Gujarati Muslims Canadian link
Bismillahhir Rahmaannir Raheem
Alhamdulillah, around 1972 about 200 Muslims came to Canada from Gujarat, India. This was the first time in history that they had come to this country in large numbers from Gujarat Most of them ranged between 20 to 30 years in age, with very limited resources and little knowledge of Din and Dunia. They had a special quality about them, their love of ALLAH and His Messenger (S.A.W). Furthermore, the historical accounts from the people of their past generations were a driving factor in migrating abroad. The mindset being that it would result in prosperity. Families, as well communities in India would also benefit from their success abroad.
By the grace of Allah we received a warm welcome in Canada with a few exceptions of course. Canada is the second largest country in the world with a population of 33 millions around ( 2008). The country needs around 250,000 new immigrants annually in order to maintain its economy. This fact has made Canada a multicultural country. The country is proud of its natural beauty. Canada allows every legal citizen to accommodate his close family members. The Gujrati community took advantage of this unique opportunity at the time. Alhamdulillah, We chose Canada as our home. Within 10 years we increased rapidly in numbers. These numbers gave us an identity of being a Gujrati Muslims within the diversified Toronto Muslim community. Soon, the first masjid under Gujrati management was established; Madina masjid in Toronto. It was the third Masjid in Toronto at that time (1983). By mercy of Allah. our Ulamas, Tableeg Jamat and concerned Muslims we never had a shortage of scholars, who made sure that we are always aware of the true purpose of this life. Alhamdulillah now (2008) 10 km within Toronto, there are enough prayer facilities available to make five times prayers. Furthermore, Hifz classes, Dar-ul-Uloom and Islamic schools are now widely available; however most are still not affordable to the majority of Muslms.We can now begin to analyze the weakness of that pioneer generation. As mentioned, this generation came to Canada with very limited resources and knowledge. It is sad to say that up to now (2008); we do not have a well-qualified new generation who will lead us to fully participate in the main society. This is evident in the leaders who deal with today’s problems, which most of us do not fully understand, whether political, educational or social. It is well known that children of those immigrants who grew up in Canada with a good education know the system better than their parents. But, somehow, these youngsters are banned directly or indirectly to participate in the old pioneer established facilities (e.g. the mosque management). Thus, the result we see now is that they ignore us and we ignored them. Our main weak point being that we always carry so many culture practices beside Islam and we are very prejudice among us.
Now is the time to request our new generation who grew here with the education of Din and Dunia. We may not let you in our management now but we shall not last forever, please be patient. Work in some other areas that will prepare you for the future. Be equipped with the best education of Din and Dunia. Today people are valued by their education. Education has become the most valuable skill in the modern society. So get together with open minds and become leaders in this society with an attitude that says “we don’t believe in any cult value, Islam is very clear to us!”
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Quran 49:13) (Translation)
From Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Jesus (ASW) and the last Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the messengers of Allah, we got only one message. That is that if you want to succeed in this world and the hereafter, you must worship One God ( Allah ), and not to worship your Nafs and desires.etc. Your path without the light of Quran and sunnah, leads you into darkness. Fact is fact and just guessing is an illusion.
History has thousands of years of scripture containing teachings of common good such as morality, fairness, family value and justice. And they all teach that we are dependant upon one almighty God and humility in this world will bring us closer to our creator. There is no power except the Almighty and we knew this…we see this everyday, but we ignore it. So please read and understand the Quran, the miracle granted to Muhammad (SAW); over 1400 years since it came down and not even one punctuation mark changed in original.
Islam taught us to enjoy common good with communities and humanity as large, as we are children of one man and one woman. We need to understand our differences and find a solution. So work to attain unity. And it will soon be your time to lead. Please lead with patience, wisdome and justice, to your own self and the community. If you don’t respond to this call now…your generations to come shall suffer.
Be aware of the greatest propaganda of our times of “Islamic Terrorism”, “Islamic Extremism” and “Fundamental Muslims”, and try to change it. Ironically the label comes from those, who have been planning and executing the Muslim Holocaust in various parts of the world- to cover their own racism, greed and religious bigotry. Look at the majestic history of Muslims. The history of Islam. Understand the Quran and Sunnah. Islam is the most civilized way of life, and any individual can practice universally. It is natural, acceptable by who study with an open mind and clear heart. It is a religion of Adam, Abraham, Musa, Jesus and Muhammad (SAW).
We all are in need and may Allah give us true understandings and practicing Islam in every aspect of life. Do your best and trust in Allah.
“And how could we not place our trust in God (Allah), seeing that it is He (Allah) who has shown us the path which we are to follow? Hence we shall certainly bear with patience whatever hurt you may do us: for, all who have trust (in His existence) must place their trust in God ( ALLAH alone)” (from Quran 14:12)
“O our Sustainer! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy mercy, we shall certainly be lost” ( From Quran 7:23)
Our Lord has encompassed all things in knowledge. Upon Allah we have relied. Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You Allah) are the best of those who give decision."
(from Quran 7:89)
