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Wiladat of 8th Imam Ali Ar-Ridha (AS)11th Dhul Qadah 1446 AH May 9th, 2025 * Wilādat of Imām ‘Ali ar-Riḍā (a) on 11 Dhul Qa‘dah 1446 / 09 May 2025.* Racial tensions persist globally despite advancements, as seen in Europe’s far-right and US white supremacy.* Minorities once welcomed to strengthen economies are now marginalized as societies push for equality.* Identity is defined by faith (dīn), transcending family, ethnicity, and nationality (49:13).* Quran highlights diversity of language and color as signs of Allah’s power (30:22).* Mothers of Ahlul Bayt Imams came from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Persian, Berber, Maghrib, Nuba, and Sindh.* Imam al-Riḍā’s mother, Najmah, was a slave-girl from Maghrib, illustrating racial inclusivity.* Imam al-Jawad was referred to as “Al-Aswad” due to his dark complexion, but his divine status remained unaffected.* Imam al-Riḍā demonstrated humility by serving a soldier who insulted him in a bathhouse.* The Imam emphasized that true honor comes from taqwā, not lineage or skin color.* A dream involving the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a symbolic number of dates foreshadowed a significant encounter with Imam al-Riḍā. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaMay 9th, 2025- Birth anniversary of Imām ‘Ali ibn Musa ar-Riḍā (a).- Importance of clear agreements on wages and work expectations between employers and employees.- Imām ar-Riḍā (a) reprimanded his workers for not agreeing on a specific wage with a laborer, emphasizing fairness in compensation.- Emphasis on paying agreed wages on time and rewarding additional effort appropriately.- Reflection on the common issue of unpaid workers within the community, highlighting the importance of ethical treatment in business dealings.- Reminder that only one-tenth of faith is ‘ibādāt (worship), while the rest is mu‘āmalāt (interactions with people).- Addressing respect for minorities: A case involving a Zoroastrian man’s charity being redirected to Muslim poor instead of Zoroastrian poor, which Imām ar-Riḍā (a) corrected, advocating for respecting the intentions of the donor.- Reflection on current societal issues- Recent US elections influenced by anti-immigration attitudes.- Reversal of civil rights progress through the elimination of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs.- Contrast between the treatment of African Americans and white South Africans in immigration policies.- Anecdote from the life of Imām ar-Riḍā (a): During a journey, he insisted on dining with all his servants, regardless of their race, emphasizing the unity of humanity and equal treatment.- Reflection on staying true to the teachings of Imām ar-Riḍā (a).Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night ProgramMay 8th, 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaMay 2nd, 2025- Israel is using starvation as a weapon against Palestinians by blocking food, fuel, and medicine from entering Gaza for two months.- This act violates international humanitarian laws, which Israel has repeatedly breached without facing consequences.- France, Germany, and the UK condemned the blockade, calling it “intolerable” and rejecting the use of aid as political leverage against Hamas.- The World Food Programme reports over 116,000 tonnes of food—sufficient for one million people for four months—are blocked at access points.- A humanitarian aid ship was attacked by drones in international waters.- During Ramadhān majālis, Maulana discussed the endowments of Imam ‘Ali bin Abi Ṭālib (a), including water well projects.- Imam ‘Ali’s efforts in digging wells in Medina, between Medina and Mecca, and in Iraq continue through Shi‘a charities today.- In the Battle of Ṣiffin (36 AH), Mu‘āwiyah's 85,000 troops reached the river first and blocked access to water from Imam ‘Ali’s 90,000 troops.- Imam ‘Ali sent Ṣa‘ṣa‘ah bin Ṣawḥān to negotiate, warning against the cowardice of water denial and expressing readiness for battle if needed.- Mu‘āwiyah viewed water control as a strategic victory, supported by Umayyid advisors who justified the tactic by referencing ‘Uthmān's siege.- One advisor, ‘Abdullāh bin Abi Saraḥ, claimed water denial would force ‘Ali’s army to retreat, equating retreat with defeat.- Ṣa‘ṣa‘ah rebuked this logic, cursing the advisor and pointing out the hypocrisy and propaganda in blaming Imam ‘Ali for ‘Uthmān's situation.- Imam ‘Ali had, in fact, ordered his sons to deliver food and water to ‘Uthmān during his siege, contrary to the claims against him.- This same propaganda was used to justify denying water to Imam Husayn and his family.- ‘Amr bin ‘Āṣ, an advisor to Mu‘āwiyah, opposed the water blockade, arguing Imam ‘Ali would not have done the same.- Mu‘āwiyah still refused access, stating: “No, by God, let them die of thirst as ‘Uthmān died.”- Imam ‘Ali responded by sending troops to force access to water.- After Mu‘āwiyah’s defeat, ‘Amr bin ‘Āṣ questioned the morality of their actions; Mu‘āwiyah conceded Imam ‘Ali would not retaliate the same way.- This illustrates the moral contrast between the leadership styles of Imam ‘Ali and Mu‘āwiyah.- Despite this, many Muslims today still elevate Mu‘āwiyah’s status over Imam ‘Ali, as seen in a recent Saudi documentary portraying Mu‘āwiyah favorably during Ramadhān.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis 3rd Dhul Qadah 1446 AH May 1st 2025 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaApril 25th, 2025- We marked the wafat of Imām Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq (a) and are nearing the federal elections. - Voting is essential for having a voice and shaping our future. - Imām aṣ-Ṣādiq (a)’s political stance varied based on context. - He supported Zayd ash-Shahid’s uprising but rejected the ‘Abbasid movement due to insincere motives. - He warned his relatives against joining the ‘Abbasids, who later betrayed them. - Yet, he allowed Shi‘as like Najjāshi and ibn Hubayrah to serve as governors. - His guidance was case-specific; we can't generalize one stance to all situations. - A hadith advising Sudayr to stay home was context-bound, not a blanket rule. - Imām emphasized understanding context and deeper meanings in ḥadith. - Marāji‘ stress voting as a duty; not voting lets others decide your future. - In the West, Muslims can join politics if it serves community interests. - Vote for the lesser evil—support justice, especially for minorities.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Shahadat of Imam Jaffer As-Sadiq (AS)25th Shawwal 1446 AHThursday, April 25th 2025- "Ja‘fari" refers to Shī‘ī fiqh based on Imam Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq. - Imam aṣ-Ṣādiq had a major role in shaping Shī‘ī identity. - Shī‘ī school is rooted in the Prophet’s ḥadīth of the Qur’ān and Ahlul Bayt. - Clear distinction formed between Shī‘a and Sunni (al-‘āmmah) schools. - Imam trained scholars to preserve and teach true beliefs. - Differences in ḥadīth due to unreliable or biased narrators. - Authenticity of ḥadīth must be verified, not dismissed. - Imam taught methods to resolve conflicting narrations. - Imam advocated opposing views of al-‘āmmah due to their historic opposition to Imam ‘Ali. - Imam ‘Ali recited “Bismillah” aloud in prayer; this was upheld by Imam aṣ-Ṣādiq. - Imam corrected Abū Ḥanīfah using Qur’anic references. - Jealousy against Ahlul Bayt mentioned in Qur’an (4:54). - Imam’s last will narrated by his wife, Hamida.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Reminder of the importance of taqwa (God-consciousness) - Emphasis on voting in the upcoming Canadian Federal election - Voting is a moral responsibility and ensures justice and good governance - Not voting weakens the Muslim community’s voice - Supporting a candidate does not mean endorsing all their actions - Be informed through resources like the Canadian Muslim Vote - Some politicians use fear tactics to silence communities - Conservative leader’s comments about deporting protestors are concerning - Quran commands justice even towards those you dislike - Justice must be upheld regardless of personal ties or wealth - Reminder that the Qur’an is the best source of guidance - Christian world observes Good Friday, believing in inherited sin and Jesus’ crucifixion as atonement - Islam teaches every human is born pure and responsible only for their own actions - No one bears the burden of another’s sin, as affirmed in multiple Quranic verses - Story of Mahmud Kishunga discussing faith with a Christian priest Friday Juma Khutba April 18th, 2025 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night MajlisApril 17th 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Emphasizing reading and interacting with the Qur’ān. - “Interacting” means engaging deeply, as shown in Sermon 193 of Imām ‘Ali (a). - Hammām asked Imām to describe the pious; Imām eventually listed 105 qualities. - The pious live with constant awareness of Allāh, Paradise, and Hell. - They recite the Qur’ān thoughtfully, moved by verses of hope and fear. - Hammām was so affected he passed away; Imām noted the power of sincere advice. - Shi‘as are commemorating Jannatul Baqi‘, the cemetery of the Prophet’s family. - Wahhabis oppose ziyārat, calling it grave worship. - Qur’ān 9:84 forbids praying at a hypocrite’s grave, implying it’s allowed for believers.Friday Juma KhutbaApril 11th, 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Yaum-e-Gham 1446 AH Eve of 12th Shawwal 1446 AH Thursday April 10th 2025 - The destruction of Jannatul Baqi took place on 8 Shawwāl 1343 (2 May 1925) by the Wahhabis, targeting the graves of the Ahlul Bayt, companions, and others in Medina. - Wahhabi ideology sees respect shown at graves as shirk, failing to differentiate between worship and reverence. - If not for fear of global backlash, Wahhabis might have demolished the Prophet’s grave and incorporated it into the mosque. - A fatwa from Wahhabi scholars states that prayer in a mosque containing a grave is invalid, and graves must be exhumed and relocated. - The Qur'an shows that expressions of humility, like bowing or prostrating, are not inherently acts of worship. - ‘Ibādat (worship) is defined as humility expressed toward someone believed to be God, true or false. - Prostration (sajdah) was commanded by Allah to the angels for Prophet Ādam and done by Ya‘qūb and his sons for Prophet Yūsuf, proving it’s not always worship. - Building shrines or visiting graves of righteous figures is not worship but an expression of respect and love. - No Muslim visits the graves of the Prophet or Imams with the intention of worshipping them—rather, it is a spiritual connection. - Despite the light and glory of shrines in Najaf, Karbala, Kazimayn, Samarrah, and Mashhad, Baqi remains desolate—yet the love for the Ahlul Bayt continues through remembrance and grief, especially for Sayyida Fatima. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

1st Shawwal 1446 AHMarch 31st 2025• Thank Allāh for guiding us to Islam and granting us the opportunity to complete Ramadhān. Gratitude is key to spiritual growth. • The Qur’ān was revealed in this month, making it a time for deepening our connection with it beyond just recitation. • The Qur’ān provides guidance at different levels, from general guidance for all to specific guidance for believers, the righteous, and the good-doers. • Strive to elevate your faith, moving from being a Muslim to a mu’min, then to a muttaqi, and finally a muḥsin. • Follow the Ahlul Bayt as role models in both faith and action, as they exemplify the Qur’ān in their lives. • Iḥsān (excellence in faith) is described in Qur’ān 3:133-134 and includes charity, patience, and forgiveness. • Be charitable in all situations—give from whatever you have and support those suffering, including in Gaza and Lebanon. • Control your anger, especially when you have the power to retaliate; true strength lies in restraint and patience. • Forgive others so that Allāh may forgive you—learn from Imām Zaynul ‘Ābidin, who freed his maid when reminded of Qur’ānic teachings on kindness. • Move from simply reading the Qur’ān to truly living by its teachings in your daily life.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

1st Shawwal 1446 AHMarch 31st 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaMarch 28th, 2025- Ramadhān is ending soon, bringing blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. May Allāh accept our deeds and help us maintain His consciousness. - Daily du‘ās of the Prophet and Imams guide us to help those in need. - Community efforts focus on poverty relief locally and overseas. - Must assist those in distress, displaced, or imprisoned unjustly. - Political engagement is crucial to uphold justice and international laws. - Federal election in April—Muslims must vote to make their voices heard. - "The Canadian-Muslim Vote" helps educate voters on candidates and issues. - NCCM has actively worked on key issues affecting Muslims. - Helped halt Canadian arms sales to Israel. - Warns that some politicians may try to reverse this ban. - Secured government recognition of Anti-Palestinian Racism (APR). - CJPME provides insight into candidates' stances on Palestine. - US trade wars divert attention from Israeli actions in Gaza. - Over 50,000 killed, many women and children. - Israel weaponizing food and medical aid. - Muslim vigilance is necessary to prevent future injustices. - Imām ‘Ali (a) warns against abandoning the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil. - Islamophobia in Canada: - 2021 London, Ontario attack killed four members of the Afzaal family—ruled as terrorism in 2024. - Recent attack on a hijabi woman in Ajax—attempted arson. - Prime Minister condemned the attack and acknowledged Islamophobia as a real and dangerous issue. - Political awareness and activism are essential for the Muslim community. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

28th Ramadan 1446 AHMarch 28th 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

March 25, 202525th Ramadan, 1446 AHDonate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

March 24, 202524th Ramadan, 1446 AHDonate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

24th Ramadan 1446 AHMarch 23rd 2025- Dr. Keith Moore, a Canadian embryologist, analyzed Quranic verses and concluded that their scientific accuracy suggests divine origin. - Dr. Persaud, another Canadian professor, supported Moore’s findings and stated that the Quran's descriptions of science are too precise to be coincidental. - The lecture highlights that non-Muslim scientists have recognized the Quran’s truth, while many Muslims have not deeply studied it. - Imam Ali’s will advises Muslims to prioritize the Quran and warns against letting others understand it before them. - Social media narratives falsely claim that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) secretly learned scientific knowledge from others. - The Quraysh initially called the Prophet a poet, then a sorcerer, and finally insane, but never accused him of learning from scholars. - Historical evidence does not support claims that the Prophet acquired knowledge from experts in medicine or astronomy. - Opponents of Islam feared the Quran’s impact and warned people to avoid hearing its verses. - The Prophet’s teachings continued to spread despite opposition, showing that accusations against him were baseless. - The Quran remains a source of knowledge and guidance, and its connection to scientific facts strengthens its credibility.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

23rd Ramadan 1446 AH March 22nd 2025 - The last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly the 19th, 21st, and 23rd, are significant because Laylatul Qadr occurs during this time, a night worth more than a thousand months.- Laylatul Qadr is linked to the Quran's revelation, marking a personal honor for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and an important annual event.- The Quran was revealed gradually over 22 years, with its complete revelation (Inzaal) on Laylatul Qadr.- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was unschooled (ummi), which challenges the notion that he learned the Quran from other sources.- Despite living in a region with limited interaction with Jews or Christians, no one accused the Prophet of learning the Quran from outside influences.- A brief encounter between the Prophet and a Christian monk during his childhood in Damascus is sometimes misused to claim the Prophet learned from him, but it is not a strong basis for this theory.- While the Quran shares some stories with the Bible, such as those of past Prophets, the Quran’s unique details distinguish its accounts from those in other scriptures.- The Quran recognizes the Torah and the Gospel as previous revelations but also acknowledges that these scriptures were altered over time.- For example, the story of Pharaoh’s drowning in the Red Sea is expanded in the Quran with the unique detail of Pharaoh's body being preserved, which isn't mentioned in the Bible.- The authenticity of the Quran is proven through its divine origin and preservation, refuting claims that the Prophet plagiarized from other sources. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

21st Ramadan 1446 AH March 21th 2025 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)