MACNational January 2020 Newsletter

Assalamu Alaykum wa rahmtu Allah (Peace be with you)

Dear Community Members,

By the grace of God, I hope you all are full of anticipation, optimism and a sense of achievement because of what we have accomplished this year. I want to thank our all-star volunteers who are the backbone of MAC, and without whom we would not have organized the countless community events throughout the year.

Together we have accomplished remarkable achievements this year, whether they are organizing MAC Eid Festivals, planning Halaqas, attending Al-Otrojah classes, managing MAC Youth Camp retreats, setting up family events, or volunteering at Al Huda Sunday Schools. I hope you are all proud of your efforts in serving your local communities and helping to create a welcoming, positive and healthy community spirit.

This year our Civic Engagement Committee worked tirelessly to share your voice with candidates from all political stripes to advance the Muslim community's interests locally and in Ottawa. With a sense of pride, I can assure that we are working across lines of political, racial, religious affiliations to forge genuine partnerships and alliances to create a Canada that works for everyone. We welcome the new government and are focused on opportunities to work and engaged together.

Last year we encountered tragedy in the wake of the Christ Church Terrorist Attacks in New Zealand reminding us that Islamaphobia kills, and there is still much to be considered in stopping the spread of hate against Muslims. In the wake of this tragedy, we saw our police servicemen and women mobilizing to protect our houses of worship. In light of such service, MAC organized three Recognition and Appreciation Ceremonies to acknowledge our law enforcement communities formally. The first ceremony held was with Daniel Mellsop, where Prime Minister Jacinda Arden was also acknowledged for her efforts against online extremism and terrorism. The second ceremony was with Chief Chris McCord and also recognized the appointment of Mr. Ahmad Attia to the Peel Police Services Board as he is the first Muslim community member to be selected as a board citizen appointee for the Region of Peel. The final ceremony was a round table discussion with Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique.

As always, please let us know what you think. There is a survey at the bottom of this newsletter where you can share and express your feedback; we are always open to suggestions and new ideas.

May Allah (SWT) accept our efforts and bless you all,

Sharaf Sharafeldin, Executive Director
Muslim Association of Canada

We are excited to launch the newest MAC project - MAC E-Learning. As an innovative approach to learning, this project seeks to enhance the accessibility and availability of Islamic knowledge for English-speakers. Our courses are centred on well researched and authenticated topics, presented by well-grounded scholars and advocates of Islamic thought. Through the MAC E-Learning project, you will become acquainted with a well-rounded approach to Islam. Topics such as Islamic manners, Islamic thought, spirituality and misconceptions with regards to pertinent and relevant topics will be addressed. Answers to many overlooked questions are also integrated as part of this learning experience.

Our courses are presented by a group of well-grounded scholars and advocates talking about well researched and authenticated topics.

Instructors

Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed Abdel Meguid, Sarah Attia, Abdullah Idris Ali, Dr. Jasser Aud, Mohammad Zahid Aboughoda,
Rania Lawendy, Dr. Jamal Badawai

Course Include
Spirituality, Family Relationships, Good Mannerisms, Tarbiya, Islamic History, Islamic Philosophy and Rational Traditional Metaphysics, Maqasid Thinking, Clarification on Aisha RA age, Islam's Emphasis on Justice with Clarification on Jihad, Women and the Mosque amongst other timeless topics of importance.

On December 28, 2029 blood donor clinics in Toronto, Mississauga and Oshawa were packed to capacity with an outstanding turnout! MAC Toronto did a phenomenal and invaluable service to the community by planning and organizing blood donor clinics so the Muslim community can donate blood to help hundreds of thousands of Canadian who need blood. The volunteers involved in this initiative did a wonderful and heartfelt deed that will save countless lives - subhanAllah! If you're interested in getting involved and helping MAC give back to community services, please get in touch with Chapters here.

Here is one of many messages from Canadian Blood Services appreciating the Muslim community for making a life-saving contribution:

"We are grateful for our community partnership and appreciate your ongoing support of Canada's Lifeline. Thank you for encouraging members of your community to donate blood. We look forward to partnering with you in the upcoming donation events being held in Mississauga, Toronto, and Oshawa." Canadian Blood Services

Donate Towards Comunity and Individual Growth

When you give to MAC, you are funding life-changing programs that help thousands of children, youth and families across Canada. MAC relies on the generosity of Canadians to support our work.

There are many ways you can help in our fundraising efforts. MAC welcomes donations both for general funding or to support specific projects. You can donate on the website through a secure connection by credit card. In addition to financial donations, MAC accepts gifts of securities and property. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes at the beginning of the next calendar year.

To invest in the future leaders of tomorrow please donate here.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous Donors!

Ms. Nimao Ali is a powerhouse and inspirational leader working as an educator for both adults and children for almost 20 years and currently serves as a principal at MAC's Abraar Secondary School. Ms. Ali completed her Bachelor's Degree in Computer Mathematics at Carleton University and later received an Adult Education Teaching Certificate from Algonquin College and her Principal Qualifications from York University.

Ms. Ali’s past local volunteer involvements include: working as a Muslim cultural sensitivity trainer in the Diversity & Race Relations Department of the Ottawa Police Service, sitting on the RCMP National Adviser Committee as a member, serving as a member on the OCISO None-Profit Housing board and holding key positions in the Ottawa chapter of the Muslim Association of Canada. In 2017, Nimao served as an external adviser to the Minister of Children and Youth Services of Ontario, she is a current board member of Somerset West Community Health Centre and serving Chaplaincy services for Carleton University students.

Ms. Ali fled civil war in her native Somalia and came to Canada as a teenager to start a new life, like many immigrant families. She spends many summers working on aid projects in East Africa with the Somali Canadian Education and Rural Development Organization. She has also co-founded local organizations undertaking key projects in girls’ education and empowerment in Canada.

A tireless mother of three, Ms. Ali is also a sought-after inspirational speaker both at home and abroad. She was nominated for the 2017 Governor General Awards for her outstanding leadership. To learn more about MAC Spotlight, you can visit this link.