The Link Canada: Volume 1, Issue 3 by The Link Canada

VOL. 1, ISSUE 3 FALL 2015

NISA HOMES: How Muslim-friendly safe spaces are changing the lives of women

for the better

Post-Election Reflection: How do we play a part in shaping Canada?

Q&A

with

MOHAMED FAKIH â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the man who built the most popular Middle-Eastern restaurant franchise in Canada 1

ART & CULTURE Exploring the Water An Interview with Nader Khan, talented musician & humanitarian

Qurrat A’yun Studios: A photographer’s perspective behind her craft and passion!

POLITICS The Ant and The Grasshopper: A post-election story — Amira Elghawaby from NCCM shares more on our responsibilities as Muslims after the elections are over

The History of Muslims in Canada An in-depth analysis on how and why so many Muslims call Canada their home today

Building a Home Get an insight into the life of Iqra Khalid — her motivations, passions and pursuits — all of which led her to be one of the first three Canadian Muslim women to be elected to Parliament

RECIPES / Beating Wintertime Blues: Chocolates and Chai

RECIPES / Mmmmatcha! Lin’s Ethical Eats

I want to engage in psychotherapy but... How the stigma behind seeking help through counselling and psychotherapy can be detrimental to one’s health

Smart choices make healthy food affordable Healthy doesn’t have to be expensive — Amina from Amanah Fitness shares her best tips on how you can save and eat well at the same time!

BUSINESS 16

LIFESTYLE The Fashion Conscience How thrifting can be one of the best investments you make for your wardrobe — and the environment!

RECIPES / Classic Fall Comfort Food: Cooking with Thas

Q&A with Mohamed Fakih The Link Canada gets an exclusive interview with Mohamed Fakih, CEO of the ever-popular Paramount Fine Foods and successful Muslim entrepreneur

Nutrimin: Setting an example for entrepreneurship A look into Harris Khan’s vision for Nutrimin, his business ethics and the idea behind selling halal vitamins

PHILANTHROPY Nisa Homes: Providing a safe space for Muslim women Learn more about the amazing initiative behind Nisa Homes — and why it’s so incredibly crucial

Saving the World with Voluntary Simplicity How our current culture of overconsumption is killing our home — and what you can do to save it

SPIRITUALITY

Have My Back: Reflections on backbiting and gossip

The Incompetent Doctor: An insight into five unhealthy mindsets we may use to approach life with

A Letter to Mothers Without Partners Beautifully written reassuring words for mothers who have lost their spouses

EDITOR’S NOTE

PATRON’S NOTE Asalamualaikum (may peace be upon you), As we wrap up the beautiful Fall season, we are happy to present you with The Link Canada’s third issue — brimming with amazing colors that echo and herald the fresh, positive change in the Canadian air!

This issue is full of inspiring stories, words of wisdom and organic ideas to better yourself, your community and those around you. We cap this season off with gratitude to all our talented contributors who meet and exceed expectations with their quality work. Our cover story (p.32) features the inspiring story of Mohamed Fakih, CEO of Paramount Fine Foods — an entrepreneur who has made his mark in the world of Canadian business. Read about his passion, quest for quality, ambition and an eye for perfection, all of which play a huge role in his successful journey. Reflect on a post-election commentary (p.12) by Amira Elghawaby, Communications Director for The National Council of Canadian Muslims, and enjoy a friendly interview with Iqra Khalid (p.16) — one of the three Muslim women who made it to Canadian Parliament. In the other sections, learn more about healthy eating habits (p.30) and the importance of adopting a minimalist lifestyle (p.40). These articles are amongst the many we are proud to showcase and publish — all written thoughtfully for our readers of all backgrounds and faiths. As Fall comes to an end, and we cap off the season with our seasonal issue, we hope you brace yourself well for an upcoming Canadian winter — and keep warm! Naeema Farooqi, PhD Founder, Editor-in-Chief The Link Canada

Canadians have wanted and brought about change in their country through the recent federal elections. Change is defined as: “to make or become different.” This implies that change is an active process and a do-able one. Muslims in general have witnessed a change in their worldwide image after the incidents of September 11 2001. There have been numerous negative consequences of Islamophobia that have gradually propagated all over the world. Muslims are faced with existential questions about their faith, identify and values — questions that have never arisen quite the same way in the last 1400 years. So, how can we change the world’s perception of Muslims? There can be so many different answers to this question within so many different paradigms. However, the fundamental unit of change is the individual. An individual can be a homemaker, a student, a politician or a CEO. During the election, each Canadian voted on the basis of their knowledge, opinions and values; they made an informed decision. Similarly, any change in the plight of Muslims will start from such an introspective analysis, acquisition of knowledge and self-awareness in each Muslim. Without the understanding, knowledge of, and identification of the problems within their contexts, plausible solutions and action plans cannot be developed. Such a collective knowledge will pave the way for change. What kind of knowledge? “Iqra,” the Quran tells us — seek knowledge and it will lead you to the truth and provide you with comprehension of all things. God presented us the world to live in and learn about; both physical and abstract. Within the knowledge of the world and our faith are the answers that will trigger change. Dr. Saadia Hameed Patron The Link Canada

Cover photography: Kamran Hameed, QVision Photography, +1 289-971-6219 / Model: Mohamed Fakih, CEO, Paramount Fine Foods / Location: Meadowvale Conservation Area, 1081 Old Derry Road West, Mississauga, ON

FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

THE LINK CANADA TEAM: VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Founder / Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Patron

Naeema Farooqi Naira Ahmed Dr. Saadia Hameed

Creative Director / Designer

Naira Ahmed

Senior Correspondent

Leila Almawy

Senior Correspondent

Saud Inam

Contributor

Aisha Hollyer

Contributor

Amina Khan

Contributor

Amira ElGhawaby

Fashion Correspondent

Annum Khokhar

Guest Contributor

Asmaa Hussein

Contributor

Assya Barrette

Contributor

Azeem Patel

Artist / Contributor

Qurrat Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;yun

Contributor

Hassam Munir

Contributor

Helal Musleh

Senior Photographer Food Blogger / Contributor

Kamran Hameed Lin Abdul Rahman

Contributor

Madiha Salman

Contributor

Nabeela Khan

Contributor

Nida Ahmad

Contributor / Photographer

Rizwan Asad

Food Blogger / Contributor

Thasneen Ansi

Contributor

Yasmine Youssef

Contributor

Zeba Hashmi

Contributor

Zena Chaudhry

Contributor

Zenia Sultan

Want to join our team?

Visit www.thelinkcanada.ca/contribute VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

EXPLORING THE WATER AN INTERVIEW WITH NADER KHAN

WRITTEN BY ZEBA HASHMI PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BANO MURTAJA

FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

ART & CULTURE From grade one, Nader Khan knew where his talents lay. Like future engineers take interest in taking apart electronics and piecing them together again, Nader Khan would take songs, deconstruct them and then perform it live with his own flair. Nader — originally from India (but with global roots) — is a natural talent with a heart: He’s an avid social justice activist who is passionate about various important causes.

more influences beyond Western pop music that stimulated his creativity, like Pakistani pop groups such as Junoon and Vital Signs. Nader talks about a Sufi rewrite of Leonard Cohen’s song, ‘Hallelujah’ which he called ‘Presence.’ This conception featured the idea of 80’s Western pop-inspired, heavy metal and at the same time emanating a flair of Beethoven.

It was in the early 1990’s that an Islamic awakening took place for Nader; it was 1995 when he met with the pioneer of Canadian nasheeds, Dawud Wharnsby. Soon when Yusuf Islam’s album, ‘Life of a Prophet’ came out it was then Nader had the feeling he needed to produce music for the public and worked towards this goal. While juggling his

Truly Nader Khan has been influenced by many genres of music! With the unique ability to capture the diversity of the tunes, he is able to relay it in his songs with percussion based instruments. In his latest album, ‘Water’, one will find influences of soul, jazz and flairs of the Qaseeda and Jashne Amade Rasool. It’s a compilation of work which has taken six and

career in the corporate world and his passion for song writing and singing, Nader attempted to record an album in 2003. During the same time for the next five years he moved to Dubai to continue with his employment in the corporate world. After facing some personal struggles Nader moved back to Canada in 2008, launched an album, and received global acclaim. Nader recalls that in March 2009 he was invited by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf — and upon a fruitful discussion with him, Nader decided he would become full-time dedicated to his singing career.

half years for him to complete. The proceeds from the album, ‘Water’ will go towards assisting Canada Water Aid which helps the people of Zambia access clean water.

Back to the 1980’s, Nader was listening, living, consuming Bollywood music and there was very little exposure to Western music. Nader had heard of two western performers, Bonnie M, Tina Charles and had heard of the name Michael Jackson. Upon his move to Saudi Arabia, Nader was exposed to the works of Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie, and George Michael to name a few. Nader had many

“In Islamic tradition, there’s never been consensus among heavyweight scholars as to what is allowed or what is not allowed. I personally don’t use stringed instruments. I use drums of different kinds from around the world.”

“If we want to be more effective in following the Prophet (pbuh), in terms of caring for our neighbors, we need to create less suffering.” Nader music is focused on devotional material and doesn’t use string instruments.

Nader has plans for the future in the path of addressing social justice issues. “The next album will

be about connecting with hunger where you are. There are other projects as well. Homeless shelters for abused women, for youth. There are substance and domestic abuse issues. We need to start addressing them.” Nader also speaks about a drumming band called ‘The Black Smiths’ which started off as a drumming circle in his home. They will be featured in his next album. They will also be touring in 2016 probably at a city near you. When asked to share a message with Link Canada readers, Nader stated the following, “These are times where we have to connect with the characters of the Prophet (pbuh) and more important than ever before

and we try our best to manifest his character is how we understand our sacred texts. It is crucial that we connect with his character and what makes him who he is. When we manifest his character, the dawa will take care of itself.” Nader Khan can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Soundcloud. Visit his website on www. naderkhan.com.

Zeba Hashmi, Senior Correspondent for The Link Canada, is a community activist, mother, and a student. Zeba is involved in various voluntary efforts. She has served on Boards and Committees in Regina, SK. Now in London, ON, she continues to participate in community efforts. Zeba is currently involved with the London Muslim Mosque, Islamic History Month Canada, Muslim Association of Canada, City of London Race & Diversity Advisory Committee, & the Canadian Mental Health Association.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

QURRAT A’YUN STUDIOS — A Photographer’s Perspective

FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

ART & CULTURE

Qurrat A’yun Studios started as my escape from the sterile, suffocating dungeons of University of Toronto’s Engineering department. Whenever I had some time I would grab my little Canon point-and-shoot and photograph anything I could — puddles, my brothers, my jewellery. Some brave investments later, my first advertisement on Kijiji finally got me my first client. Why is this important? Because when I graduated — iron ring on hand — I paused, thought, and tuned out the “respectable career” advice all around me. I picked up my DSLR [and a lot of other fancy toys] and became a photographer. Now every time I shoot the budding love of two souls I am motivated by my own love and passion. Speaking of love, the name Qurrat A’yun comes from the beautiful Quranic prayer [25:74] imploring Allah to grant us in our spouses and children a comfort/pleasure for our eyes. And that’s exactly what I attempt to do: capture, in the most exquisite manner, the pleasures of peoples’ eyes — offering my clients photographs as cherished mementos. However, along with cherished mementos also comes valuing the privacy of those very mementos. Therefore, something a lot of people ask me is: “What’s up with pictures with no faces?” I’ll be the first one to say that when it came to my wedding I would have never let the entire online world look at my pictures. Likewise — the privacy, comfort and modesty of my clients is my number one priority, and so I never put up identifying images of my clients online. That’s my promise!

Modest. Beautiful. You. Those words embody what we do. Modest because your precious moments will be solely yours to see and cherish. Beautiful because God loves beauty, and so do you and I! You because making your experience with us exquisite is our firm promise. In addition to wedding photography we do lifestyle, fashion, family, maternity, convention/event, food, ‘rishta’ and portrait shoots. Please visit our site at: www.qurratayun.com. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

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THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER: A POST-ELECTION STORY WRITTEN BY AMIRA ELGHAWABY

This is the time for Canadian Muslims to act, to move, to rally, and to build the institutions that will seek to protect their rights and freedoms and work to combat Islamophobia...

FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

OPINION / POLITICS

“I really think it is about us setting the agenda. . . if we wait it will be a critical failure.” - Pam Palmater, First Nations advocate

“The big dangers now are demobilization and co-optation.” -Avi Lewis, journalist I recently took part in a Google hangout organized by rabble.ca with a number of social justice advocates to discuss Canada’s future, post-election. It was a worthwhile conversation because it provided some insight into how those who are committed to issues including First Nations rights, worker and women’s rights, the climate, the economy, and democratic reform, anticipate the relationship and interactions with a government that has already fashioned itself as progressive, transparent, and accessible. A theme which emerged from the discussion was the critical need for civil society to maintain its pressure on the government — even one that was giving all the right signals — to ensure that our respective issues remain in sharp focus and that public advocacy maintains its momentum. As several of the panelists noted throughout the discussion, the worst thing that could happen would be for Canadians to now disengage. Avi Lewis, a journalist who has covered American politics, reminded viewers that following the election of President Barack Obama, many Americans simply let out a collective sigh of relief and assumed that everything would be alright. “Now is the time where we need to double down in mobilizing and find a whole new reserve of energy and enthusiasm for activism whether in the electoral sphere or outside it, NGO’s or labour, or civil society…” argued Lewis. “This is a perilous moment. The biggest favour we could possibly do a government that claims to be progressive is to hold them to it.” What’s hopeful for those working for a better Canada is that more Canadians voted in this past election than any time in the past 20 years. The level of engagement is high and this offers a valuable opportunity to build and strengthen capacity. Within Canadian Muslim communities, like many other communities, interest in the federal election was intense. Community workshops explaining the election were often full, website traffic to pages dedicated to the issues soared, and social media was

offering a steady diet of election memes and factoids for a hungry electorate. And yet, with a new government that has already drastically altered the tone towards Canadian Muslim communities, will Canadian Muslims once again simply turn away their attention from politics though it has real impacts on their lives, and on those of their children? Hopefully not. There are lessons we can all draw on from Aesop’s fable about the hard-working ant and the care-free grasshopper that pertains to the choices Canadian Muslims must now make. Like the grasshopper, Canadian Muslims can simply enjoy the thawing of relations with the new government. Like a new spring, the change of political rhetoric, along with promises to repeal laws like Bill C-24 (revoking citizenship of those convicted of certain crimes at home or abroad), or amending Bill C-51 (the anti-terrorism legislation), are welcome. However, what Canadian Muslims must appreciate is that like the fable, there is much work that still needs to be done to ensure these, and other promises are kept, and that other issues are also attended to. Just a few examples include those who wish to see Canadians detained unjustly abroad returned to Canada; or those who believe that refugees seeking entry to Canada should be assessed based on need, and not on religious affiliation. They need to communicate and advocate on these issues. Those who wish to raise concerns around news of religious discrimination against prison inmates need to be articulating these concerns through the proper channels. Those who have received letters in the mail informing them of a passport suspension or revocation need to have proper avenues made available to seek explanation and/ or argue for reinstatement.

Efforts are now underway to create a massive and sustained grassroots movement that seeks to create hubs of articulate, informed, and organized teams in every major city, able to work to advocate with a united voice on issues that impact their communities. This will be about building partnerships between Canadian Muslim communities and various stakeholders - city, provincial, and federal representatives, school board trustees and officials, news editors, directors, and producers, law enforcement agencies, and community health centres, to name a few. And if there is one lesson to take away from this past election is that Canadian Muslims must continue to care about how other communities are faring as well. Whether it’s First Nations rights, or environmental concerns, or those living in poverty, or housing and labour rights, the strongest message from this past election is that working together on social justice issues is key. Canadians of a variety of backgrounds and political leanings came together at various points to mobilize on issues like the muzzling of scientists, like the record on climate change, like the unnecessary focus on the niqab and the gratuitous creation of a socalled “barbaric cultural practices” tip-line. It was this critical mass of concerned citizens that was able to help make a difference at the ballot box. These sustained efforts will require commitments. They will require significant manpower and significant womanpower. And critically, they will require financial resources to ensure their sustainability and professionalism. Our communities must commit to being “stronger together.” Without this commitment, it won’t be long before we figuratively experience another cold and lonely winter. This is our moment.

And the countless numbers of Canadians who experience racial and religious profiling every time they travel, sometimes prevented from continuing on their way without explanation, justifiably expect the federal government to stand in their corner and demand an explanation from relevant agencies and foreign counterparts. This is the time for Canadian Muslims to act, to move, to rally, and to build the institutions that will seek to protect their rights and freedoms and work to combat Islamophobia which remains reinvigorated following a decade of vilification and marginalization by the former administration. Keeping with the fable, there are many “ants” who have realized all this and who are working hard. They are firm in their convictions that Canadian Muslims need to continue to build resilient and robust capacity to challenge those who would seek to vilify their communities for political gain.

Amira Elghawaby, Contributor for The Link Canada, is the Communications Director at the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). To sign up for updates, or to learn more about NCCM’s 2015-2016 National Empowerment Tour, coming to a city near you, visit www. nccm.ca today.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

Muslims have been calling Canada their home for at least 161 years now. As a subcultural religious community, they have made many positive contributions to Canadian society, embracing many Canadian values while continuing to proudly embrace and practice their faith and traditions within Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multicultural milieu.

THE HISTORY OF MUSLIMS IN CANADA

WRITTEN BY HASSAM MUNIR

14 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

POLITICS In 2015, Canada Day fell in the middle of Ramadan (the most sacred month of the lunar Islamic calendar) for the first time in about thirty years. The last time that happened, the Muslim population of Canada numbered just around 100,000 people (about 0.38% of the Canadian population at that time). Today, there are over 1.1 million Muslims living in Canada (about 3.1% of the total population). Islam is second only Christianity in the number of Canadians who self-identify with a faith-tradition, and Muslims make up the fastest-growing religious community in Canada. Both the faith and its followers figured prominently in Canada’s recent federal election campaign. Over half a million Muslims were eligible to vote, and in many important political constituencies Muslims make up more than 10% of the population. Politicians have taken note of this: former PM Stephen Harper hosted an iftār at his official residence earlier this year, and current PM Justin Trudeau has done everything from speaking at Toronto’s annual Reviving the Islamic Spirit (RIS) Convention, which attracts scholars and visitors from around the world, to choosing a Muslim women to be his government’s Minister of Democratic Institutions. Canadian Muslims are diverse – they come from South Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa, and speak many languages, including Arabic and Urdu. And they are very educated: 44% of Canadian Muslims aged 2564 have a university degree (compared to 26% of the Canadian population in general), 15% have a graduate degree, and almost 14,000 (more than 1.3% of the Canadian Muslim population) have a doctorate degree. Muslims have served in the police force, the military and the RCMP, nine Muslims are currently Members of Parliament (a Canadian record!) and one is currently the mayor of Calgary, Alberta. They’ve even had their own television sitcom, Little Mosque on the Prairie, which aired from 2007 to 2012 on CBC. Most Muslims live in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, but smaller communities can also be found in towns and cities across Canada. In recent years, Muslim communities have started to grow in Northwest Territories and Nunavut as well.

history were James and Agnes Love, a young couple who had apparently converted to Islam in their native Scotland before they migrated to Canada in 1854, settling in Ontario. These “Mohametans” had several children, including James, who was born just after their arrival. Their youngest son Alexander was born in 1868, one year after Confederation, and secured his spot in history as the first recorded Muslim born in Canada as we know it today. Another young couple of European origins, John and Martha Simon, had also embraced Islam in the United States, where they were born and raised. They migrated to Canada in 1871, bringing the total number of known Canadian Muslims at the time to 13. The population of Muslims in Canada increased very slowly at this stage, but even then, some Muslim labourers managed to partake in another important event in Canadian history – building the Canada Pacific Railway linking British Columbia to the rest of the country. By 1901, there were 47 Muslims in Canada, spread all over the country (except for the Atlantic/Maritime provinces). Most of them were immigrants, particularly attracted by the land available for agriculture and settlement in the Prairies (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta). They came mostly from Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Albania and Yugoslavia (all then part of the Ottoman Empire), but also from the United States. Some were also attracted by the famous Klondike Gold Rush between 1877 and 1899, and may have even taken part in it – at least one young Lebanese man is recorded to have landed in Montreal with that intention, but he was too late and instead became a successful entrepreneur in that city.

It’s clear from all this that the Muslim community has grown and developed significantly in recent years, and seems poised to continue to do so in the near future. But this can be misleading, because it can be seen as implying that the Canadian Muslim community (or Muslims’ presence in Canada) is new, young, a recent phenomenon. In reality, Muslims and their faith, Islam, have been around in Canada for a very long time – longer, in fact, than Canada itself has existed!

The Muslim population of Canada continued to grow quickly, reaching 797 in 1911 before suffering a sharp decline over the next twenty years. The decline was due mostly to the fact that immigrants, upon arriving in Canada, often realized that there were better opportunities in the United States – especially in the 1930s as the Great Depression hit – and resettled there instead. Another contributing factor was the racism they experienced in parts of Canada, especially in British Columbia, where they often found the local population unwelcoming. Nevertheless, more concentrated Muslim communities continued to grow in this period, particularly in cities, as many Muslims started to leave agriculture for professional/industrial jobs or business. Thus by 1921 there were more Muslims in Nova Scotia than in all of Quebec, and in Edmonton, Al-Rashid Mosque, the first mosque in Canada, opened on December 12, 1938 and was inaugurated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, that famous translator of the Qur’an into English. At the time, there were only about 700 Muslims in Canada.

The earliest Muslims in Canada may have been slaves from West Africa who were brought to British North America (as Canada was known back in the day) in the transatlantic slave trade, sometime before slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1833. But no records of Muslims or the practice of Islam among West African slaves have survived, so this is just speculation. The first recorded Muslims in Canadian

By 1952, when the renowned Islamic Studies program at McGill University in Montreal was inaugurated, there were about two thousand Muslims in the country. In 1955, Ontario’s first mosque was opened in London by a few Lebanese Muslim families, some of whom had lived in London since 1901. Toronto’s first mosque, the Bosnian Islamic Center, opened in 1973, complete with an Ottoman-

style minaret – the first minaret in Ontario. In 1982, the first madrassah (traditional Islamic school/ seminary) in Canada was established in Cornwall, Ontario, by Mazhar Alam at the instructions of his teacher, the famous Deobandi and Tablighi scholar Muhammad Zakariyya Khandhelvi. Themadrassah attracted students from both Canada and the United States, and its most prominent graduate was Sheikh Muhammad Alshareef, who graduated in 1990 and later founded AlMaghrib Institute. Both the Baby Boom in the 1950s and an open-door immigration policy by the Canadian government starting in the 1960s led to a considerable increase in the Muslim population of Canada – 100,000 in the mid-1980s, more than 500,000 by the turn of the century in 2000, and more than 1.1 million today. On November 10, 2010, the first mosque in the Canadian Arctic officially opened in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. This new mosque is about 1200 miles northeast of Edmonton, Alberta, where the Al-Rashid Mosque had opened 74 years earlier. The Muslims community in Inuvik has grown so large that, after English and French, Arabic is the most spoken language in the Northwest Territories. In nearby Nunavut, where many in the Aboriginal communities have reportedly embraced Islam in recent years, the first mosque is being built in Iqaluit. Though the Muslim community in Nunavut still consists of only about 100 people, this number is expected to quadruple in the next twenty years. So yes, Muslims have been calling Canada their home for at least 161 years now. As a subcultural religious community, they have made many positive contributions to Canadian society, embracing many Canadian values while continuing to proudly embrace and practice their faith and traditions within Canada’s multicultural milieu. Since that fateful day in 1854 when a young James Love and his wife Agnes stepped off their ship from Scotland onto Canadian soil, the Canadian Muslim community has grown, diversified, and achieved far more than they could have ever imagined. It is up to the Canadian Muslim community of today – and particularly the youth, many of whom are Canadian-born – to carry this legacy forward by continuing to embrace the best of Canadian culture and values while proudly and actively practicing Islam – and tackling any obstacles they may face that try to undermine either of these two components of their identity. Sources: Daood Hassan Hamdani (1984) Muslims in the Canadian Mosaic, Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs. Journal, 5:1, 7-16 -- Original post can be read on Hassam’s blog: www.islamichistoryreview.com

Hassam Munir, Contributor for The Link Canada, is a university student, blogger, and independent researcher of Islamic history based in Toronto.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

BUILDING A HOME An Interview with Iqra Khalid

WRITTEN BY AZEEM PATEL PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF IQRA KHALID

16 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

POLITICS

I really feel I can provide representation for the people I can really relate to — and when I say relate to — I am talking about the youth, the women, the people of colour. I feel like I really understand. I have a lot more to learn but the fundamental understanding is there. A force for change, newly elected MP Iqra Khalid did not let institutional barriers prevent her from being elected to represent Mississauga Erin Mills in Parliament. Rather she used these things to allow her to better understand and connect with her constituents. Khalid is an avid believer in Prime Minister Trudeau’s saying, “Canada is strong not in spite of our differences, but because of them.” On the evening of October 19, after becoming the MP-Elect, her first tweet was directed to her NDP opposition Michelle Bilek saying, “Thanks and congratulations to @mbilek for running a great campaign! I look forward to working with you to make Erin Mills even better!” Additionally, she was kind enough to sit down with me for an interview with the The Link Canada to discuss her story — and what she has done to make it all the way to Canada’s Parliament. Iqra Khalid’s unequivocal drive, as well as her willingness to help others makes her an ideal representative for the people of Mississauga Erin Mills. As a young professional, a woman, and a visible minority, Iqra Khalid has already inspired so many people to embrace their identity and to use it to connect with people positively. So, who is Iqra Khalid? Tell me more about yourself. Iqra Khalid: She’s your average girl. She’s a young professional, a coloured woman, a Muslim and someone who cares about where Canada is going. My family and I immigrated to Canada in 1998 and I’ve been working since I was 14 years old. We worked from the bottom up. When we first came

here we shared a one bedroom apartment between my parents, my three brothers and me. One thing I’m grateful for is that my parents never differentiated between my brothers and me. That played a big role in who I turned out to be. It redefined what boundaries we create for ourselves based on gender. In the political world and in the corporate world it’s something I had to battle with. I think that had a lot to add to who I am today. What other kinds of work and volunteering did you do when you were first starting off? Iqra: My first job was in a shoe store and from then on, I worked for my parents and I started my own business when I was 16. I used to do henna tattoos and would take the bus to wherever the party was going on that night. Once we moved to Mississauga and I started university I did a lot of extracurricular activities. I started off as the Event Coordinator for the Pakistani Students Association, then became Vice-President and then President. I was also an ambassador for the University so I represented the student body at corporate events. There was an initiative I took with other schoolmates to start a dialogue between the Jewish and Muslim students on campus. We held events to talk about Islamophobia and build relationships with our Jewish friends on campus.

How has your family influenced the way that you were brought up? Iqra: My mom didn’t make it past high school and my dad has a PhD. You can think about the different roles I see of the people I look up to most. My father is very much an intellectual visionary and my mom is basically the hard work behind it all. My father was offered an opportunity to go to the UK to get his Ph.D. He decided to take it and we moved to the UK when I was six. After he completed his Ph.D. we went back to Pakistan and applied for immigration

to Canada. While here, he was not able to find a job in his field due to a lack of Canadian experience. His degree was not recognized so my family and I really worked together to make a living until we started a business. I really think our family unit is, Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), very strong. Something that my parents have always taught me, is the value of effort. My dad always said it’s up to us to give our best effort, the rest is really up to God, and that’s what my brothers and I have grown up doing. We have worked so hard and it makes it that much sweeter when you build a home as opposed to just moving into one. I’m really connected to my country. So what initially sparked your interest in politics and why did you decide to run? Iqra: That’s a very good question and you’re probably the millionth person to have asked me! -laughs- To be honest, it just seemed right. When the opportunity arose, we had a dinner conversation which is the norm when making important decisions in my family. When I approached my family about running, nobody hesitated. It was a very natural decision. I had a gut feeling. Jean Augustine said it best when she said, “there’s a fire in my belly.” It’s that fire that really drives me to do what I’m doing. I really feel I can provide representation for the people

I can really relate to and when I say relate to I am talking about the youth, the women, the people of colour. I feel like I really understand. I have a lot more to learn but the fundamental understanding is there. What would you say is the most enjoyable part of your campaign? Iqra: It was bringing people together and achieving something together. Everybody really did come together in the last weeks of the campaign. Three days before the election, we were putting together VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

poll kits and I had just gotten back from a canvass. I walked into the office – which was only 1000-1600 square feet – and there were about 45-50 people sitting everywhere. People were sitting in full circles, together. Elderly, children, families, people from all different backgrounds, they were all sitting there working towards one goal. I almost cried when I saw that scene, Azeem, I cannot tell you how much that really moved me. It took us almost two years to get to that point and seeing that made me believe we were on the right path and doing the right thing. What does this mean for Muslims in Canada now that we have nearly a dozen Muslims elected in the Federal Government? Iqra: And one as a minister, and she’s a woman on top of it! I think it’s a very positive image. It’s a good feeling and it’s important to keep in mind that these people represent us but they also represent Canadians of their constituency. It’s a very positive step forward. The Conservatives ran a very divisive campaign, and if Canadians really bought into it, it would not fare well with these candidates. It really

18 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

shows that Canadians are better than that. We are inclusive. It’s not just Muslims, there’s Sikhs, there’s people from all across the world that sit on our Parliament now. What I want to say is that it’s a good on Canada for doing so. Do you think that Muslims in Canada should be more civically engaged and why? Iqra: Of course. There exists a problem globally with respect to Islamic extremism and I think that having real representation in Parliament and in other public offices, really would be a more positive picture of Muslims and what we really are, what the majority of Muslims really are. Yes, we have special needs or concerns that other communities might not necessarily have and they might have concerns that we may not have. The idea is about effective representation. We are a country that is made up of minorities, and Muslims are a huge part of that. It makes sense to have that representation and I think it’s a positive step forward. I think that a lot can be done to eradicate the propaganda that has been spread over the past 10 years. The fact that the niqab

became an issue in the election made no sense to me whatsoever. We have a Charter of Rights and Freedoms guaranteeing our freedom to practice our religion for a reason. How has life been different from Election Day until now? At the end of the four years what would you constitute as a successful term? Iqra: Now the work is starting. I feel a great sense of responsibility to those people who are bringing their matters to me it really humbles me that I’m in a position now to really provide that help to people — and I hope I can live up to the expectations. I feel very responsible and very eager to get started with this already. I really hope that I open the doors for other people like myself. To do better, to not let barriers stop them from doing things that they want to do. I was at an event before the election and I didn’t know many people there. There were 3 girls, very young, maybe in their late teens. They came up to me and they said “Hey are you Iqra Khalid?” and I said “Yes, what did

I do now?” -laughs- They said, “We really look up to you because you’re showing us that we can do it too. You’re not letting any of these factors get in your way to achieve what you want.” I can only hope that I can maintain that, and to really provide that mentorship role for our youth. What would you say is the best way to connect young people with the political process? Iqra: I think we need to really reach out and do things to engage them. In the early days of the summer we reached out to high school students and had a few young kids come forward who were looking for high school hours. They came in and we really engaged them by teaching them about the civic process. We made it fun for them, and it was to the point where these youth they took initiative and they created a ‘Young Liberals’ club on their own. By the end of it, they were there, holding my hand on election night while we were cheering for our victory. One of the boys called me up the next day and he says, “Ok Iqra, now that we’ve won the election…what do we do now?” So I really feel that

when you engage and invest in people, when you ask for their input, when you show them why it matters I think that people really understand the value of their engagement. The youth have so many intelligent things to say. We have a lot to learn from them. One thing I’m committed to is setting up youth committees to really engage the youth of Erin Mills on different social issues. I really think that through youth involvement and by seeking their advice and their input we can engage them even further. What do you usually do in your spare time? Iqra: I paint. I do acrylic on canvas; I had started experimenting with oil paints before the whole campaign started. But I haven’t painted in a while. I hope I can make time to do it soon. My last painting is that of a peacock and it’s very unfinished. I hope that I can finish it sometime in the near future. I also play squash in my spare time. What is your favourite traditional food? Iqra: Chana palao with tandoori chicken. I’m actually

a pretty good cook. Before I went off to work for the immigration firm I used to cook at my parents business. We have a catering operation — so I’ve cooked for up to 700 people. Who would you say has been your biggest inspiration throughout this journey? Iqra: My mom and dad. Always. They’ve been my rock in my soft place. They’ve been there in my tough times and guided me, they’ve advised me, they’ve struggled for me, they’ve gone sleepless nights by my side and they have shown me what commitment means. They’ve shown me what hard work means. I don’t think that I would be anywhere without them. Azeem Patel, Contributor for The Link Canada, is a Police Cadet with Hamilton Police and the Youth Services Director at the Muslim Association of Hamilton. He completed his Bachelor of Arts at McMaster University in Honours Political Science & Peace Studies where he was President of the McMaster Young Liberals. He enjoys basketball, men’s fashion, and all things peanut butter.

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THE FASHION CONSCIENCE: THE ART OF THRIFTING

WRITTEN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNUM KHOKHAR

20 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

OPINION / LIFESTYLE

Fall is my favourite season for many reasons. For starters, I was born in September so there’s a slight bias there. My second reason is the same as many of yours — FALL FASHION! As changing seasons certainly mean changing fashion trends, this October I gained not just the opportunity to change my wardrobe, but also bring a change in my mindset. I took part in my friend Assya’s “Buy Nothing New” challenge for 30 days. It changed me completely. Not only was it a huge learning experience, but I also acquired a new passion: thrifting! Thrift shopping still remains a taboo amongst many people in our community, mainly due to false perceptions. People feel completely comfortable donating their clothes to thrift stores and charitable organizations, yet feel incapable of consuming items from those very same thrift stores themselves. Why is that? Once I put my ego aside and learned of the benefits of buying gently used or new clothes from thrift stores, I learned of the endless possibilities at practically a fraction of the cost! Might I add — some of the pieces I found will completely surprise you. Fashion is a broad term with many definitions but one thing is for certain, it is a medium for expression. The clothes you wear, the brands you support and even the colours you choose all say something about you and that is exactly why I gained an incredible sense of appreciation for thrift shopping and those who do it.

In addition to “thrift-ers” being budget conscious or financially savvy (you choose), these individuals understand the impact of consumption, particularly the consumption and production of new items on our environment. Most of the “thrift-ers” I’ve met also have an incredible sense of style. Their ability to put something together using pieces that are not enhanced by beautiful display shelves, white lights and models impresses me completely. So this October, not only did I put my thrifting hat on, I also: saved a couple of hundreds, donated gently used/new items that I did not wear for over a year, reduced my closet by 40%… and bought new fall staples for a few dollars. I also learned how to maximize even more by flagging my calendar with thrift-store deal days (yes, they have sales too!) • • • • • • •

Jacket: ($19, Kind Exchange in Oakville) Tretorn Rainboots: ($3, Goodwill (went to the event “50% Fridays” for the month of October) Plaid Shirt: ($4, Goodwill (men’s section and NEW with tags, “50% Fridays” ) Vintage Satchel: ($4, made in Italy, awesome condition, “50% Fridays”) Red Oversized Sweater: ($5, Men’s section “50% Fridays”) Sandals: ($4, Goodwill, 50% Fridays) Total: $39

Annum is a Montreal native now building her home in Toronto. She’s passionate about fashion, food, faith & fun! Annum is also the founder of Fashion Caravan; a lifestyle blog and online boutique celebrating all things beautiful….and yes, she also speaks French!

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22 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

LIFESTYLE

CLASSIC

FALL RECIPES COOKING WITH THAS

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP Ingredients: Butter- 2 tbsp Whole Cardamom- 2 Whole cloves-2 Bay leaves-2 Onion, chopped -1 Butternut squash, cubed - 1, medium sized Ground cumin- ½ tsp Ground pepper- ¾ tsp Salt- to taste Chicken stock (low-sodium)- 3 cups Heavy cream- 1/4 cup Dried cranberries- for topping Instructions: 1.

Place a large soup pot over medium heat, add butter and let it melt. 2. Add cardamom, cloves and bay leaves. Saute for a minute. 3. Add onions and cubed butternut squash to the pan. 4. Add ground cumin, ground pepper and salt, combine well. 5. Add the chicken stock, cover the pan with its lid and cook till the squash has turned fork tender. 6. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool down a bit. 7. Discard the bay leaves. 8. Using an immersion blender or in a blender puree the mixture until smooth. 9. Return the pureed squash into the pan and heat it. 10. If the soup is too thick, add some more chicken stock to thin it down. 11. Taste and add more salt or ground pepper if needed. 12. Whisk the heavy cream into the soup and heat for a few seconds. 13. Pour into soup bowls, garnish with a few dried cranberries and serve warm.

SPAGHETTI AND (OVEN BAKED) MEATBALLS Ingredients: For making meatballs Ground beef- 1 lb Grated onion- 1 Green pepper minced- ½ of one green pepper Italian seasoning- 2 tsp Ground pepper- ¼ tsp Salt- to taste Parsley or Cilantro, chopped- 2 handfuls Bread crumbs- ½ cup Milk- ½ cup For making sauce Tomato sauce, low-sodium- 2½ cups Ground cumin- ½ tsp Italian seasoning- 1 tsp Other ingredients Olive oil- 2 to 3 tbsp Spaghetti pasta- ½ lb Parmesan cheese

Instructions: 1. 2.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Thas, Recipe Contributor for The Link Canada, is the author of Cooking with Thas, a popular food blog showcasing recipes from Indian, American and Fusion cuisines. Based in London, Ontario, she loves travelling, gardening and outdoor activities. She always says, “Remember, you don’t have to be an expert to cook delicious food. Do it with all your heart, sprinkle some love and share with a smile on your face!” - Find more of her recipes on www.thasneen.com

14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

19.

Preheat oven to 375 F or 190 C. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk together, keep it aside for 5 minutes and let the breadcrumbs absorb all the milk. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef along with onion, green pepper, Italian seasoning, ground pepper and salt. Add the breadcrumbs and milk mixture, combine well without any lumps. Make medium sized balls out of the ground beef mixture. Place the balls on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and greased with non-stick cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, let cool down a bit. Place a large non-stick pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Place the baked meatballs over the oil and pan fry till it turns golden brown in color. Transfer the balls to a kitchen paper towel, Keep aside. In the same pan used for pan frying meatballs, add the tomato sauce. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and ground cumin, combine well. Add the cooked meatballs into the sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes. In the meantime, cook spaghetti in boiling water seasoned with salt. Drain the water from the cooked spaghetti. Add the spaghetti to the meatballs and sauce, combine well. While serving, place the spaghetti as the bottom layer on a plate and top with meatballs. Garnish with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

24 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

LIFESTYLE

SURVIVING

WINTERTIME BLUES — CHOCOLATES & CHAI It looks like winter is finally upon us. Autumn put up a great struggle, but I think winter is finally here! Get out your ski caps, your ice skates, and your carrots… to put on snowmen. I’ve got two delicious and easy recipes for your today – Chocolate Chip Cookies, because you deserve a tasty little treat (and they go great with warm milk!) — and an Orange-Blueberry Smoothie, packed with nutrients to help power your body through the cold!

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

ORANGE-BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE

Everyone needs a good chocolate chip cookie recipe. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about some fancy, new age chocolate-cronut-chip-cruller-cookie thing (though that does sound interesting, at the very least!). I’m talking about a good ol’ fashioned chocolate chip cookie. Quick and easy to make. No crazy ingredients required. Loved by everyone.

Creamy, naturally sweet, and exploding with vitamin C and antioxidants. This Orange-Blueberry Smoothie is a perfect nutritious breakfast option. If you need me to sell it to you further, it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, and it’s not even 200 calories!

This recipe doesn’t take long, is easy to follow, and makes some delicious, “crisp-on-the-outside but chewy-on-the-inside” chocolate chip cookies.

Ingredients: 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour 1 tsp Baking Powder ¼ tsp Table Salt ½ tsp Corn Starch ½ cup Unsalted Butter, softened ¾ cup Brown Sugar 1 tbsp White Sugar 1 Large Egg, beaten 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Sea Salt, for sprinkling

Ingredients: 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1 cup orange juice ½ cup low-fat frozen vanilla yogurt ½ cup ice cubes ¼ teaspoon grated orange peel Fresh blueberries (for garnish) Thinly sliced orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions: 1. 2. 3.

8. Rizwan Asad, Contributor at The Link Canada, is a writer and photographer based in Toronto, Ontario. You can find more of his work at Chocolates & Chai (www. chocolatesandchai.com), his food blog filled with recipes and restaurant reviews.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Sift the flour, baking powder, table salt, and corn starch together into a bowl. Set aside. Mix the softened butter with the brown and white sugar. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Stir until completely incorporated. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the flour mixture. Stir well, until the flour mixture is completely incorporated. Gently fold ¾ cup of chocolate chips into the dough. Spoon the dough into your hands, and form little balls of dough – if you want your cookies to spread a little more flatten the dough ball slightly. Stud the top of the dough balls with a few chocolate chips. Sprinkle a small amount of sea salt on each dough ball. Place on parchment paper or a greased baking sheet, and bake at 375 degrees F for 9 minutes when the cookies are slightly browned, or until you smell caramelisation. Remove cookies from the oven; set aside on a wire rack to cool. The cookies will be soft when you take them out but will continue to cook on the wire rack as they cool.

Instructions: 1.

Combine first 5 ingredients in blender. Puree until thick and smooth. Pour smoothie into glasses. Garnish with blueberries and thinly sliced orange peel.

Serves 2

Yields 20 Cookies Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

26 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

LIFESTYLE

LIN’S

ETHICAL EATS — MMMMATCHA!

Matcha is a type of Japanese green tea that comes in the form of finely ground powder. It has a vibrant green colour and is high in catechin, a class of antioxidants that’s potent in fighting cancer. Although matcha is customarily consumed as a tea in Japanese culture, it is starting to be used widely in all areas of cooking. Here are three simple recipes to get you started on this magic ingredient.

VEGAN MATCHA LATTE Ingredients: ½ cup almond milk 1 tsp matcha 1 tbs hot water ½ cup cold water 1 tsp sugar or to taste Ice cubes

ALMOND MATCHA FROZEN YOGHURT TREAT Ingredients:

Instructions:

4. 5. Lin Abdul Rahman, Food Blogger and Contributor at The Link Canada, is Malaysian-born and Toronto-based. She has a background in journalism and loves getting creative with food. Lin believes eating healthy is easy and loves sharing simple recipes and tricks in the kitchen.

Ingredients: 1 medium sweet potato ½ small onion, finely chopped 2 tbs olive oil 1 tbs plain flour 1 cup vegetable stock ½ tsp matcha 1 tsp mustard ½ tsp curry powder salt and pepper to taste Cheese curds Oil for frying Optional garnish: 1 tbs chopped red onion 1 tbs chopped and deseeded tomato 1 tbs chopped green onion

1 cup + 1 cup plain yoghurt 2 tbs + 2 tbs honey 1 tsp matcha 1/3 cup whole almonds

Instructions: In a small bowl, combine matcha and one tablespoon of hot water. Mix well to form a paste. Add sugar and remaining half cup of water. Stir to dissolve sugar. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and almond milk. Top with matcha mixture and serve.

SWEET POTATO POUTINE WITH CURRY MATCHA GRAVY

6. 7.

In a small pan over medium heat, toast the almonds for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly. Set aside on a plate to cool completely. Combine first cup of yoghurt and two tablespoons of honey and mix well. Pour into a 6”X6” container lined with parchment paper. In the same bowl, combine remaining one cup of yoghurt, two tablespoons of honey and matcha. Mix well. Roughly chop the almonds and add half to the match mixture. Gently add the matcha mixture to the container. Then gently run a butter knife through the mixture several times to create marble effect. Sprinkle the remaining chopped almonds overtop and freeze for at least 5 hours. Serve in chilled dessert glasses and store freeze any leftovers in an airtight container.

Instructions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Peel and cut the sweet potato into ½” x ½” batons. Place in a bowl of cold water and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable stock, matcha, mustard, and curry powder. Heat olive oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Sprinkle evenly with flour, stir and cook for about 2 minutes. Whisk in stock mixture and cook for about 4-5 minutes on medium high heat until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan at medium high heat. Drain sweet potato pieces thoroughly and deep fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. To serve, pile the sweet potato fries in a bowl, top with cheese curds and drizzle with matcha curry gravy. Top with chopped red onion, tomato and green onions and serve immediately. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

I WANT TO ENGAGE IN PSYCHOTHERAPY BUT... WRITTEN BY ZENIA SULTAN

A teenager with obsessive-compulsive disorder is not allowed to see a psychotherapist because her parents fear that it will affect their reputation. The stress from her OCD causes her to experience heart palpitations and breathing problems. A young woman on antidepressants knows that psychotherapy would help ease her depression. Yet she refuses to seek help out of fear that it will make her ‘weak.’ A man experiencing anxiety engages in psychotherapy but hides his treatment from his family. He worries about getting ‘caught’ and being told to ‘snap out of it.’ —– These are not hypothetical situations that I have made up. These are real people that I know personally. Their conditions are real and they suffer just as much as anyone with a physical ailment. In these situations, I find myself wondering why psychotherapy isn’t being used for treatment. It is well known that psychotherapy is as effective as medication for treating a number of mental health conditions. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with medication, patients have improved functional outcomes and quality of life. In light of these findings, what is it that prevents someone from seeking psychotherapy? What barriers need to be addressed? “I’m afraid that others will find out” You have a right to privacy and psychotherapists are required to abide by strict confidentiality guidelines. They will not ask you for information that isn’t relevant to your session and at all times, you have the right to choose which information you wish to disclose. They will only release information about you to a third party with your explicit agreement or if the law requires it (in extreme situations, such as homicide, suicide and child abuse). Before you begin, you will receive detailed information on

28 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

confidentiality and your rights as a patient. “I can handle my problems on my own” If you believe that you can take care of your own mental health, then give it a go. However, as with any form of treatment, give yourself a reasonable time limit (for example, 2 months) and on a specified date, go back and assess the success of your approach. Ask yourself questions such as, ‘Have I seen improvement in my mood, functionality, etc? If so, how much (give yourself a percentage for each of these categories)?’ If you aren’t seeing improvement then it’s time to try a different method. If you’re still hesitant about seeing someone, try using a mood tracking app such as Optimism or learn therapy skills on MoodGYM. If you benefit from these resources, chances are you’ll enjoy psychotherapy. “If I seek help it’ll mean that I’m weak” Seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you are humble enough to realize that you cannot handle all of your problems alone. The Prophet SAW said, “There is no disease that Allah has created except that He also created its remedy (Bukhari).” Sometimes this remedy is easily available to us and sometimes, we need the help of others. Didn’t the Prophet SAW counsel his sahaba with their problems? Didn’t the sahaba counsel each other? Have humility. Recognize when you are in over your head and need help. “What if the psychotherapist doesn’t understand me?” This is why it’s essential to support and encourage Muslims in the field of psychotherapy and counselling. Would you rather speak to someone who tells you that its okay to drink alcohol and experiment with boundaries or would you rather speak to someone who uses an approach grounded in both mental health and Islam? So what can a psychotherapist do for you?

OPINION / LIFESTYLE

A doctor can’t lower your blood pressure for you. You do it yourself by taking the prescribed medication. Similarly, a psychotherapist can’t ‘fix’ your problems for you. The goal of a psychotherapist is to provide you with the tools to help you help yourself. There is a common misconception that therapy involves lying on a couch while sharing your life story. This is the Freudian approach to counselling and isn’t common in the field of psychology anymore. Psychotherapists on the other hand practice evidence-based treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy (changing unhelpful thinking and behaviour) and acceptance and commitment therapy (embracing and accepting circumstances that are beyond your control). Whether or not you want to learn and benefit from these research proven methods however is up to you. Your health is in your own hands. I challenge you, the reader, to fight back against the stigma of mental health and a take a chance on yourself: 1. If you need help, contact a psychotherapist directly or ask your doctor for a referral. 2. Look for organizations like ISNA Compass that connect Muslims with already existing community resources. 3. To help others – organize an event on mental health at your masjid. Research shows that attending non-threatening but highly informative public workshops is one of the best ways to break down stigma amongst individuals who have previously resisted treatment. Zenia Sultan, Contributor at The Link Canada, studied Psychology at Western University and aspires to become a mental health counsellor for the Muslim community. She is interested in Islamic theology and enjoys public speaking.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

SMART CHOICES MAKE HEALTHY FOOD AFFORDABLE WRITTEN BY AMINA KHAN

30 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

OPINION / LIFESTYLE

a healthy lifestyle work for our unique family situations.

Many families argue that healthy food is expensive, while they add white bread, white potatoes, vegetable oil and other items into the shopping cart. When it comes to choosing better grocery choices, realize that choice is free — but costs willpower.

Yes, many organic and health food stores do feature higher-priced items. However, instead of worrying about the expensive items that we can’t include in our lifestyles, we should focus on the affordable healthy changes that we can make in our families, right now! Many families argue that healthy food is expensive, while they add white bread, white potatoes, vegetable oil and other items into the shopping cart. When it comes to choosing better grocery choices, realize that choice is free — but costs willpower. A perfect example is our choice of oils and cooking practices. Vegetable oil is cheap — so many people buy a big case because they love to fry their foods. However, if you spend the same amount of money towards buying a smaller container of olive oil or coconut oil, you may get less oil for your dollar, but it’s then up to you to use less oil in your cooking, choose baking over frying and other healthier practices to stretch the higher quality oils you have purchased as much as possible. Another example is choosing a loaf of whole wheat bread over white bread. Although whole wheat bread can cost a few dollars more, this can be made up by removing a bag of chips or cookies from the shopping cart. The same applies for other grain choices, such as crackers, pita bread and rice. Whole grains have more fibre than more processed grains and will keep you feeling full longer, so you will be less likely to feel starved for a junk food snack between meals. Many do not realize that we can cut down on our spending on junk food by choosing healthier foods in our main meals.

Many Canadian Muslims worry that eating healthy is too expensive. In fact, this worry is so widespread that many families assume healthier grocery choices will be detrimental to their family budget and are not practical. When making major family decisions – such as the quality of food that we choose to feed our children and ourselves on a daily basis – it is important to educate ourselves on how to make

Of course, there is an issue of taste that many struggle with, especially when dealing with younger children. Many friends complain that they “just don’t like the taste of brown bread.” It takes effort and willpower to retrain your family’s eating preferences but picky eaters or taste preferences should be considered something to improve within our families — and secondary to the need for healthier options. Peanut butter is another great example. We often buy peanut butter just because the container has a picture of a cute bear on it and we are used to the taste, rather than picking another brand of a comparable price that has no sugar or unnatural ingredients added. The same applies to jams – why buy regular jam when we can find unsweetened natural jams for the same price? And, while discussing condiments,

we can pick mustard (low calorie and naturally sugar free) over ketchup for our sandwiches. Many families buy processed foods and sliced meats for school lunches, when research shows that processed meat increases your risk of cancer (International Agency for Research on Cancer). Instead, we can choose canned tuna for lunch, another affordable alternative. But, many of us are addicted to our baloney and don’t want to make the change. We must be willing to try new foods and let go of old practices and unhealthy habits. We have to be willing to prioritize where we are spending our family food budget! As a final note on prioritization, many of the same adults who complain about higher healthy grocery bills can be found stopping at a coffee shop on the way to work and purchasing a daily sugary snack. This all adds up, every week! These small purchases are not only detracting from a potential healthier choice on your family’s grocery bill, but can also be easily made at home for a fraction of the cost! If we are serious about the health of our families, we must be willing to look at our own spending habits and identify areas for improvement. This may require getting a reliable travel mug to carry our morning coffee and waking up a few minutes earlier to prepare breakfast or lunch. These small changes improve our own health longterm and also also result in more flexibility in the family food budget. Remember: small, consistent changes on behalf of both parents result in a positive impact on the quality of food we are able to provide to our children and families. -The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him said): “The most beloved of deeds to God are the ones that are performed consistently, even if they are small.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Amina Khan, Contributor for The Link Canada, is a CANfit-PRO Certified Group Fitness Instructor Specialist, Nutrition, Wellness and Weight Loss Coach and founder of Amanah Fitness. Amanah Fitness is dedicated to restoring health awareness in the Muslim community through online nutrition and physical exercise programs of the highest quality. Amina is the creator of the 7-Day Amanah Jumpstart program and the Ramadan Reset, which have helped others lose weight simply, easily and effectively to get back on track with their healthy lifestyles. You can download her FREE Getting Started eBook to get back on track with your own health journey at www.amanahfitness.com.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

Q&A with MOHAMED FAKIH

ON SUCCESS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS WRITTEN BY NABEELA KHAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAMRAN HAMEED

There are no shortcuts to success, Muslims like all good Canadians share the same great values and qualities. Muslims have to continue to work hard and place humanity before themselves and strive for excellence...

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BUSINESS Mohamed Fakih immigrated to Canada 15 years ago to create a life filled with more opportunity for him and his family. After working at Tim Hortons, he made a risky decision: to purchase Paramount Fine Foods — a restaurant that was about to say goodbye and serve its final customer in 2007. After purchasing the company, Fakih implemented strong leadership skills and turned what was once a struggling brand into a immensely successful chain restaurant that can now be found nationwide. In addition to spearheading the development of Paramount Fine Foods, Fakih also founded Paramount Butcher Shop — consisting of halal premium cut meats. We got the chance to sit down with Founder and CEO, Mohamed Fakih, to learn about his ups, downs, paramount success and innovative skill-set that many entrepreneurs have wanted to know about. What does it take to be an entrepreneur? Mohamed Fakih: To be an entrepreneur you need to have a vision, something that gives you more motivation to wake up in the morning. Once you have that vision you mix passion, innovation and drive to turn it into a working business. Someone with the mindset that “no” and “can’t” are not obstacles but rather challenges to keep pushing forward. Can you share your most challenging moment as an entrepreneur? Fakih: The most challenging moment was the day I took the risk of my life: buying a struggling Lebanese restaurant. In the first year I transformed that risk into my opportunity, turning a profit and creating the flagship location for a future franchise business. Today, Paramount Fine Foods is the fastest growing Middle Eastern halal restaurant chain in North America. What advice would you give young people who wish to pursue entrepreneurship? Fakih: [ Just like anything else], If you want to pursue entrepreneurship you need to determine the ingredients for success. Follow the steps, consistency in your product or service, do the math required, hire the right people to know what you don’t know and train them very well. Can you describe your business model to us? (what is unique about your business approach?) Fakih: Initially Paramount set out to change the attitude towards shawarma — it was viewed in a very different manner. We wanted to bring the experience from back home and make Lebanese food accessible to all Canadians the way we have it there. Now we have built up Paramount as a mainstream restaurant to serve Canadians of all cultures at a reasonable value. What does success mean to you? (how can entrepreneurs achieve success?)

Fakih: In the business that I am in, success means that the customer and our community is happy. It means that they keep coming back to enjoy the food and environment that Paramount has to offer. I believe in order to achieve this success your team must be equally as happy and eager to keep the company on track. I always say if you can teach it, it’s a hobby — but if you can repeat it, it’s a business. What is your #1 tip in building a business that stands out [in a world where there is constant change and innovation?] Fakih: My number one tip that I always share and have always believed is: love what you do and believe that you are capable of achieving it. Having the opportunity to teach your dream and passion is what really matters and I feel so honoured to be able to do so. Along with that though, you must make sure the numbers add up. Paramount has grown so much and continues to grow because of that love, passion, knowledge and dedication that is put into it by my team and myself. What is the role of your family in your business? Fakih: Their continuous support for the business and understanding the commitment required to have continued success goes beyond what I ever could have imagined. Different aspects of the company have come from my family, example the Butcher Stop was my wife’s idea and the playground was for my children. Their excitement for the growth of the company is what helps me strive for more. How do you manage it all? Fakih: The only way you can grow fast without losing the main focus of when you first started is by hiring and training as many executives/staff as needed. You need to know that you can’t manage it all by yourself as much as maybe sometimes you want to. I try and strive for balance in my life between my family, my Paramount team and growing the business. What makes Paramount unique? Fakih: As a Middle Eastern restaurant we really wanted to embrace those fresh and healthy flavours while sharing the most authentic and exotic recipes. These recipes have been passed down for generations. We serve fresh baked pita straight from wood burning ovens, charcoal barbecue Halal meats, chicken and beef shawarma and fresh baklava handmade daily. These provide guests with a culinary experience that will not be forgotten. The Paramount Fine Foods experience is designed to go beyond great flavours and recipes at a great value. We even brought in chefs straight from the Middle East to help with authenticity – to prove we don’t believe in cutting corners.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs venturing into new businesses? Fakih: First you want to identify your passion and purpose, does it make sense? Then you want to ask yourself a very serious but simple question: “Can you honestly stand behind your numbers? Do they make sense or are you creating a false image to pursue something that may not be in your best interest.” Financial statements are like report cards but for your business – your current financial statement tells you and everyone else how well you’re doing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to fall just don’t make the same mistake twice. Finally, don’t forget your best asset which is your team. What role does your faith as a Muslim play in your success? Fakih: Believing in goodness. How do you maintain your deen (religion) and your work? Fakih: I feel very blessed and lucky to have come across an idea that allows me to incorporate my deen and work together. For instance Paramount is a Halal restaurant and also we provide a prayer room open to our customers. At Paramount we have dedicated our success to better representing the Muslim community within the Canadian society. What are some of things in your opinion which Muslims living in Canada could do better to achieve success for themselves and their community? Fakih: There are no shortcuts to success, Muslims like all good Canadians share the same great values and qualities. Muslims have to continue to work hard and place humanity before themselves and strive for excellence in our communities. We must always remember Canada is a great country and we must maintain the appreciation of what is offered to us. Paramount Fine Foods has gained international attention for its well renowned Middle Eastern foods, but it also cultivates a warm family environment that people enjoy returning to. Fakih is a skilled businessman with a keen vision, but he also goes above and beyond in valuing his employees, creating motivational exercises and days out to maintain a wholesome team spirit- something that I can undoubtedly say revitalizes the traditional business model. Nabeela Khan is a communications professional who strives to cover topics of interest to modern Muslims and their faith. She is the Founder of Envision, a website that showcases Muslim women in leadership roles and aims to break negative stereotypes.

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NUTRIMIN:

SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR MUSLIM ENTREPRENEURSHIP WRITTEN BY AISHA HOLLYER PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF NUTRIMIN

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I’m constantly questioning myself: Would the Prophet, (peace and blessings be upon him) and Allah Himself be happy with how I’m conducting myself?

After graduating with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, Harris Khan was working in the pharmaceutical industry when he had an epiphany which inspired him to get into the business world. However, he wanted it to be more then just a business — he wanted to be able to serve the community and follow the Sunnah, the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. In July 2014, right after the holy month of Ramadan, Khan founded Nutrimin, a company that manufactures vegan-friendly vitamins. Nutrimin offers a wide variety of vitamins that cater to the diversity of his clients. Whether they be Muslims looking for halal vitamins, picky eaters who are lacking their nutrients, or vegans wanting to be sure that they are not consuming animal products, Khan has something for them. Even children have a place with Nutrimin, as the company markets delicious, halal vitamin gummies. Khan also considers accessibility and ease of access. “We provide subscription-based programs, so our clients don’t even have to get out of their house. We actually deliver the products to their door.”

He sees his company as not just filling a gap in the market, but actively supporting his clients in the choices that they make. He also connects with the community at large. “It’s not just about the lifestyle,” he says. “We want to change the way people live their lives. We partner up with Muslim personal fitness trainers, and we do workshops, we promote healthy living, we encourage people.” Nutrimin is unique in the corporate world because it originated from deeply spiritual roots. “My religion is the driving force behind everything I do in my life. The most important defining principle in the way I conduct business, is ensuring that I adhere to Islamic principles, and that everything I’m doing is done in an ethical and moral way. I’m constantly questioning myself: ‘Would the Prophet, (peace and blessings be upon him) and Allah Himself be happy with how I’m conducting myself ?” In a corporate world where competition can quickly become cutthroat, many entrepreneurs can be tempted to cut corners to get a little further. Khan

makes sure to stay away from all of that. He began his company without interest-bearing loans and to this day he avoid all dealings in interest as per Islamic laws. He also actively builds relationships with his clients. “I actually respond to every email myself. I believe that if the consumer knows that the president himself has replied, people will appreciate that.” “I don’t want to be that shady guy at the top of the hierarchy,” he says. “I’m the guy that you’ll actually catch at the mosque, at dinners — what I’m selling, I actually believe in it a hundred percent.”

Punjabi-Ukrainian Aisha Hollyer is currently studying social service work at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario. She is passionate about all the things, big and small, that make our world a better place.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

NISA HOMES: REFLECTIONS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE &

THE NEED FOR SAFE SPACES

WRITTEN BY YASMINE YOUSSEF & ZENA CHAUDHRY PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF NISA HOMES

Mariam called Nisa Homes at 10 pm after having spent a night at a friend’s house, after which her friend’s husband said she couldn’t stay any longer. Mariam spent the next night at a motel with the money she had left. Tonight, she had no place to go. After coming to Nisa Homes and settling in, she shared her story about her abusive husband who forced her out of her own house. She was afraid and didn’t want to tell anyone about the abuse, not her friends, family, or coworkers; mainly because of the negative repercussions she experienced whenever she did share an incident or seek help. Her friends and family told her they didn’t want to get involved between the couple as it was none of their business. The one friend who took her in was the only person that went beyond patting her on the back, giving her a warm hug and feeling sorry for Mariam. Others suggested she reach out to the Imam of her local mosque. When she did, he told her this was a test from God and that she should be patient. He suggested they come in for a “marital counselling” session with him. Mariam chose not to out of fear of making her husband angrier. She also disclosed that although the Imam had the best intentions, he did not have a counselling or psychology background. On one occasion, Mariam shared that her husband was abusing her with a coworker, she was asked: “Doesn’t your religion allow men to hit their wives?” Although she claims it was a question rooted in ignorance rather than hatred, she was taken aback. What did her religion have to do with the abuse she experienced? Did women from other religions also not experience abuse? Mariam isn’t the first to arrive at Nisa Homes, — a transitional home for women and children currently operating in Toronto, ON and Vancouver, BC — as a Muslim survivor of domestic violence receiving little to no support. Not only are these women shunned by a community which has difficulty addressing domestic violence, but also alienated by a society that generalizes one incident a Muslim woman goes through to indicate that all Muslim women are oppressed. This just adds to their mantra that

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PHILANTHROPY

The additional abuse and victimization caused by mainstream society is manifested in the lack of cultural and religious awareness and sensitivity by service providers who don’t understand the unique context of Muslim women, and often even use it against them...They also don’t understand the role religion does or does not play in many women’s lives, as they are all painted with one large brush.

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Not only are these women shunned by a community which has difficulty addressing domestic violence, but also alienated by a society that generalizes one incident a Muslim woman goes through to indicate that all Muslim women are oppressed

“Muslim women need to be ‘liberated.’” According to research conducted by Statistics Canada, 1 in 4 Canadian women experience sexual assault in their lifetime. However, only 10% of these assaults are reported to the police. It should go without saying that domestic violence has no religion, no culture, and no nationality. It is not a Muslim-only problem. However, what is a Muslim problem is the women being further abused by an unwelcoming society that indirectly blames them for being abused because of a religion they choose to follow. Ironically, research shows that spirituality is a key component of healing for survivors of domestic violence, as it serves as support system for them, and, as a result, should be cultivated. When a woman is experiencing domestic violence, she usually feels alone and isolated. Her world, and everything she holds near and dear, is crumbling. She is further shunned by her friends or family who either feel bad for her or they just don’t want to be involved in “internal family affairs.” This feeling of isolation is only exacerbated by a Muslim community 38 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

that brushes these issues under the carpet, only talking and giving Friday sermons about it when an extreme case hits the headlines, like the Aqsa Parvez case. And finally, this woman is held responsible for the acts of a few sacrilegious members of her religion by an Islamophobic society. The Muslim community as a whole is often held accountable for the extreme and unIslamic acts of a few. We need to start speaking up for ourselves otherwise we enable and allow others to speak for us, on our behalf, to serve their own agendas when they do not truly understand our lived experiences. The additional abuse and victimization caused by mainstream society is manifested in the lack of cultural and religious awareness and sensitivity by service providers who don’t understand the unique context of Muslim women, and often even use it against them. They don’t understand the importance of the role of family. They don’t understand that domestic violence in Muslim families is much more complex, with more

members involved, playing a role, and having a say in the matter. They don’t understand the pressure and stigma these women face in a community and society that is so intertwined and deeply connected, both through familial and social ties. They also don’t understand the role religion does or does not play in many women’s lives, as they are all painted with one large brush. So then, where do Mariam, Fatima, Aisha or other Muslim women turn in this situation? Before we can build safe homes and shelters, we need to shatter the silence about domestic violence in our community. We need to talk about it with our friends, our families, at our mosques and our community centres. We can create a ripple effect if we each do our part. As Benjamin Franklin put it, “an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.” The issue of violence against women is part of a larger issue in dealing with taboo topics in

PHILANTHROPY

the Muslim community. We need our religious leaders, be it Imams, Sheikhs or prominent community members, to get trained in addressing these issues and how to resolve them from an Islamic, psychological, and social services perspective. We need to create safe spaces for women who are experiencing abuse to feel comfortable in expressing themselves, whether it’s a sister’s halaqa, a shelter, a coffee shop, a book club, or anything really. It should be a space for women to feel a sense of belonging, support and love. This need for a safe space leads to another issue: during the time of the Prophet (pbuh), all of the important issues and controversies first made their appearances at the mosque because it was a safe and welcoming space for everyone to express themselves without the fearing of facing retribution. Women were able to challenge the Prophet during the congregation while others were able to openly debate about God and the Qur’an, for example. Today, even questioning what a mosque is doing or suggesting doing something differently is met with so much resistance; if not from the mosque administration, then from the congregation who just want to keep the mosque for prayers and halaqas and avoid controversial issues or problematic matters. Even today, virtually no mosque has women in decision-making roles

that can play a part in bringing the issue of violence against women to the forefront from a female perspective. Women know what issues they face and they know what support they need. Finally, we need to realize that this needs to be the survivors’ narrative, not ours to take over and shape to serve our purposes. We need to realize that Muslim women throughout history have exhibited immense strength in the face of obstacles and continue to do so today in a society that oppresses and marginalizes them. Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a renowned business woman in a male-dominated trade. Aisha Bint Abu Bakr, another wife of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) is one of the greatest scholars and teachers of all time, Nusayba Bint Kaab was an exceptionally fierce and brave warrior, and Fatima Al Fihri established the first university in the world in Fez, Morocco. Empowerment of women starts from within. Before setting out to empower others, we need to empower ourselves, learn about our rights as Muslim women in Islam and in Canada and demand them. Women’s issues needlessly become taboo topics and it is our duty to break down these stigmas by creating avenues and spaces to address the issues at hand. We need to realize the legacy our foremothers have built for us and

continue to uphold their strength, knowledge, wisdom and courage. —Zena Chaudhry and Yasmine Youssef are House Operators for Nisa Homes in Toronto, ON and Vancouver, BC, respectively. Nisa Homes is a group of transitional homes for women and children who need a safe place to stay whilst they overcome the challenges of homelessness, poverty, settlement, and trauma. Zena and Yasmine fill in the blanks in each other’s brains as they work together to empower women and combat violence against women.

This piece was written by a contributor for The Link Canada. If you wish to know more about how you can contribute or pitch a story, please visit our website’s Contribute page: www. thelinkcanada.ca/contribute If you wish to join The Link Canada’s official team, contact us at via the information on our contact page: www.thelinkcanada.ca/contact

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lifestyle that involves buying secondhand goods, eating a more plant-based diet, walking more, growing food, and composting. It means more experiences instead of possessions, more home-cooked meals instead of restaurant meals.

SAVING THE WORLD WITH VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY WRITTEN BY ASSYA BARRETTE

40 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

OPINION / PHILANTHROPY This future is not happening by chance. It is as a result of none other than human failure. A failure to use our immense gifts from God of foresight, technology and communication to acknowledge the science of climate change and act. Addicted to consumption, humankind has ignored the facts and stayed on course for disaster, much like any addict would. Indeed, we have set ourselves up for a very severe disaster. Humanity is on track to expel enough carbon into the atmosphere to increase pre-industrial temperatures by 4 degrees Celsius. Famous climate scientist Kevin Anderson commented that this much warming would be “incompatible with any reasonable characterization of an organized, equitable and civilized global community.” Is hope lost? No, there is still time to prevent the worse of warming and adapt to the warming we’ve already locked in. But survival means a world that so extraordinarily different that it will be unrecognizable. And you might even like it. Nothing is coming to save you. Before getting into what needs to be done to change the world, it’s important to understand to dislodge a few beliefs about what will address the current crisis: 1. Technology will fix everything. 2. We need to shift our habits towards green consumption. Belief in technology is almost like a religion in industrialized nations. Much hope has been placed, for example, on switching the energy grid to renewable energies such as wind and hydro. Climate observers and activists claim that an energy transition would be quick, easy and effective. For example, Al Gore, a prominent character in the field, said in an article in the Huffington Post in 2008 “…I challenge our nation to commit to producing 100 percent of our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources within 10 years. This goal is achievable, affordable and transformative.”

With the mass of headlines warning of humanity’s impeding fall into a climate dystopia, your heart might sink a little. The news points to a bleak future, one that will be experienced if not by yourself, surely your children and grandchildren. A future of civilization collapse — complete with brutal wars and natural disasters.

starting the wood to coal transition of 19th century. His findings? These transitions took decades. For example, crude oil took 28 years to claim 25% of USA’s energy supplies. As he explains in an article outlining his book, Vaclav notes “Even if the new renewables keep on advancing at the same rate as they have been so far [. . .] fossil fuels would be supplying 78 percent of the U.S. primary energy in 2030 and still about 75 percent by 2040. ” Vaclav continues in his article to mention electric cars, noting: “Elon Musk, the entrepreneur some U.S. media have proclaimed to be a man more inventive than Edison, makes much-praised electric cars — but Tesla ended 2014 with another loss after selling only 17,300 vehicles in a market of 16.5 million units, claiming a share of 0.1 percent of the U.S. car market. Obviously, it will take many years before Tesla becomes anything but a market curiosity.” That is the energy supply-side, on the demand-side of the environmental coin is green consumption. As consumers, we are very familiar with this. We have been encouraged for years to buy more energy efficient lightbulbs, cars, and appliances. This doesn’t require any fundamental changes to our lifestyles, we just need to shop at different places and pay attention to different marketing tactics. Efficiency is the name of game in green products. Again, analysis reveals that reality clashes with intuition and common-sense. Increases in efficiency are negated by accompanied the increases in consumption, known as the Jevons paradox. For example, as illustrated in this Nature blog article, efficient light bulbs have lead to increased usage. Any gains in efficiency have been overcome by increased consumption. Let’s take clothing as another example. Who doesn’t love the latest trend of green fashion. Even mainstream manufacturers like H&M have jumped on the bandwagon with its Conscious Collection brand.

Almost 10 years later, it’s clear that it is not “achievable.” However, the myth that the energy grid can be quickly overhauled into a renewable system persists. Just back in 2011, President Obama pledged get 1 million electric vehicles out on the road — a plan which was abandoned in 2013.

However, even these environmentally conscious options still require immense resources to produce. For example, take Tencel, a material which uses less water than some types of cotton to produce, and could therefore be marketed as a “green” fabric. Compared to a cotton t-shrit which requires over 700 gallons of water to produce, a Tencil t-shirt requires only 15 gallons of water. An improvement, to be sure.

Sadly, these claims fail to acknowledge the reality of the situation, and the history which explains the reality. As they say, those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it.

However, with over 2 billion t-shirts produced per year, 15 gallons of water per t-shirt is still outrageous, especially considering the looming global crisis of water scarcity.

It is not the first time that industrialized societies have attempted to undergo a large energy transformation. Vaclav Smil, Bill Gate’s favorite scientist, conducted an analysis to understand the amount of time such a transformation would take,

Where is the call to buy less or buy secondhand t-shirts? After all, buying a secondhand t-shirt, or no t-shirt, over a Tencel t-shirt would save 15 gallons of water, not to mention the energy and transport invested into manufacturing the product.

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Lowering consumption is what we should all be focusing on, and there is a good reason why we are not. In an economy predicated on growth, we are required to continue our consumption at every-increasing rates. Hence the focus on green consumption and renewable energies, both of which do not challenge the fundamental paradigms of how we live. But as long as we live on a planet with ecological limits, it is clear that our consumer-based capitalist economy is simply impossible. Year after year, industrialized countries continue to increase their consumption. This year, the Worldwatch Institute—an environmental research organization based in Washington, D.C—reported that humanity has reached new peaks in production and consumption. From meat, to plastic, to coffee, to cars, we are gobbling up more of the earth than ever. There are limits, and these limits are not metaphorical. In fact, we have a defined carbon budget handed to us by the UN International Panel on Climate Change. This is limit of the amount of carbon that we can still consume while still staying within 2 degrees Celsius of warming (arbitrary deemed as a ‘safe’ amount of warming by the IPCC). With our current rates of consumption, we are due to deplete this budget entirely in 15-25 years. To stay within the budget, industrialized nations must decarbonize their economies by 8-10% per year. In the past, emission decreases of just 1% per year have only occurred during economic recessions. A renewable energy grid, as mentioned earlier, will

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likely take much longer than 15-25 years to roll out. What does all of this point towards? That we must radically decrease our consumption and shrink the economy, what academics have called entering into a degrowth economy. This means less meat, less clothing, less driving, less traveling — less of all of the consumer behaviors we have been accustomed to of modern life. Resulting job losses can be addressed by sharing jobs between people and all having all essential services subsidized or covered by the state, such as housing and health care. There will be less material wealth. In a shrinking economy, there will be less of everything to go around — except for time. Consuming less means that we are producing less — which means we are working less as well. With this time and freedom, perhaps humanity will choose a drastically different course than it has been choosing over it’s entire existence. Instead of linking success to the ever-increasing accumulation of wealth and status, our main concerns will involve relationship, mental and spiritual development. We we’ll get the chance to rediscover true community through sharing and collaboration. It’s a lifestyle that involves buying secondhand goods, eating a more plant-based diet, walking more, growing food, and composting. It means more experiences instead of possessions, more homecooked meals instead of restaurant meals.

Progress will no longer by measured by increasing GDP. We will have to find different ways of judging advancement, perhaps something like the Gross National Happiness instituted by Bhutan since 1971. If this suggestion seems radical, it’s because it is radical. However, there are very few non-radical solutions to address the climate disaster we are facing in only a few short decades. We need to start the transition towards a civilization of voluntary simplicity today. Not only through political action pushing our politicians to impose taxes on carbon, but also in our own lives. Doesn’t sound all that bad right? Regardless of if it does or not, it will happen. Whether it will be a peaceful transition into minimalism, or a catastrophic throw into poverty is our decision. And we should make the right decision while we still can.

Assya, Contributor for The Link Canada, is a freelance writer and blogger at greenhighfive.com, where she writes on minimalism and how to live a greener life. She also runs a 7-day email course which teaches you how to avoid buying new items, and live off secondhand goods instead.

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

HAVE MY BACK WRITTEN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIDA AHMAD

You know that feeling upon entering a room and realizing that you were just being spoken of ? Everyone has experienced this moment. The real question is however: should we only be feeling this way or do we perhaps make others feel this way too? I remember as a teenager in high school the constant affair of fellow students was up for discussion. Society had molded such conversation into something both acceptable and encouraged it as a discussion even among my few Muslim friends. I never quite understood this — how can an individual feel it is acceptable to denounce other’s appearance, personality traits and even life-style choices? Perhaps this is the reason I was continuously pushed away from the individuals I grew up with. I felt I had no sense of connection because I was not interested in the discussion of people to the degree they were. It felt as if girls were obsessed with the topic of other girls.

for my own need for companionship or a solution to problems in social circles. University was when I was first exposed to an Islamic environment that allowed me to integrate myself more into my local Muslim community. This was when I first truly saw the respect and integrity my fellow Muslims held for one another. The evil of gossiping was apparent, when someone or their affairs were brought up as a topic it was quickly hushed.

“Do not concern yourself with things about which you have no knowledge. Verily, your hearing, sight, and heart — all of them will be called to account” (Quran 17:36)

I applied to the best of my ability the known principle of “If you cannot say something good, say nothing at all.” Which our own Prophet (pbuh) encouraged: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (or insult) his neighbor…” (Sahih Bukhari: Volume 8, Book 76, Number 482).

I was witnessing a side of humanity that inspired a sense of hope and for friendships within me. The companionships that nourished over the test of years are those that not only respect each other’s differences but also bond over common morals. I felt if I was to unify myself with individuals who practiced such principles I would have nothing but contentment in my heart upon entering the room with them. I was right. The exposure to good character and manners allowed me to grow on many different levels. There were also instances of falling short of my growth and realizing I needed others to fall back on. Alhumdulilah (Praise be to God), I now understood that I had a safe haven of individuals to turn towards with morals that would not judge.

Unfortunately, my silence kept me disconnected and so I drifted. Upon entering University I came to learn that this was not the solution; not

A foundation had been set but at this point I must turn inwards and wonder what it is that I am doing to prevent such behaviour with others. The

44 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

OPINION / SPIRITUALITY

first call to action is to focus on our behaviour in both conversations — online and in our minds. We cannot fall short by forgetting that Allah swt is All-Hearing and All-Seeing. We must not engage in such conversation and turn the other cheek when confronted with various forms of gossip.

“If they hear gossip, they walk away” (Quran 28:55) The need to realize that allowing ourselves to review another individual’s life and perhaps mock or assume of them is incorrect. If we ourselves do not stand against injustice how is it that we can expect others to stand for us?

“O you who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others; it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former). Nor let some women laugh at others; it may be that the (latter are better than the (former). Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames. Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed. And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong” (Quran 49:11) Assumption is a form of poison that seeps into our being from the shaytan; it can be disastrous for relationships, friendships and especially brotherhood. Suspicion will reduce trust and commitment between various bonds weakening the strength of our community. Each reminder

that the Holy Quran entails has a higher level of consideration and resolve of benefit for the Muslim Ummah as a whole.

“Oh you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible), for suspicion in some cases is a sin. And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? No, you would abhor it… But fear Allah. For Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful” (Quran 49:12). This last verse sends shivers down my spine. Shivers of guilt for each time I engaged in gossip or allowed gossip to occur and did not intervene on behalf of my fellow sister or brother. From these reminders and a clear understanding of the morals that Islam encompasses we can learn to not physically, mentally and socially harm others and we can grow as Muslims. It is a matter of self-control of the nafs and a sense of self building confidence which will not leave room for doubting other’s achievements. Because how can I expect another to have my back when I fall short of having theirs?

Nida Ahmad, Contributor for The Link Canada, is a Muslim Canadian Student. She is a multi-disciplinary artist who practices photography, graphic/web design and writing. She believes in capturing ideas through lenses, screens and words incorporating both imagination and emotion into one piece of artwork.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

THE INCOMPETENT DOCTOR A PERSPECTIVE ON UNHEALTHY MINDSETS WRITTEN BY SAUD INAM

46 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

OPINION / SPIRITUALITY

1) Incompetent Doctor #1: No-Cure Doctor

4) Incompetent Doctor #4: Selective Doctor

These doctors identify the symptom of the problem, but don’t offer the cure or the medicine to cure the sickness. Example of this doctor is such: A patient comes to a doctor who has a sore throat and is looking for a cure and asks the doctor for medicine but instead of offering medicine to cure the sore throat the doctor simply says: “You have a sore throat,” and when the patient asks for medicine the doctor responds again: “You have a sore throat.”

These doctors only admit healthy patients into their hospitals or clinics. They refuse treatment of any sick, ill or injured patients. They also only allow patients of the same ethnic, racial or ideological background as themselves into their hospitals and clinics.

Examples of these types of doctors: Most Muslims who blame and criticize the work and efforts of others. They often point out the problem or problems but don’t offer solutions.

Examples of these types of doctors: Some masjid boards, some imams, and ethnocentric organization leadership that caters to only a specific ethnic, racial or cultural demographic. Another example are ethnocentric Muslim Americans and ethnocentric Muslim parents who deny cross-cultural marriages from occurring due to the difference in culture of either the girl or the boy.

2) Incompetent Doctor #2: Dr. Blame-the-Victim

5) Incompetent Doctor #5: Apathetic Doctor

These doctors see the sickness or the injury and instead of solving or fixing the problem they blame the patient (victim). Example of this doctor is such: A patient comes to the doctor with a large cut on their arm that is bleeding profusely, instead of attending to the bleeding arm the doctor blames the patient for getting the cut in the first place and when the patient asks the doctor to stop the bleeding the doctor continues to criticize and bash the patient’s life decisions, lifestyle or religious or ethnic background.

These doctors went to the best medical schools in the country. However, these doctors see neither the problems, symptoms or cures for any illnesses or injuries. Every patient that walks into the hospital or clinic in the eyes of the doctor is in the best of health and is not in need of any medical attention.

Examples of these types of doctors: Some imams, community members, and ethnocentric Muslim parents who look at cases of domestic violence or any other crimes as a problem of the victim and not of the criminal.

Now that we’re aware of the different mindsets we should all look within ourselves to see if any of our actions, ideas, or world views match the above mindsets. If we continue to look at the world in our own limited ways we will not allow ourselves and our communities to prosper and grow. Unfortunately, these mindsets may lead us to abandon, boycott, hate and despise one another.

3) Incompetent Doctor #3: My-Way-Or-the-Highway Doctor

As someone who’s been involved with the MuslimAmerican community at various levels — both national and grassroots — I’ve experienced a diversity of mindsets first-hand that many in the Muslim-American community have. I’ve categorized them into five mindsets — and when talking to people about these mindsets I like to give the analogy of incompetent doctors. Hence when it comes to addressing problems facing the world most of us are either one of the 5 types of incompetent doctors:

These doctors neither see the problems or the cures, but is so consumed in his/her specialty/focus area that they deny the existence of other forms of medical practice and other specialties and focus areas. These doctors think that their specialty and focus area is the only type of medical practice and is the only cure for all problems. This doctor shames, mocks, and character assassinates any doctors who disagree with him or her or have different focus areas or specialties. An example of this doctor is such: A patient comes to a pulmonologist and the patient complains of chest pains and is exhibiting symptoms of a heart attack, instead of telling the patient to an ER the pulmonologist begins running tests on the patient’s lungs and gives the patient and inhaler. When the patient considers going to the ER to seek medical attention, the pulmonologist says that the cure for all medical problems is pulmonology and that other forms of medical practice are all incorrect and that all doctors who practice other forms of medicine are liars and practice the wrong form of medicine. Examples of these types of doctors: Groupies of imams/scholars/sheikhs, the political activist, and a large number of Muslims in general who stick to their world view as if it’s a matter of life or death.

Examples of these types of doctors: Some youth, some young professionals and some ethnocentric Muslims who could care less about the problems of the world and the communities in which they live.

This is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing as Muslims and as a community. Not only is it against our Islamic beliefs, morals and values, but it simply is not smart strategically if we are as a community to gain our place in the societies in which we live. If we continue to look at the world with our own strict world views and not humble ourselves (and not reflect upon our own weaknesses and flaws) we will continue to bicker and hurt not only ourselves but our community. Our egos are not more important than the Truth. We must rid ourselves of our intellectual arrogance and learn to see other world views without hating the person we’re disagreeing with. We must learn to disagree with adab (manners). Moral of the story? Don’t be an incompetent doctor — be an excellent one who saves the lives of others for the sake of Allah alone. Bismillah. Saud Inam, Senior Correspondent for The Link Canada, is a Muslim American activist, blogger, strategy & management consultant, and social entrepreneur who has helped develop and organize non-profit organizations and small businesses nationally and internationally. He is always on the lookout for ways to help serve others. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

A LETTER TO

MOTHERS WITHOUT PARTNERS WRITTEN BY ASMAA HUSSEIN

In the first nine months of my daughter’s life, she was a very needy baby. I hardly had any sleep and her constant fussing drove me up the wall. I could barely hold on to my sanity while taking care of one little baby, with my husband’s help. I remember thinking that single-parents must be superhuman or something. And then I became a single parent and I understood just how plainly human they (we) are. I’m writing this because I’m tired of waiting for scholars or people of knowledge to talk about how to be a good parent when you’re a single parent. They barely acknowledge that we exist, and those who do speak about single parenthood make it sound like the worst thing in existence, as though our children can only turn out to be mediocre people (at best). Without any regard for our circumstances, they often insist that we must immediately partner-up so we can be a whole family again. I’m not writing this letter for single moms because anyone else needs to read it. I’m writing this letter because I need to read it: First, know that you are just human. When your body feels like it is going to break because of exhaustion and when your heart feels like it can’t simultaneously house the feelings of love, pain and stress – know that you are just human. It’s okay to be frayed. It’s okay to not always be able to relate to other parents who live in nuclear families. Sometimes it’s okay to not ask for help. But it’s also okay to ask for support from your friends and families. It doesn’t make you weak, it just makes you human. And that’s what you already are.

48 FALL 2015 | THELINKCANADA.CA

You are not a superhuman being, and you don’t need to be. Allah (swt) created you as a human knowing that humans often do not realize their own strength… When Prophet Muhammad (saw) lost his beloved son Ibrahim, he held is small body in his arms and said “The eyes send their tears and the heart is saddened, but we do not say anything except that which pleases our Lord. Indeed, O Ibrahim, we are bereaved by your departure from us.” Then he turned his face towards the mountain before him and said, “O mountain! If you were as sorrowful as I am, you would certainly crumble into pieces! But we say what Allah has ordered us…” The human heart is just a small, fragile piece of flesh. We are fascinated by superhuman features in stories and movies because we think these characteristics would make us better and more capable creatures. But with faith and patience, our hearts and bodies are able to carry the kinds of weight and pain that would cause a mountain to disintegrate. Your steep mountain of pain and longing and sleepless nights are not unknown to Allah. Glad tidings from a Lord who is Generous and Kind and who will not allow a single deed of a believer to go to waste. Every moment you carry your child, feed her, clothe her, teach her, drive her around, discipline her and endure her difficult words and actions, you are being rewarded. When you hide in the bathroom and cry because you are angry and upset but you don’t want your child to see, or when you are so frustrated you almost raise your hand to strike

your child but you stop yourself because you want to be merciful – then, glad tidings from a Lord who is more merciful than you. When you are faced with people who don’t understand why you can’t seem to get your children to bed on time, or potty train them at lightning speed, or help them get exactly perfect scores in every subject – glad tidings from a Lord who understands while others do not. Glad tidings to you from a Lord who multiplies the good deeds of His servants. And if you are carrying the weight of two parents, even though your legs are about to buckle from the pressure and your voice is getting permanently hoarse from speaking and teaching and asking and reprimanding…Allah (swt) will surely multiply your deeds in a way you cannot quite imagine. And there’s something else. Whether you are a single parent by choice or not, you have become an opportunity for others to get closer to Allah (swt). If you are a widow raising orphans, those who are kind and supportive to you and your children will have their reward with Allah: The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (i.e. one striving) in the cause of Allah, or like he who prays throughout the night and fasts all the day.” There are also many similar narrations of those who care for orphans and how they will be in the company of the prophet in Paradise. Even if you are a single-parent by choice, those who help you are actually helping themselves: The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Shall I guide you to the best (form of ) charity? It is to

OPINION / SPIRITUALITY

provide for your daughter when she (returns) to you (because of divorce or other circumstances) and has no one but you to provide for her.” Not only will Allah (swt) multiply your righteous deeds in caring for your children, but your family has now also become a potential source of good and reward for your extended family and entire community. You are entitled to having their help when you need it. Whether or not the people around you realize this is a different story. And if they don’t realize it, then seek the help of Allah (swt). If He helps you, no one can bring you down. Finally, be where you are. You are parenting alone right now and unfortunately a lot of people who write and teach about parenting don’t understand this concept. They don’t want you to be where you are. They want you to be where they think you should be: in a nuclear family household, at all costs. But you must be where you are. Do what you can to seek out the balance and stability and mental health that is so necessary for yourself and your children. Do what you can to be that pillar of strength for your children. Tomorrow, things might change. But today, you are here. Make here the best it can be. ___ Dedicated to Na’ima B. Robert. Original post can be found on Ruqaya’s Bookshelf, Asmaa’s blog. Find out more about Asmaa and her inspiring story on www.ruqayasbookshelf.com

This piece was written by a guest contributor for The Link Canada. If you wish to know more about how you can contribute or pitch a story, please visit our website’s Contribute page: www.thelinkcanada.ca/contribute If you wish to join The Link Canada’s official team, contact us at via the information on our contact page: www.thelinkcanada.ca/contact

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

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