The Road to Paradise (13): Will we See Our Actions on Judgement Day? - Sayed Ahmed Al-Qazwini

Al-Rasoul Islamic Society has been proudly serving its diverse community in the Halifax Regional Municipality for over 20 years. Since its inception, the vision of the society is based on creating an environment that’s filled with love, peace, openness and hospitality to everyone in the community. With such a philosophy, the society has been successful in attracting and unifying people from diverse ethnicities and cultural backgrounds as one big family, in a beautiful reflection of the peaceful Islamic teachings, and in alignment with our core Canadian values that promote inclusiveness. Our Center currently serves as a place of worship, social gatherings and educational learning, where great memories are made, insightful information is gained, and delicious food is served! Our ultimate goal is to enrich our religious knowledge, promote bridges of understanding and empathy while continuing to be constructive members of our beloved Canadian society.

In the insightful discussion, Dr. Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini discusses the importance of commemorating the tragedy of Karbala, using it as a source of inspiration, spiritual revival, and a deriver of many valuable lessons. From this historic event that is often sidelined, we learn the importance of establishing a sense of inner responsibility to truly fulfill our purpose in life. Additionally, we understand how Imam Hussain (a.s.) was the embodiment of sincerity, and that Ashura wasn't a political military coup but rather an all encompassing revolution for individual, family and societal reformation. The discussion was wrapped by sharing words of wise advice to the attendees, volunteers and speakers involved in the commemorative gatherings of Imam Hussain (a.s.). ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “And say: My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority. And say, Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart." - Surah al-Isra', Verses 80-81 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Night 1 - The Holy Month of Muharram 2018

Dr. Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini shared a very eye opening discussion about reconciling between our Islamic identity and maintaining the sense of belonging to our nations, and whether muslims in the West should seek further integration or isolation. Evidently, we learn that the Ahlulbayt's (a.s.) view is that Islam isn't a private cult but a universal path built on diversity and inclusion, encouraging its followers to be instrumental pioneers in their communities through manifesting their faith in acts of goodness and societal benefit. Furthermore, we reflect on the power of integration and attraction through mannerism, and the significance of widening our capacity for tolerance, whilst staying away from those who have prejudice and harbor hate. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly" - Surah al-Mumtahanah, Verse 8 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Night 2 - The Holy Month of Muharram 2018

The blessed month of Muharram doesn't only inspire us towards spiritual revival, but to also aspire for social reformations. Amongst the most vital social issues that we face today relates to the protection and prosperity of the family. Dr. Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini addresses this topic by providing 6 key tips that can lead to a harmonious and flourishing family environment. Amongst these valuable keys are the necessity of establishing an oasis of peace at home through providing a loving, supportive shelter, and staying away from anger and impatience. Additionally, Dr. Sayed Moustafa emphasizes the importance of avoiding domestic violence at all costs due to its detrimental consequences, and replacing it with peaceful dialogue, collaborative work and effective communication to stimulate positive results and avoid the overburdening of individual family members. The insightful discussion is wrapped by stressing on how strengthening one's connection and love for the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) can be the greatest stimulant towards self betterment, hence why its a duty upon the entire family to nourish and share its love for this noble family with one another. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “And those who say, Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous. Those will be awarded the Chamber for what they patiently endured, and they will be received therein with greetings and peace. Abiding eternally therein. Good is the settlement and residence." - Surah al-Furqan, Verses 74-76 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Night 3 - The Holy Month of Muharram 2018

Undoubtedly, no society can see advancement and flourishment without the involvement and contribution of women. Nevertheless, many Islamic countries still lack behind in such a realization, sidelining their females and treating them like second class citizens. Dr. Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini discusses this critical topic by highlighting several steps that contribute to the empowerment of women in society, starting from the necessity of respecting and honouring all females. Furthermore, we understand the need to learn the etiquettes of dealing with the opposite gender with modesty rather than resorting to total segregation and limiting female involvement in society. As knowledge is the fountain head of every goodness, Dr. Sayed Moustafa stresses on the importance of providing education to our females, as they are ultimately the primary teachers, sacrificers and injectors of noble human values to our kids, hence why heaven lies under their feet. The discussion also touches on whether females should raise children, work in society or do both, and the necessity of strengthening one's piety and righteousness to maximize self empowerment. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “O you who have believed, fear Allah, and let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do." - Surah al-Hashr, Verse 18 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Night 4 - The Holy Month of Muharram 2018

The topic of guidance and misguidance is amongst the most complex and intricate subjects to discuss. Many people are lost in ambiguity when determining whether guidance is solely granted by God, or its a blessing that can be gained through individual contribution and effort too. Dr. Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini eloquently sheds some light on this interesting topic by explaining two types of guidance that are interrelated, acting as unique forms of invitation from the Almighty. We learn that the first type of guidance is 'General', universally broad in nature and comprehensive of all living creatures. Its an intrinsically found roadmap to provide direction and inspiration to each of God's creation for their survival. Due to their high intellectual abilities and unparalleled potential, humans receive an additional, exclusive source of general guidance called 'Legislative' guidance through prophets and holy scriptures. Whilst God shows us the way, we humans are ultimately given the freedom of choice in deciding to follow this guidance or abandoning it. For those who embrace, accept and implement, 'Private' guidance would then unfold to them, nurturing their foresight and strengthening their faith. This second type of guidance is therefore only granted through sincere hard work and self accountability. Furthermore, Dr. Sayed Moustafa addresses the objectification that the religion of Islam is restrictive and not universal in nature due to the Quran accommodating the Arabs only be being revealed in Arabic and the Prophet (pbuh) being sent to them rather than elsewhere. Through referring to Quranic verses, historical references and modern statistics, such accusations are refuted, and it is reinforced that Islam is a universal message without any geographical or racial boundaries. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Has there not been over man a long period of Time when he was a thing not worth mentioning? Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing. Surely We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (is up to him) " - Surah al-Insan, Verses 1-3 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Night 5 - The Holy Month of Muharram 2018

Whilst Islam is a peaceful religion that introduces nothing but goodness to humanity, many non-muslims misunderstand it, forming wrongful perceptions out of prejudice and lack of knowledge. Similarly, many Muslims too have misinterpreted Islam's spirit and objectives, leading them to committing wrongful acts in the name of Islam. In an effort to better understand this phenomena, Dr. Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini shares examples of such acts, alongside some reasons that lead to this misunderstanding, including ignorance, naiveness and narrow mindedness from living in confinment from other civilizations and societies. Furthermore, we learn about the detrimental dangers of bigotry, radicalism and the blind sanctifying of scholars through eliminating one's own voice of reason, and the necessity of blending knowledge with wisdom. In addition, Dr. Sayed Moustafa elaborates on the relationship between reason and faith by explaining the concept of God's justice as viewed in the philosophical schools of Ash'arities, Mu'tazilities and Imamities, and how such theological differences can consequently lead to diversely and vastly different actions and implementations. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “Say, 'Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path - a correct religion - the way of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And he was not among those who associated others with Allah'. Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds'." - Surah al-An'aam, Verses 161-162 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Night 6 - The Holy Month of Muharram 2018

One of the most pivotal benefits of religion is that through it, one can find peace and stability in the midst of a world filled with worry, stress and anxiety. Nevertheless, many religious communities, particularly muslim ones, are filled with internal conflicts, division and hatred, contradicting the very teachings of the religion they believe in. In this lecture, Dr. Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini examines this interesting topic by sharing practical tips that if implemented, can lead to a more united, harmonious and peaceful environment in our Islamic communities. Firstly, we learn that it is vital for individuals to further engage and participate in building their local community through giving and serving others with money, time and effort, rather than being selfish and individualistic in their lifestyle. Secondly, we understand that our societies must respect and embrace diversity and multiplicity without any bigotry or discrimination, as there is no class system in Islam. Within such an inclusive approach, it is also necessary to respect differences in opinion, using this as a mechanism of learning rather than a means of division. Lastly, Dr. Sayed Moustafa stresses that the rituals of Islam should be a pathway for us to better our societal behaviour and collective interactions, by implementing the principles of honesty and truthfulness. Only through practically showcasing the noble teachings of religion can the society flourish and prosper. ____________________________________________ Verse of Discussion: “And they are those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give charity and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allah belongs the outcome of all matters." - Surah al-Hajj, Verse 41 Al-Rasoul Islamic Society || Night 7 - The Holy Month of Muharram 2018