Safar 1 – A week of Obama + Technology and Muslims + Islam Online + What to learn form Almaghrib: I’m not talkign about the classes + Gaza Drive

Host: Omar (Mafro)

Discussion:

Don’t forget Sadaqa food bank:

The Sadaqa Food Bank, located on 447 Catherine Street, is in need of your assistance. There are close to 100 families who rely on SFB to supplement their grocery needs on a monthly basis. At this time of the year donations of food and money decrease yet the demands continue to grow.

Please remember the less fortunate amoungst us and give generously in cash or food donations. Remember the following hadeeth:

Ibn `Umar (May Allah bepleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “A Muslim is a brother of (another) Muslim, he neither wrongs him nor does hand him over to one who does him wrong. If anyone fulfills his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfill his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and if anyone covers up a Muslim (his sins), Allah will cover him up (his sins) on the Resurrection Day”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

For more details regarding how you can help please give us a call at (613) 680-5679  or visit us online at: www.sadaqafoodbankottawa.org
A week with Obama:

Exactly one week has past since the newly sworn in president of the United States took office. What has happened in that time?
Well, some good, some not so good. First off, and I think something that is rather encouraging is that Obama has issue a letter anchoring his intent to close Guantanamo Bay’s Prison and all other secret CIA prisons. He’s also being called the first president in the 21st century to act like a president in the 21st century. This is likely refering to his use on the “Internets” and “Blackberries” that Bush was trying to tell us all about back when he was president. But we must echo the call of Tariq Ramadan when he said we shouldn’t be naiive in thinking that Obama will be the be all and end all of the ailments of North America and the world. Already we see Obama following suite on unwarented wiretapping. You’ve got to wonder if he’s ok with taking the liberties and rights to confidentiality of his own people, that perhaps the rest of the world shouldn’t let out all their breath in their sighs of relief. Not to mention…

Muslims and Technology: What will the Nortel down fall bring?

Ottawa is home to one of the largest tech companies in Canada. Nortel, also the largest privet employer in Ottawa, recently filed for bankruptcy protection, which means there is going to be some difficult times for a lot of disenfranchised employees of the once tech giant. Many of the employees of Nortel are Muslims. Very talented and well educated Muslims who have bothcontributed and gained a treasure trove of intellectual property over the many years that they haveworked with the company. Obviously there is little that will do to help Muslims in particular in this crisis, amongst their peers. But perhaps that is exactly what we should be looking at.
Perhaps we should be asking questions like: what do Muslims do with their knowledge and intellectual property, which they’ve developed throughout their careers? It seems that Muslims, especially in North America, tend to lean heavily towards being employees. They execute the commands and directions of their bosses and employers with little ingenuity, or creative contributions.
Are Muslims less educated? Less informed? Or less talented than the rest of the populations? I don’t thinks so. I think it is a lack of motivation and a lack of interest.

Many may say, “Well, it’s in the Hands of Allah what I do.” While that is true, the reality is also that Allah created us with the ability to think, created, invent, manipulate, and he created for us the Earth as a means to propagate and grow. Additionally, Allah and his messenger (peace be upon him) have told us that “Allah loves it, that if one of [us] works on something that [we] perfect it”. And that we must take the proper precautions and then rely on Allah for the rest. And that “the hand that gives is better [in the sight of Allah] than the hand that receives.”
So where are Muslims now in terms of their technological contributions?

Hardware and software:
Many of us have already used some form of technology in our Islamic lives. From the basics of using our phones, email, or the internet to share and look up information about Islam and Muslims, to downloading software that reminds us of the prayer times.
Some of us may also be aware of some dedicated hardware that has been around for a number of years and that we see in many of the conferences and bazaars, and some Muslim book shops. For example, there is the line of digital Qur’an pocket players, and readers from Digi Koran. There are over a dozen of these devices ranging from simple yet functional to advanced and complicated. Prices also range from affordable (you get what you pay for) to expensive (high quality). They even have gift-reasonable prices (DVD’s, Children’s toys, etc. for under $20). Some of their products are even cool, like their CQ4H2 IQRAA Color, Featuring a very bright, impossibly thin OLED. Organic Light Emitting Displays, a technology that allows display panels to be very bright and vibrant, yet be paper thin, is not even available in many devices out right now amongst main stream gadgets. And Judging for the specifications of this device, it looks a lot more feature packed than a lot of mp3/mp4 players out there right now (ie. iPod, Zune, Creative Zen, etc). Other products are a bit out there, and interesting, like their talking pen. One thing that is truly impressive is their slogan of “Focus on the Future”. And from the looks of things in their product line, it seems like they are moving in that direction.

Integration and utilization:

Technology doesn’t have to always be entirely invented by Muslims, or marketed by a Muslim company. In many cases all we need to shift ourselves into this century is to utilize some of the technology that is already available and put it to good, productive use.
One company that has impressed me with it’s forward thinking and use of the latest trends in tech and marketing is non-other than our local Almaghrib Institute. They’ve taken some serious steps to making the task of gaining knowledge, easy, available, exciting, interesting, and quite simply put, cool.
From their use of online forums, which are rarely paralleled with such frequency of visitors and contributors, yet are organized and of such high quality that they stand out as an entity on their own. To their advanced use and integration of multi-media in their classes, in their marketing, in their outreach and even in their community work.
Last week, AlMaghrib hosted one of its Ilminars (think: Ilm (knowledge) + seminar) and dedicated it to raising funds for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. By targeting the onlinemasses of Muslims and cooperating with Islamic Relief, they were able to raise close to four times their target of $55,000. In the span of a couple of hours, AlMaghrib along with Islamic Relief were able to raise over $200,000.
The concept is not difficult, or complicated. They simply made use of readily available media and resources to create a functional and captivation interface where people are compelled to visit, return, and contribute. This seems to be the philosophy that AlMagrhib is following in terms of the look and feel of this revolutionary educational institute. And I’m very glad and proud to know that one of our local Organization are on the forefront of moving Islamic education and Muslims into the age of information technology.
Next week insh’Allah Salam Ottawa we will highlight some other Muslim tech products, and insh’Allah talk to some Muslim tech experts, and see what they have to say about all this. But for now, perhaps this tragedy that has befallen the Muslim tech workers of Nortelmay be a stumbling point for some diverse, ingenious, and innovative steps towards new ideas. Ideas that could change the quality of our lives, and the standard of living for all humanity to something a little bit better, insh’Allah.

Community News:

Speaking of Al-Maghrib and taking our lives and contributions to the next level, comes two extraordinary events.
Al Maghrib Class: Rays of Faith coming to Ottawa Feb 27, 28, Mar 1, 8 and 9 taught by Shaykh Waleed Baysouni. [Youtube Trailer] (see what I mean.)
Discover U Class: “At least it’s a living.”February 7th-8th. Marriot Hotel, Downtown Ottawa
“At last! The truth about living an unrealistic life revealed!”
Discover what they didn’t teach you in school:
How to really live life the way YOU want!
By Muhammad Alshareef.
SISTERS 3 PART SERIES: 12 HABITS of a highly successful MUSLIMAH
Speakers:
Maryam Hameed (B.A. Islamic & Arabic Sciences)
Amirah Mauthoor (Certified Personal Development Coach)
Feb. 4th | Feb. 11th | Feb 18th
VANIER 331 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
University of Ottawa
$3/Day | R.S.V.P. QabeelatAnsar.com

Muslim SHUTTLE SERVICE: [Ottawa Muslim Classifieds]

Muslim World News:

Tony Benn to BBC “If you wont broadcast the Gaza appeal then I will myself” [youtube]

Nasheed:

Yusuf Islam Raises Money For Palestinian Children [The Huffington Post]
The United Nations said Yusuf Islam recorded a rendition of the George Harrison song “The Day the World Gets Round,” along with the German bassist and former Beatles collaborator Klaus Voorman.
All proceeds from the song will be donated to the U.N. agency in charge of Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and to the nonprofit group Save the Children to be directed to aiding Gaza residents.

A song by Yusuf Islam: “They’ve Killed all the Litte Ones”

We will not go down (Song for Gaza)

Your Moment of Zen! Alhamdulillah for Islam!

“Proof that Israel is Evil. Top Israeli Rabbi says all Gaza civilians are permissible to slaughter. ” [Youtube] He’s qouting from the adultered Tourah.

Next Week:

Talk to Muslim Tech experts, and workers…

On the ground with Sada Food Bank…

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Muharram 23 – Muslims and Media + Order of Canada: Azhar Ali Khan + Good Riddance Bush + Gaza + Obama

Hosts: Ahmed Khalil + Omar (Mafro)

Dua:

By Mishari Rashid Al-Efasy

Discussion:

Interview:  We spoke with community activist, and winner the Order of Canada Award Mr. Azhar Ali Khan about what he has done throughout his career, and his opinion on the state of Muslims in Ottawa.
[Interview with Azhar Ali khan| mp3 | Box.net]
An article in the Muslim Link [January 2009/Muharram 1430 | Page 4 | 6MB PDF] talks about Br. Azhar and the work he is doing right now.

Jewish editor sacked for publishing article
This article was sent to Debbie Ducro, a Jewish-American journalist with the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle. She published it, and was fired the next day. This article highlights the internal struggle in the Jewish community and the threats posed to Jews who chose to speak against and criticize the current actions of the Israeli Govt.

In Hertzl’s ‘The Jewish State’ the father of Zionism said: “We must investigate and take possession of the new Jewish country by means of every modern expedient.” I guess I agree with Ehud Barak ( 3 June 1998) when he said, “If I were a Palestinian, I’d also join a terror group.” I’d go a step further perhaps. Rather than throwing little stones in desperation, I’d hurdle a boulder.

[Full article]

Jewish Rabi tells the truth about Gaza and Palestine, [youtube] and how the Jews have been duped into believing and supporting Israeli propaganda and oppression.

Survivours of WWII do to the palestinians what was done unto them. [Photo Essay | Warning: images are graphic]

Good Riddance Bush: Seems to be, not surprisingly, the sentiment from all over the world concerning the departure of the man who is being called the worst leader of the western world in a long time. People have even set up discussion boards to “commemorate” the time spent with Bush during his “administration”. So, we can breath a sigh of relief now…we can, right? well unfortunately, Bush as a president has the ability to pardon some people for their crimes. So, just like most vilains would do in despiration to destroy the world, he’s let the low lifes out just as he’s leaving.

Community News:

Muslim Link launches French articles: So please support one of the longest running Muslim Newspapers in eastern Canada. [Muslim Link]

Global News:

Israeli occupying forces to pull out of Gaza in time for Barak Obama’s inauguration. Seems like Jon Stewart’s assessment was right on target.

Last week we reported on the Free Gaza Movement’s ship to Gaza with medical aid. Well, not unlike the savages that they are, the Israeli occupying forces prevented the ship from docking in Gaza. [Report]

Misc:

Song For Gaza
“We Will Not Go Down”
(Composed by Michael Heart)
Copyright 2009

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Muharram 16 – United Nations of America + “We Will Not Go Down” + Information Imbalance + Suport Your Local Muslim Media + SalamOttawa Host Offers carpool

Host: Omar (GreenKufi)

Quran

Surat AtTawbah 9:1-16

Dua

By Mishari Rashid Al-Efasy

Discussion:

Article [Muslim Link January 2009/Muharram 1430 | Page 4 | 6MB PDF] [Article only | 64KB PDF ]
United Nations of America? by Thaiba Ahmed Abdulrahim.
New survey says Muslims favour broader powers for the UN but would like to see it free from US control.

The Reality of Media Coverage: Peace, Propaganda & The Promised Land

News:

Muslim US congressman Keith Ellison on Gaza
An interview with Keith Ellison about Gaza really showed me that this man doesn’t only stand for good values, but is also very wise and intelligent in going about his cause. Keep it up bro. We are short not on politicians, but on intelligent, wise politicians.

Free Gaza Movement to Israel: “We’re coming in on Tuesday!” [full article]
A group of activists under the banner of “Free Gaza Movement” are on their way to Gaza on an emergency mission abord the “SPIRIT OF HUMANITY” ship. They are carrying with them desperately needed doctors, journalists, human rights workers, and members of several European parliaments as well as medical supplies.
A previous attempt to provide such aid by an international ship was violently attacked by the Israeli Occupying Forces. On December 30 Israeli forces purposefully and repeatedly rammed the unarmed ship causing seriouse damage and endangering the lives of the humanitarian air crew.
Fouad Ahidar, a member of the Belgian Parliament sailing to Gaza aboard the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY, responded to concerns that Israel may attack the unarmed mercy ship by saying, “I have five children that are very worried about me, but I told them, you can sit on your couch and watch these atrocities on the television, or you can choose to take action to make them stop.”
Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have injured thousands of civilians and killed over 800 people, including scores of women and children.
The United Nations has failed to protect the Palestinian civilian population from Israel’s massive violations of international humanitarian law. Israel has closed off Gaza from the international community and demanded that all foreigners leave. But Huwaida Arraf, an organizer with the Free Gaza Movements, stated that, “We cannot just sit by and wait for Israel to decide to stop the killing and open the borders for relief workers to pick up the pieces. We are coming in. There is an urgent need for this mission as Palestinian civilians in Gaza are being terrorized and slaughtered by Israel, and access to humanitarian relief denied to them. When states and the international bodies responsible for taking action to stop such atrocities chose to be impotent, then we–the citizens of the world–must act. Our common humanity demands nothing less.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO
Take Action! CALL the Israeli Government and let them know that the
SPIRIT OF HUMANITY is coming to Gaza. DEMAND that Israel immediately STOP slaughtering civilians in Gaza and STOP using violence to prevent human rights and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
CALL
Mark Regev in the Prime Minister’s office: +972 2670 5354 or +972 5 0620 3264 email: mark.regev@it.pmo.gov.il
Shlomo Dror in the Ministry of Defence: +972 3697 5339 or +972 50629 8148 email: mediasar@mod.gov.il
Major Liebovitz from the Israeli Navy: + 972 5 781 86248
Your Moment of Zen “Alhamdulillah for Islam!”
Jon Stewart’s Comentary on [im]balanced coverage on Gaza, and NY Mayor Bloombergs comments on proportionate response:

Song For Gaza
“We Will Not Go Down”
(Composed by Michael Heart)
Copyright 2009

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