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- War often distorts the truth, especially in media and historical accounts, so viewers should be cautious. - Media owners can influence narratives based on their personal biases, as seen with Israel Asper, a pro-Zionist founder of CanWest Global Communications. - Honest Reporting Canada (HRC) seeks to shape Canadian media to support Israeli perspectives, often pressuring outlets to modify or withdraw certain language or headlines. - HRC uses its network to protest perceived negative portrayals of Israel, such as changing terms in headlines related to Palestinian detainees. - Journalists in conflict areas have faced direct attacks; Israel has been accused of targeting media workers to suppress critical coverage, even those marked as press. - HRC promotes a narrative that excuses such incidents, suggesting some journalists may have ties to Hamas. - The 2022 killing of Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh led to Israel's use of a “deny and deflect” strategy, which TIME analyzed as Israel’s approach to dealing with high-profile deaths. - Deflection tactics include blaming Palestinian militants, claiming accidental deaths, or alleging victim involvement in attacks on Israelis. - Readers should remain aware of potential media biases, as advised in the Qur’ān, which promotes verifying information. - The “deny & deflect” strategy is not new and can be traced back to historical conflicts, such as between Imam Ali (a) and Mu‘āwiyah. - During the Battle of Ṣiffīn, Mu‘āwiyah’s forces used a similar tactic, with historical references showing attempts to shift blame for killings onto opponents. - This tactic was criticized, with Imam ‘Ali (a) drawing a parallel to the flawed logic of blaming the Prophet for the death of Hamzah at Uḥud. Friday Juma Khutba November 11th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- The Golden Rule is shared across religions, including the Prophet’s saying: “Love for the people what you love for yourself.” - The issue is racism and greed, not ignorance, as seen in conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s long-standing occupation of Palestine. - Israel, backed by the West, violates international laws but is still seen as a democracy. - High civilian casualties in Gaza have sparked global protests and exposed Western governmental racism. - Despite Biden's claims to limit regional conflict, the U.S. continues to send military aid to Israel, totaling $22.7 billion. - Netanyahu repeatedly undermines Biden, yet U.S. policy seems shaped by Israel. - The UK is considering sanctions on Israeli ministers for inflammatory comments, reflecting global public pressure. - Imām Ḥasan al-‘Askari’s letter advises on taqwā, ṣalāt, zakāt, and practicing good character, along with social responsibilities like enjoining good and avoiding indecency. - Emphasis is placed on the importance of night prayers and following these teachings. Friday Juma Khutba October 18th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Terrorism applies to both state and non-state entities, including governments and occupying powers, which can engage in terrorism. - Occupation is considered the worst form of terrorism in global circles. - In 2006, Edward Peck, a former U.S. diplomat, explained that while working on a definition of terrorism in 1985, the U.S. rejected several definitions because they implicated the U.S. itself, in such acts. - U.S. Code Title 18, Section 2331 defines "international terrorism" as actions aimed at influencing government conduct through mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. - Peck highlighted that countries like the U.S. and Israel have engaged in activities that could fit the definition of terrorism, emphasizing the subjective nature of the label "terrorist." - Western governments often label groups or governments as "terrorist" based on "selective morality," which is not universally accepted. - Highlighting the lack of Western attention to civilian victims in Gaza and Lebanon, questioning why they are not recognized as human beings. - True honor and dignity come from God, as mentioned in Islamic teachings, and not from mankind. - When God grants honor, even enemies are forced to acknowledge it, as seen in the respect shown to Grand Ayatullah Sistani, a pious religious leader. - The Pope visited Ayatullah Sistani to express gratitude for his compassion towards minorities in Iraq. - Israeli Channel 14 displayed Ayatullah Sistani as a potential assassination target, which was condemned by the Shi‘a community and the Iraqi government. - The story of Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (a) is shared, highlighting that true honor is granted by God, not by worldly recognition. Friday Juma Khutba October 11th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- The term "terrorism" originally referred to state violence during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. - Modern history expanded the term to include armed uprisings against foreign rule, such as the IRA and Nelson Mandela's ANC. - Western governments selectively apply "terrorism" to non-state groups but often avoid using it for state violence. - UN resolutions do not differentiate between state and non-state terrorism, emphasizing impartial condemnation. - The U.S. and Israel rejected a key UN resolution that supported the right of peoples to self-determination and condemned occupation. - Western nations are often hypocritical in labeling terrorism, condemning certain groups while excusing allies' actions. - Israeli leaders like Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir were involved in terrorist acts before becoming politicians. - The Qur'an criticizes hypocrites who cause corruption while claiming to promote order. - Shi‘as are often labeled as radicals or terrorists when standing up for their rights, despite their contributions to resistance and protection of oppressed people. - Ayatullah Sistani praised the role of the Shi‘a community in Lebanon and their sacrifices in defending their land and holy sites. - Despite challenges, the Shi‘a faith endures, and believers find solace in prayer for divine support and justice. - A statement from Ayatullah Sistani’s office expressed sorrow over the countless lives lost October 4th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis October 3rd 2024 29th Rabi Ul Awwal 1446 AH Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis 22nd Rabi Ul Awwal 1446 AH September 26th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- The Middle East situation is worsening, with the UN Secretary-General describing Lebanon as descending into chaos. - Israel is conducting indiscriminate attacks on civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, killing women, children, and non-combatants. - An elderly Canadian couple was killed while fleeing southern Lebanon, sparking condemnation from Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly. - Over 600 people have been killed, including 50 children, with thousands wounded and 90,000 displaced. - The U.S. has been criticized for its hypocrisy, calling for a ceasefire while supplying $8.7 billion in military aid to Israel. - Despite a temporary pause, U.S. weapons, including 2,000-pound bombs, continue to be shipped to Israel. - Grand Ayatullāh Sistāni condemned the aggression and called for efforts to protect the Lebanese people and provide humanitarian aid. - The ISIJ has responded by sending $100,000 in humanitarian relief to Lebanon. - Locally, many Friday khutbas focus on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, observed annually on September 30. - This day reflects on the genocide and injustice faced by Indigenous people since European colonization 500 years ago. - Indigenous scholars emphasize "settler colonialism," which displaces Indigenous inhabitants and creates unequal societies, similar to the situation in Palestine. - The use of "settler colonialism" helps link the struggles of Indigenous people in North America with the Palestinian cause. Friday Juma Khutba September 27th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- The birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad brings blessings for all Muslims; he is described as "the mercy for the universe." - The Prophet’s mercy is evident in the guidance given to Muslim soldiers, as reported by Imām Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq, whose birth anniversary coincides with the Prophet’s. - Prophet Muhammad instructed his soldiers to avoid deceit, mutilation, killing non-combatants, and harming the environment. - Soldiers were prohibited from killing the elderly, children, women, cutting trees unless necessary, and destroying fruit-bearing trees. - These instructions, given 1400 years ago, precede the Geneva Convention’s humanitarian principles from 1864, such as protecting wounded soldiers and civilians. - Muslims often discuss humanitarian values but may overlook how their faith and Prophet set these standards long before modern conventions. - Expressing hope that Muslims would adhere to the ideals presented by the Prophet and Imams of Ahlul Bayt. - Recent events in Lebanon saw high-tech warfare by Israel, leading to the explosion of pagers and walkie-talkies, killing 37 people and injuring thousands. - In Gaza, hospitals are targeted, with most casualties being civilians, including women and children. - Western views on civilian casualties vary, with more concern shown for "our" civilians versus "the other," particularly Muslims. - The case of Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State, highlights this hypocrisy when she justified the deaths of 500,000 Iraqi children during sanctions, stating the price was "worth it." Friday Juma Khutba September 20th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Shi‘as express happiness with the happiness of Ahlul Bayt and sadness with their sorrow. Eid-e Zahrā’ is celebrated as the day the family of ‘Ali and Fāṭimah rejoiced after the criminals responsible for Karbala were brought to justice by Mukhtār. - Shi‘a Islām is rooted in the principles of love and hate (ḥubb and bughdh): love for Allah, the Prophet, the Ahlul Bayt, their followers, and values, and rejection of their enemies, known as tawalla and tabarra. - Devotion to Ahlul Bayt is often expressed through speech, writings, and poetry, such as qaṣidah (praise) or marthiya/nawḥa (eulogy). - Sayyid Murtaza and Sayyid Riza were prominent Shi‘a scholars from Baghdad in the 4th century, descendants of Imam Musa al-Kāzim. Their teacher, Shaykh Mufid, had a vision of Bibi Fāṭimah asking him to teach them Islamic jurisprudence. Both brothers became influential scholars—Sayyid Riza compiled Nahjul Balāghah, while Sayyid Murtaza specialized in theology and fiqh. - Ibnul Ḥajjāj al-Baghdādi, a poet of the 4th century, composed a famous qaṣidah praising Imam ‘Ali. His poem, inscribed on the shrine of Imam ‘Ali in Najaf, highlights the significance of tawalla and tabarra. - The qaṣidah praises Imam ‘Ali as the source of shafā (healing) and divine guidance. It describes the blessings received by those who visit his grave and intercession sought through him. - When Ibnul Ḥajjāj recited his poem in the presence of Sayyid Murtaza, he included lines of tabarra (condemnation of enemies), which Murtaza initially stopped. However, Imam ‘Ali appeared in a dream to Ibnul Ḥajjāj, instructing him to recite the poem in its entirety. - Sayyid Murtaza had a dream where the Prophet and the Imams showed displeasure because he had stopped the poet. He was instructed to apologize to Ibnul Ḥajjāj, which he did, and then the poet was honored by the ruler. 9th Rabbi Awwal 1446 13th September 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Imām Ḥasan al-‘Askari (a) quotes Imām Ja‘far as-Sādiq (a.s.) condemning people who follow corrupt religious leaders. - He advises people to follow only jurists who control their desires, protect their religion, and obey their Master, emphasizing that such qualities are found in only some jurists. - The ḥadith, although from Imām aṣ-Ṣādiq (a), reached the community through Imām Ḥasan al-‘Askari (a), indicating preparation for the ghaybat of Imam al-Mahdi (a). - Taqlid is not a new concept; Shaykh al-Mufid of the fourth century clarified that a partially knowledgeable person cannot decide on religious differences and must refer to a learned person. - Muslim engagement with the Canadian political system is important, even though the Liberal government doesn't align with Islamic values. - This week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Canada reinforced the arms export ban to Israel, suspended permits, and blocked a major ammunition deal, influenced by Muslim organizations like NCCM. - Canadian Muslims can play a role in supporting the oppressed (mazlumin) against oppressors (zalim). - Today is the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal, also known as Eid-e Zahra (a), which commemorates Mukhtar bin ‘Ubaydullāh ath-Thaqafi’s fight against the oppressors responsible for the massacre of Karbala. - The senior officers of Yazid's army were punished, and five years after Karbala, Umar ibn Sa‘d was killed on 9th Rabi al-Awwal by Mukhtar’s forces. Friday Juma Khutba September 13th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

6th Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH Tuesday, September 10th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

8th Rabi Ul Awwal 1446 AH Wednesday, September 11th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

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- The month of Rabi al-Awwal marks the Prophet Muhammad's (a) migration from Mecca to Medina, an important event in Islamic history. - 'Ali (a) played a significant role during the hijrah when he took the Prophet’s place in bed to protect him from assassins. - The night 'Ali slept in the Prophet's bed is known as "laylatul mabit," and Allah revealed a verse praising his sacrifice (Qur'an 2:207). - Mu'awiyah attempted to suppress 'Ali's virtues in Islamic teachings by bribing narrators to distort the meaning of the Qur'anic verse related to laylatul mabit. - Mu'awiyah offered increasing sums to Sumarah bin Jundub to fabricate a false narrative, but despite eventual success, this attempt did not gain much traction. - The verse "They wish to blow off the light of Allāh with their mouths, but Allāh protects His light" (Qur'an) emphasizes the divine protection of truth. - The first Muslim migration was to Abyssinia, a Christian country, where the Prophet recommended migration due to the just ruler. - Muslims today should seek societies where justice prevails, with Western democracies often providing fairness and rights to citizens, despite foreign policy biases. - The example of the International Criminal Court shows how justice is often compromised in international affairs, particularly in relation to powerful nations like the US and UK. - Muslims in the West should engage legally and meaningfully to hold governments accountable for justice on a global scale. Friday Juma Khutba September 6th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis 1st Rabi Ul Awwal 1446 AH September 5th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- The month of Rabi al-Awwal marks the Prophet Muhammad's (a) migration from Mecca to Medina, an important event in Islamic history. - 'Ali (a) played a significant role during the hijrah when he took the Prophet’s place in bed to protect him from assassins. - The night 'Ali slept in the Prophet's bed is known as "laylatul mabit," and Allah revealed a verse praising his sacrifice (Qur'an 2:207). - Mu'awiyah attempted to suppress 'Ali's virtues in Islamic teachings by bribing narrators to distort the meaning of the Qur'anic verse related to laylatul mabit. - Mu'awiyah offered increasing sums to Sumarah bin Jundub to fabricate a false narrative, but despite eventual success, this attempt did not gain much traction. - The verse "They wish to blow off the light of Allāh with their mouths, but Allāh protects His light" (Qur'an) emphasizes the divine protection of truth. - The first Muslim migration was to Abyssinia, a Christian country, where the Prophet recommended migration due to the just ruler. - Muslims today should seek societies where justice prevails, with Western democracies often providing fairness and rights to citizens, despite foreign policy biases. - The example of the International Criminal Court shows how justice is often compromised in international affairs, particularly in relation to powerful nations like the US and UK. - Muslims in the West should engage legally and meaningfully to hold governments accountable for justice on a global scale. Friday Juma Khutba September 6th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- In the last majlis, we discussed the differing views of the Prophet's personality between the Sunni and Shī‘a schools. Sunnis view the Prophet's sayings as having official and personal dimensions, while Shī‘as consider him ma‘ṣūm, with all his actions and words being divinely inspired. - This difference became evident during the Prophet’s last days, notably in the event described by ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās as “the sorrow of Thursday.” - The Prophet wanted to write a will to prevent the community from going astray, but his request was met with opposition from some companions, particularly ‘Umar ibn Khaṭṭāb. - Despite the Prophet's insistence, his request was not fulfilled, leading to confusion and division among those present. - The opposition argued that the Prophet was overwhelmed by illness and that the Qur’an alone was sufficient, while others, including members of the Ahlul Bayt, wanted to honor his request. - After the companions left, the Prophet gave three verbal pieces of advice, which included expelling idol-worshippers from Arabia and treating delegations generously. The third piece was either forgotten or omitted. - The omission of the third piece of advice suggests it was related to succession, which was a topic of contention and political interest. - Historical accounts indicate that the Prophet’s desire to document his succession plan was hindered by the political climate and resistance from some companions. - Two years after the Prophet’s death, Abu Bakr dictated a will to appoint ‘Umar as his successor while unconscious, raising questions about the consistency of how succession issues were handled. - Abu Bakr's will was completed and accepted without question, while the Prophet’s attempt to document his succession plan was met with skepticism and dismissed by some. - Ibn Abil Hadid reported that ‘Umar admitted to preventing the Prophet from specifying ‘Ali as his successor out of concern for the unity of Islam. - Greed for power has historically influenced political decisions, as seen with the Banu ‘Abbās who, despite initially claiming to support the Ahlul Bayt, ultimately sought power for themselves. 29th Safar 1446 AH Monday, 29th September 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- On the Prophet's anniversary, it's important to revisit his status and the differences in how Muslims perceive it, particularly between Sunni and Shi'a views. - Sunnis often distinguish between the Prophet's "official" and "personal" statements, with only the official ones considered binding, whereas Shi'as view all of his statements as divinely inspired and thus equally important. - The Shi'a perspective is that deciding whether a statement is official or personal is problematic and undermines the absolute obedience commanded by the Qur'an. - The issue of succession and the Prophet's status was evident during his last days, especially in the incident known as "the sorrow of Thursday," where his attempt to write a will was opposed. - Narrations from Sahih al-Bukhari describe how some companions, particularly 'Umar ibn Khattab, resisted the Prophet’s request to write a will, questioning his sanity or suggesting that the Qur'an alone was sufficient. - The Prophet's reaction to this opposition, as recorded, included statements that suggested frustration or disapproval of the dispute. - The event highlights a divide between those who believed in complete adherence to the Prophet's wishes and those who felt they could judge the necessity of his commands. - Two years later, Abu Bakr's appointment of 'Umar as his successor was accepted, including modifications made by the scribe, raising questions about the consistency in accepting or rejecting succession instructions. - Historical accounts, such as those from Ibn Abil Hadid and Tabari, reveal how some leaders, including 'Umar, justified their actions by claiming concern for Islam while undermining the Prophet’s clear instructions. - The debate over the Prophet's succession and the subsequent actions of early Muslim leaders reflect a broader issue of loyalty to the Prophet's teachings versus political considerations. 28th Safar 1446 AH Sunday, September 1st 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Arbaeen Day Majlis 20th Safar 1446 AH Sunday, August 25th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

19th Safar 1446 AH Saturday, August 24th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)