Jaffari Community Centre

1st Ramadan 1446 AHMarch 2nd 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Tafsir of Surah Taghabun (#64) March 2nd 2025 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

1st Ramadan 1446 AHMarch 1st 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Tafsir of Surah Taghabun (#64)March 1st 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Tafsir of Surah Taghabun (#64)February 28th 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night MajlisFebruary 27th 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaFebruary 28th, 2025- The holy month of Ramaḍān is approaching, and the crescent is expected to be sighted first in West Africa and North America. - The Prophet described Ramaḍān as the best month, with the best days, nights, and hours, full of blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. - It is a month where believers are invited as guests of Allāh, their deeds are accepted, and their prayers are answered. - Sincere intention (niyyah) is essential for fasting, as it gives fasting its true value. - Fasting is unique among rituals because it cannot be performed for show, making it a purely sincere act of worship. - A ḥadith qudsi states that fasting is exclusively for Allāh, and He alone rewards it. - The story of the sons of Adam highlights that Allāh accepts deeds only from those with true piety. - Intentions define the value of actions—those who act for worldly gain receive no divine reward. - Some international aid efforts appear humanitarian but often have hidden selfish motives. - The U.S. has reduced funding for USAID and used military aid to Ukraine with conditions attached. - The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq was presented as a mission for democracy but had economic motives. - An executive order (13303) allowed U.S. control over Iraq’s oil revenues, directing funds to the U.S. Federal Reserve. - The UN Security Council mandated Iraq’s oil funds to be held by its Central Bank, but the U.S. unilaterally placed them under American control. - The U.S. continues to control Iraq’s oil revenues, restricting its financial independence. - Despite Iraq’s vast oil wealth, its financial situation remains dire due to external control. - UN efforts to restore Iraq’s financial autonomy have largely failed. - We pray for the zuhur of the Imām to establish true justice in the world.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaFebruary 21st, 2025- Imam ‘Ali (a) in epistle #53 to Mālik al-Ashtar emphasizes that society prospers when all classes support each other, as no class is independent. - He identifies seven societal classes: the army, judiciary, executive branch, revenue officers, bureaucracy, traders and industrialists, and the lowest class. - He urges compassion and responsibility toward the lowest class: the poor, destitute, penniless, and disabled, stressing that fulfilling their rights is a heavy but necessary duty for leaders. - Criticism of the U.S. administration for undermining minority rights by dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ignoring the immigrant nature of North America. - Some Canadian politicians have also targeted minorities through legal measures, such as Stephen Harper’s government auditing charities for political activity via the CRA’s Review and Analysis Division (RAD). - Between 2008–2015, RAD audited 16 charities, revoking 8 statuses—6 of which were Muslim-led. Overall, 12 out of 14 revoked charities since RAD’s inception were Muslim. - Pro-Israeli charities faced consequences only after complaints from Muslim and other groups. - In the current Liberal Party leadership race, Chrystia Freeland promises to eliminate RAD; the NCCM urges action to end both RAD and Islamophobia in the CRA. - Past promises from Justin Trudeau to eliminate RAD remained unfulfilled. - Religious teachings on the merits of fasting during Sha‘bān: - Fasting 16-30 days brings escalating spiritual rewards, from extinguishing hellfire to receiving heavenly blessings. - Specific rewards include the closing of hell’s gates, opening of paradise’s gates, receiving palaces of jewels, marrying heavenly beings, and angelic blessings. - Completing 30 days of fasting leads to divine forgiveness, erasing all past sins regardless of their magnitude. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night MajlisFebruary 20th 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Wiladat 12th Imam Mahdi (ATFS)Friday, February 14th 2025- The occultation is divided into two phases: the Minor Occultation (Ghaybah al-Sughra) and the Major Occultation (Ghaybah al-Kubra).- During the Minor Occultation, Imam Mahdi maintained communication with his followers through deputies.- In the Major Occultation, the Imam’s communication is hidden, and followers are guided through religious scholars and community leadership.- The concept of the Mahdi’s occultation challenges believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite the Imam’s absence.- The absence of Imam Mahdi is viewed as a test of patience and spiritual perseverance.- Islamic eschatology places great emphasis on the Mahdi as a central figure who will restore justice and righteousness.- Some Sunni scholars also have traditions referring to a Mahdi figure, though with differences in the details compared to Shia beliefs.- The Mahdi’s return is expected to coincide with a time of widespread injustice, oppression, and corruption, followed by a time of peace and equity.- Followers of the Imam Mahdi are encouraged to live in anticipation of his return, maintaining hope and working towards societal justice in the interim.- The Mahdi's occultation is seen as part of the broader divine plan, with a purpose that is ultimately tied to fulfilling God's will for the world. - Imam Mahdi’s return will mark a dramatic transformation of the world order, bringing about the reign of truth and equity for all.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaFebruary 14th, 2025- Feb 14th is also Valentine’s Day, a day for expressing love, which some Muslim societies have adopted due to Western society influences. - Dedicating one day to specific relationships (e.g., Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day) can lead to neglecting everyday responsibilities toward loved ones. - Islam teaches that every day is an opportunity to honor and love family: - Every day is Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. - Every Friday is a day to make one’s wife and children happy. - Imām ‘Ali (a) quotes the Prophet (s): “Buy fruits and meat for your family every Friday so they feel happy.” - Imām al-Bāqir (a) emphasized the importance of love in faith: "Religion is love, and love is religion." - He linked love with faith through Qur'anic verses (3:31, 49:7). - The concept of wilayat is rooted in love for Allah, the Prophet (s), and the Imām of the Time. - Islam balances love for God with love for family and worldly blessings. - Love for family should align with love for God. - If a conflict arises, love for God takes precedence. - A metaphor explains this balance: - The moon revolves around the earth while also revolving around the sun. - Similarly, love for God is the primary relationship, and love for others exists within that greater love. - Qur’anic verse 9:24 warns against prioritizing worldly relationships and possessions over Allah, His Messenger, and striving in His way. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaFebruary 7th, 2025• The stability of a society is based on justice, as the slogan “no justice, no peace” reflects a universal truth. • In the U.S., both Republican and Democratic leaders have abused their power by pardoning family members, friends, and supporters. • Trump’s executive orders aimed at deporting pro-Palestine protesters are no different from the actions of Democrats who silenced Palestinian voices at their conventions. • Both Republicans and Democrats align with billionaires and social influencers—proving no real difference between their goals, only in how they present themselves. • No leader or official should be above the law. Justice applies to everyone, no matter their rank. • Imam ‘Ali (a) is a timeless example of justice, as demonstrated when he personally implemented the punishment on Walid bin ‘Uqbah for leading prayers while intoxicated. • Historians call Imam ‘Ali “The Voice of Human Justice” because of his insistence on fairness and equality, even at the cost of his life. • Trump’s plan to take over Gaza has been universally condemned as “ethnic cleansing” by global leaders, including the UN Secretary-General. • Justice is superior to generosity, as stated by Imam ‘Ali (a): “Justice puts things in their places, while generosity takes them out of their directions.” • The true leader is one who upholds justice and brings peace, as seen in the lives of the Ahlul Bayt (a). Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis February 6th 2025 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

4th Imam Zaynul Abideen (AS) Wiladat Monday, February 3rd 2025 - Imam Zaynul ‘Ābidīn’s legacy is in his du‘ās in aṣ-Ṣaḥīfah as-Sajjādiyyah. - The "aṣ-Ṣalawāt ash-Sha‘bāniyyah" is recited during zuhr and on the eve of 15th Sha‘bān. - Ahlul Bayt are symbolized as the "tree of nubuwwat" with deep roots and high branches. - Sūrah Ibrāhīm’s verses describe the Ahlul Bayt as the tree’s roots, branches, and fruits. - The Ahlul Bayt are the "location of risālah" and where angels descend. - Imam Husayn’s stand against Yazid reflects Ahlul Bayt’s noble attributes. - The Ahlul Bayt are the "mine of knowledge," with divine knowledge passed down. - The Ahlul Bayt are like "ships sailing on deep seas" in a famous hadith. - Following Ahlul Bayt ensures salvation, while straying leads to spiritual loss. - Ahlul Bayt’s guidance is crucial, and they should be mentioned in salawāt. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

4th Imam Husayn (AS) Wiladat Sunday, February 2nd 2025 -- ‘Abbās’ devotion to Imām Ḥusayn reflects the deep impact of his parents’ upbringing, especially his mother, Ummul Banīn. - Family background is crucial in spouse selection; the Prophet emphasized hereditary traits from the maternal side. Imam ‘Ali sought a courageous lineage and married Ummul Banīn based on his brother ‘Aqīl’s advice. - Imam ‘Ali prioritized Ḥasan and Ḥusayn over his other sons, as seen in the battle of Ṣiffīn and his will, highlighting their unique status as the Prophet’s descendants. - ‘Ali and Ummul Banīn raised their children with deep respect and sacrifice for Ahlul Bayt. ‘Abbās' loyalty to Imām Ḥusayn was a direct result of this upbringing. - ‘Abbās had four sons and two daughters, with his lineage continuing through ‘Ubaydullāh, a scholar and virtuous figure. His descendants remained loyal to Ahlul Bayt even during the ghaybat-e sughra. - The title “Qamaru Bani Hāshim” comes from Ummul Banīn’s dream before marriage, symbolizing ‘Abbās' destiny as a shining figure of loyalty and sacrifice.

Friday Juma Khutba January 31st 2025 - Sha'ban is a noble month, considered the Prophet Muhammad's month, and the bearers of the Throne honor it. - In Sha'ban, the sustenance of the believers is increased, similar to Ramadan, and their deeds are multiplied. - Good deeds in Sha'ban are rewarded 70 times, while bad deeds are forgiven. - Fasting and worshipping in Sha'ban is highly esteemed, with Allah boasting about His worshippers to the bearers of the Throne. - Fasting the first day of Sha'ban grants 70 good deeds, each equivalent to a year of worship. - Fasting multiple days in Sha'ban brings numerous blessings, such as abundance in sustenance, protection from calamities, and intercession for others. - Each day of fasting in Sha'ban offers specific rewards, including immunity from the fire and being granted paradise. - The angels and even the animals in the sea ask for forgiveness for those who fast in Sha'ban. - Fasting for 30 days in Sha'ban results in the forgiveness of all past sins and an offer of a fresh start from Allah. - The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the significance of Sha'ban as a time for repentance, fasting, and seeking divine mercy. Let me know if you'd like more detail or adjustments! Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

3rd Imam Husayn (AS) Wiladat Saturday, February 1st 2025 - Tabrikāt on the birth anniversary of Imām Ḥusayn (a). Sha‘bān is a month of celebrations, including the birth of multiple Imāms and Ḥazrat ‘Abbās (a). The most significant is the birth of the Present Imām on the 15th, linking Imām Ḥusayn (a) to our time. - Imām Ḥusayn (a) was born in the fourth year after Hijrah. His birth brought immense joy to the Prophet (s) and his family. The Prophet (s) named him Ḥusayn and performed ‘aqīqah, giving a sacrifice and distributing its meat. - The Prophet (s) deeply loved Imām Ḥusayn (a), calling him a leader of the youth of Paradise. He carried him on his shoulders, kissed him often, and expressed that love openly. - The Prophet (s) described Imām Ḥusayn (a) as a source of peace and guidance, saying, “Ḥusayn is from me, and I am from Ḥusayn.” - Imām Ḥusayn (a) embodied courage, justice, and sacrifice, becoming the savior of Islam through his stand in Karbala. - His life was marked by devotion to Allah, care for the oppressed, and steadfastness against tyranny. - His selfless sacrifice ensures the preservation of true Islam, inspiring generations to stand for truth. - The love for Imām Ḥusayn (a) continues to unite hearts, guiding believers towards righteousness. - Remembering his birth is a reminder of his mission and the responsibility to uphold his values. - May we follow his path and be among his true followers. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Mi’raj and Mabath of the Holy Prophet (SAW) Monday, January 27th 2025 - The 27th of Rajab marks two significant events: the beginning of Qur’ānic revelation (Mab‘ath) and the Prophet's ascension (Mi‘rāj) to the holiest station, sidratu ’l-muntaha. - The Qur’ān, as God’s final message, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (s) and appeals to human intellect, common sense, and thought, guiding them toward piety and God-consciousness. - God has described the Qur’ān with several names, each reflecting its purpose, such as Al-Furqān (criterion), Adh-Dhikr (reminder), An-Nūr (light), Al-Kitāb (book), and Ash-Shifā’ (healing). - Unlike previous scriptures that were subject to distortion or loss, the Qur’ān has been divinely protected from alteration, as confirmed in verse 15:9. - The Qur’ān is preserved through widespread recitation, memorization by millions, and its division into thirty parts for easier recitation, especially during Ramaḍān. - Understanding the Qur’ān requires knowledge of classical Arabic, historical context, and the life of the Prophet, as it was revealed in his environment and life events. - The Qur’ān contains clear (muḥkamāt) and allegorical (mutashābihāt) verses, with the latter requiring interpretation by those firmly-rooted in knowledge, such as the Prophet and Ahlul Bayt. - Sunni scholars often separate "Allāh" from "those firmly-rooted in knowledge" in interpreting verse 3:7, whereas Shī‘ah scholarship considers both capable of understanding allegorical verses. - Imam ‘Ali, as a witness to the first revelation, described his unique spiritual experience and connection to the Prophet, affirming his role as the Prophet's vicegerent. - The Prophet left behind two guiding entities: the Qur’ān and his Ahlul Bayt, with ‘Ali bin Abi Ṭālib recognized as the "gateway to the city of knowledge." Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Imam Husayn (AS) leaves Madina Thursday, January 30th 2025 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Shahadat of 7th Imam Musa Al Khadim (AS) & Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) January 25th, 2025 - The event commemorates the shahadat of Imam Mūsa al-Kāzim (a) and wafāt of Abū Ṭālib (a). - Faith can be open or hidden, with taqiyyah being valid when openly expressing faith is dangerous. - The Qur'an highlights a believer from Fir‘awn’s family who concealed his faith, validating taqiyyah. - Abū Ṭālib supported the Prophet and Islam while concealing his faith for strategic reasons. - The socio-economic boycott of Banū Hāshim demonstrated Abū Ṭālib’s unwavering faith in the Prophet. - Wahhābis deny Abū Ṭālib’s imān due to historical biases against Imam ‘Ali, but many Sunni and Shi‘a scholars affirm his belief. - Imam Mūsa al-Kāzim’s imamate faced Abbasid persecution, requiring taqiyyah for survival. - The Imam endured imprisonment under successive caliphs and was eventually poisoned by Harun. - His body was displayed to humiliate Shi‘as but was ultimately buried with dignity. - The tragedy of his death is compared to Karbala, emphasizing the continued suffering of the Ahlul Bayt. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)