Mar
2011
Mar
It is because people have turned away from religion that the world is beset by so many conflicts. If Jews followed the teachings of Prophet Moses, peace be upon him, Christians followed the guidance of the Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him and Muslims obeyed the commands of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and followers of other religions did the same, there would be harmony and cooperation in the world. So stated Hujjatul Islam Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, the Imam of the Jaffari Islamic Centre in Toronto. He emphasized that the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, told his followers to always obey the Quran and be just in all their dealings with others ”“ family, neighbors, fellow Muslims and followers of other faiths.
Imam Zijad Delic, formerly of the Canadian Islamic Congress, declared that Islam teaches justice and compassion towards all beings and that Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, told his followers to avoid anger, greed, arrogance and injustice. He stated that the Prophet advised Muslims to cultivate life in this world as a garden so that it blooms and bears fruits for this life and the hereafter.
The two Imams spoke at a Milad function commemorating the blessed birth of the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, that was sponsored on Parliament Hill in Ottawa by the Muslim Coordinating Council of the National Capital Region and Senator Mobina Jaffer.
Senator Jaffer, in welcoming the guests, declared that the Prophet led an exemplary life of integrity, devotion, kindness, civility and compassion. He opposed violence and oppression and was merciful towards even those who oppressed him and his followers.
Master of ceremonies Member of Parliament Yasmin Ratansi quoted examples from the life of the Prophet to underline the same message. Co-master of ceremonies Goldy Hyder stated the same.
MCC-NCR President Mohammad Zakaria Khan welcomed the guests and stated that following the example of the Prophet would lead to peace, justice and success. He thanked MCC vice-president Jaffar Hashmi for organizing the function and said the MCC was working to serve all Muslims in Canada.
The function was attended by imams, community members, MPs, MPPs, diplomats, interfaith representatives and others. Leader of Opposition Michael Ignatieff and Premier Dalton McGuinty sent messages of greetings.
While MCC includes some 40 organizations, the Milad function received particular support from Abu Ther Alghafari Mosque, Ahlul Bayt Centre, Islamic Society of Cumberland, Anjuman-e-Badri, Canada-Pakistan Association of Ottawa-Gatineau, Human Concern International, Islamic Shia-Ithna-Asheri Islamic Association, South Nepean Muslim Community, Ottawa Al-Mahdi Centre, Ahlul Bayt Students Association (Ottawa and Carleton Universities), Canadian Somali Mothers, The Canadian Council of Muslim Women-Ottawa Chapter and Canadian Eye on Africa.
The coordinating team for the function was led by MCC-NCR Vice-President Jaffar Hashmi and included Imam Dr. Zijad Delic, Mowlana Sheikh Mumtaz Ali, MCC-NCR President Mohammad Zakaria Khan, Mohammed Master, Essa Jalal, Rashid Saad, Hawa Mohammed Shafi, Zena Taleb and Sabah Hashmi. Senator Jaffer's staff and student volunteers from Ottawa and Carleton University assisted.
The function began with recitation of the Holy Quran from Jalil Ahmad with translation by Fatima Kari followed by National Anthem by Nadim Hassan. The Salam was read by Mukhtiyar Ali while Imam Ahmed Limame of Gatineau Mosque expressed the vote of thanks.
The founding president of MCC-NCR Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan was honored for his services to the community.
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