to see the best in every situation, learn from others, and that He would benefit us in our religion in all ways. That we would actively be worshiping Him and learning about ourselves in this beautiful religion.
I pray that this finds you in the best and strongest of Iman, offering sincere prayers for our brothers and sisters all over the world. Especially those in Gaza. May we as Muslims and as a society stand up for their rights, and do something to make the atrocity stop. I also pray that if I have wronged anyone in the past that they would forgive me and that Allah would forgive me for any error I have committed openly or privately. Ameen.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Motherhood and Marriage... two of my greatest gifts from Allah--
Its been a while since I wrote anything. I certainly have various topics on my mind, but between Ramadan, and now recovering from a surgery I just haven't sat down and taken the time. Insha'Allah you haven't all given up on me!
A reader recently asked me to publish a post about motherhood and marriage in Islam. I am hardly one that should speak on these two incredibly imprtant elements, but insha'Allah I will divulge a piece of my life in the hopes it will inspire other Muslims, and show non-Muslims the beauty of this religion.
Bismillah...
To understand the greatness of Allah (SWT) in this area of my life, and how He changes hearts you have to understand who I was before Islam. For personal reasons I was jaded by the idea of marriage and had decided I would never marry and didn't want children. I felt that Marriage was a useless commitment that nobody cherished as sacred, so why even bother.
When Islam, alhamdulillah, became my way of life, without my even knowing it, Allah (SWT) changed my heart. So much so that in just mere months after my reversion, and without really knowing the man I was to wed, I got married. To most in my life it seemed like the craziest thing I had ever done (even more so than my conversion in some people's minds I am sure.) Such haste in a relationship is not easily understood in the West. I even had a hard time wrapping my mind around it as it was going on for me. It really is the one of the ways I just have proof that Allah (SWT) works in a believers life if we submit to Him. I remember telling the people most important to me in my life about my impending wedding and they gave this look of shock and disaproval and I met it with "I know it seems crazy eh?" But each time someone asked me how we would raise a family or live with each other it seemed to make perfect sense. After all if we both believed the same religion which unlike the the religion of my past, dictates every life decision from how we eat, go to the bathroom to how we raise children, what would we argue about? Why did I need to know what his favorite colour was or whether he liked peas better than carrots? That could all be learned.
That being said, it really wasn't quite as cut and dry as that. Of course there were/are challenges that I couldn't forsee. The biggest often stemming from culture. This is not to say that culture supercedes religion in our home-- I don't believe it does, but at the end of the day I am Canadian-- and at times a far too independent and outspoken one, and my husband is Turkish. Somewhere there needed to be a balance, and that balance was what takes the time to find. That and there is also the learning how to be a wife and a Muslim all at the same time. Remember I had gone from living alone since I was 18 in various cities and provinces, being fully independant to sharing everything with someone I really knew little about.
I only offer so much history to show you again the grace of Allah (SWT). That is a promise, that if two people love each other and meet because they love each other for the sake of Allah (SWT) alone, that Allah (SWT) will reward them in this life and the next. And even if there are hard times that if our true desire is to stay together Allah (SWT) will make that happen. It is promised in the Qur'an.
The couple of things that I have really learned though--- Is that marriage is a challenge. Although Allah (SWT) has made us partners for each other and that there really can be a perfect balance to our mutual and harmonious existance, it is difficult at times and takes work. Don't forget that we are still two different people with different backgrounds and personalities. However, the best example always comes from the Prophet (SAW). That being said, as a wife I should look at the mothers of the believers, how did they react and act towards our beloved Prophet (SAW). The best advice that I can possibly offer is if you and your husband can emmulate the characteristics of these individuals insha'Allah there will be success.
I don't know that the person who wanted me to write about marriage in Islam was seeking my counsel but there now you have it! Insha'Allah it is of some benefit.
As for children I will try to be less long-winded.
Prior to Islam, I wanted none. I wanted financial freedom, and the thought of raising children in such a hate-filled world made me sick. When I got married I decided okay, yes I wanted children, but maybe just two or three and certainly not until a year or two after I was married. After all I wanted to just enjoy being married for a while. Again, Allah (SWT) moved in my heart. We had our first child before our second anniversary--- I can't wait for more, and even though I have a full University education and career that is perfectly established. I have NO DESIRE to pursue it. I was pregnant the month after graduation and haven't looked back. Alhamdulillah Allah has blessed us in the way that my husband can provide so I can be the care provider for our child. I can't imagine putting her into daycare knowing that she would be expose to things that I can't be there to monitor. I don't think that I am being naive or overprotective. I believe that insha'Allah I am doing my duty as a Muslim woman to raise my children. We will be responsible for them on the day of judgement and I just can't imagine standing before Allah trying to explain why I allowed my child to be in an environment where swear words may have been used, pork eaten, TV programs watched without monitoring, the values of our relgion not taught. Of course there are Islamic options out there, but right now the best Islamic option is me raising our children. It is only by Allah (SWT) that my heart has moved towards this way, and I don't think it can be fully understood until a person has children.
Of course it is a constant struggle with my family and friends who think I have thrown away my education and my career. And that's hard because I am still largely influenced by my emotion, but in the end I will answer to Allah not my family.
My greatest fear now comes from my inadequacies that I have to be able to raise a child in accordance with Islam. After all the amount of Qur'an I know is minimal, I don't speak Arabic, my knowledge of the deen is small.... But what is important is that I seek the right support, turn to my husband for what I don't know, make sure I strive to learn, and most importantly, turn to Allah.
Insha'Allah this is of benefit. Any sin or error above is mine, any goodness is of Allah (SWT) alone.
A reader recently asked me to publish a post about motherhood and marriage in Islam. I am hardly one that should speak on these two incredibly imprtant elements, but insha'Allah I will divulge a piece of my life in the hopes it will inspire other Muslims, and show non-Muslims the beauty of this religion.
Bismillah...
To understand the greatness of Allah (SWT) in this area of my life, and how He changes hearts you have to understand who I was before Islam. For personal reasons I was jaded by the idea of marriage and had decided I would never marry and didn't want children. I felt that Marriage was a useless commitment that nobody cherished as sacred, so why even bother.
When Islam, alhamdulillah, became my way of life, without my even knowing it, Allah (SWT) changed my heart. So much so that in just mere months after my reversion, and without really knowing the man I was to wed, I got married. To most in my life it seemed like the craziest thing I had ever done (even more so than my conversion in some people's minds I am sure.) Such haste in a relationship is not easily understood in the West. I even had a hard time wrapping my mind around it as it was going on for me. It really is the one of the ways I just have proof that Allah (SWT) works in a believers life if we submit to Him. I remember telling the people most important to me in my life about my impending wedding and they gave this look of shock and disaproval and I met it with "I know it seems crazy eh?" But each time someone asked me how we would raise a family or live with each other it seemed to make perfect sense. After all if we both believed the same religion which unlike the the religion of my past, dictates every life decision from how we eat, go to the bathroom to how we raise children, what would we argue about? Why did I need to know what his favorite colour was or whether he liked peas better than carrots? That could all be learned.
That being said, it really wasn't quite as cut and dry as that. Of course there were/are challenges that I couldn't forsee. The biggest often stemming from culture. This is not to say that culture supercedes religion in our home-- I don't believe it does, but at the end of the day I am Canadian-- and at times a far too independent and outspoken one, and my husband is Turkish. Somewhere there needed to be a balance, and that balance was what takes the time to find. That and there is also the learning how to be a wife and a Muslim all at the same time. Remember I had gone from living alone since I was 18 in various cities and provinces, being fully independant to sharing everything with someone I really knew little about.
I only offer so much history to show you again the grace of Allah (SWT). That is a promise, that if two people love each other and meet because they love each other for the sake of Allah (SWT) alone, that Allah (SWT) will reward them in this life and the next. And even if there are hard times that if our true desire is to stay together Allah (SWT) will make that happen. It is promised in the Qur'an.
The couple of things that I have really learned though--- Is that marriage is a challenge. Although Allah (SWT) has made us partners for each other and that there really can be a perfect balance to our mutual and harmonious existance, it is difficult at times and takes work. Don't forget that we are still two different people with different backgrounds and personalities. However, the best example always comes from the Prophet (SAW). That being said, as a wife I should look at the mothers of the believers, how did they react and act towards our beloved Prophet (SAW). The best advice that I can possibly offer is if you and your husband can emmulate the characteristics of these individuals insha'Allah there will be success.
I don't know that the person who wanted me to write about marriage in Islam was seeking my counsel but there now you have it! Insha'Allah it is of some benefit.
As for children I will try to be less long-winded.
Prior to Islam, I wanted none. I wanted financial freedom, and the thought of raising children in such a hate-filled world made me sick. When I got married I decided okay, yes I wanted children, but maybe just two or three and certainly not until a year or two after I was married. After all I wanted to just enjoy being married for a while. Again, Allah (SWT) moved in my heart. We had our first child before our second anniversary--- I can't wait for more, and even though I have a full University education and career that is perfectly established. I have NO DESIRE to pursue it. I was pregnant the month after graduation and haven't looked back. Alhamdulillah Allah has blessed us in the way that my husband can provide so I can be the care provider for our child. I can't imagine putting her into daycare knowing that she would be expose to things that I can't be there to monitor. I don't think that I am being naive or overprotective. I believe that insha'Allah I am doing my duty as a Muslim woman to raise my children. We will be responsible for them on the day of judgement and I just can't imagine standing before Allah trying to explain why I allowed my child to be in an environment where swear words may have been used, pork eaten, TV programs watched without monitoring, the values of our relgion not taught. Of course there are Islamic options out there, but right now the best Islamic option is me raising our children. It is only by Allah (SWT) that my heart has moved towards this way, and I don't think it can be fully understood until a person has children.
Of course it is a constant struggle with my family and friends who think I have thrown away my education and my career. And that's hard because I am still largely influenced by my emotion, but in the end I will answer to Allah not my family.
My greatest fear now comes from my inadequacies that I have to be able to raise a child in accordance with Islam. After all the amount of Qur'an I know is minimal, I don't speak Arabic, my knowledge of the deen is small.... But what is important is that I seek the right support, turn to my husband for what I don't know, make sure I strive to learn, and most importantly, turn to Allah.
Insha'Allah this is of benefit. Any sin or error above is mine, any goodness is of Allah (SWT) alone.
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