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Volume 15 Issue 386 Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 AH /April 17, 2015 - $1

UN: Majority of Yemen war victims are civilians

Aid agencies have warned of a growing humanitarian crisis in Yemen as the UN says the majority of people killed in the conflict are civilians, blaming both the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels. “Over 600 people [have been] killed [in the conflict], but more than half of them are civilians. This is particularly concerning,” Ivan Simonovic, UN’s deputy secretary-general for human rights, told Al Jazeera on Monday. “So far we can say with confidence that both sides have not exercised sufficient restraint. There were some unselective targeting and we are very concerned about that.” Simonovic said it was essential not to allow “the acute crisis evolve into a chronic one”. “There is still a window of opportunity when fighting and killing in Yemen could be stopped,” he said. Nine Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia launched air strikes on Shia rebels on March 26 after

the rebels stormed the presidential palace in the capital Sanaa and put President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi under house arrest, demanding political reforms. The rebels, known as Houthis, swept into Sanaa in September and have since tried to expand their control across the country. They are fighting army units loyal to Hadi, who fled to Saudi Arabia, and are backed by security forces supporting Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen’s former president. The coalition is supported by the United States, which has supplied arms and has also carried out drone attacks against al-Qaeda fighters in Yemen. Overnight on Monday, Yemen’s main southern city of Aden saw the heaviest fighting, with medics and military forces saying at least 30 people were killed in clashes between rebels and supporters of Hadi. Humanitarian groups have struggled to Continued on pg 6

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in Tetea-tete with the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, at Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Canada on April 15, 2015.

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

E D I T O R I A L &

L T R S

Over-reacting to Pak Decision, Not Justified

Yemen is at war with itself, but the vested interests are at play exploiting the sectarian card; cashing in on the “well tailored Shiites-Sunni divide.”

The stakeholders, however, fail to realize that war is not a video game; it kills innocent civilians indiscriminately (as a collateral damage). In the current case, the death toll may be far higher than the UN claim of 736 killed and 2,700 injured - civilians and rebels combined since 26 March.

The problem is Yemen’s dispute has not been fully addressed at the UN level, as they deserve to exercise right of self determination and voting.

Unimaginably, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries are over-demanding, they don’t care about Pakistan’s fragile democracy, yet the fact is that the Pak Parliament has rightly passed resolution with regard to participating in the war of Arabs. When would the Arabs learn “the economically injured Pakistan” is already at war with the FATA militants, the BLA separatists and the foreign funded militancy? Despite the challenges, Pakistan confirms its willingness to protect Saudi Arabia.

Nevertheless, if Saudi Arabia is in a mood to fight the Yemeni local rebels, and if Iran arms them, there would be a huge devastation. That’s why, a UN resolution was necessary to de-escalate tensions in the MidEastern region.

Over-reaction is disappointing: The UAE minister’s implied threat to Pakistan was serious one. Pakistan parliament passed a resolution unanimously calling for maintaining neutrality in the Yemen conflict playing a proactive diplomatic role

Seven Years Ago Today By: (Imam) Syed Soharwardy Islamic Supreme Council of Canada Calgary, AB April 11,2015 7 years ago on April 11, 2008 we drove from Calgary to Halifax to start Multi Faith Walk Against Violence. We arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on April 18. I dipped my feet in the Atlantic Ocean on April 20, 2008 and started walking towards Victoria, B.C. By the Grace of Allah, in following the Sufi tradition of Islam I walked daily in rain or shine, snow or sleet, very cold or very hot weather conditions, the high mountains in Ontario and BC or flat prairies of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. I witnessed the flood of St John River in New Brunswick.

During this walk we had four bear encounters, all in Northern Ontario, and none in B.C. OR Alberta. Twice I narrowly escaped walking over camouflaged snakes in Northern Ontario, twice narrowly escaped fatal traffic accidents.

We had several Moose visits. We walked through very thick forest areas on both sides of the highway in Northern Ontario. Just going from one end to the other end of Lake Superior took almost a month long walk. In June and July mosquitos took their toll and I had to walk wearing net on my face and the upper body. At that time I realized how difficult would it be for those women who wear Burqa. Having net on my face in hot weather was very uncomfortable.

From PEI to all the way to Victoria, BC in each province people welcomed me and my volunteers with open arms but the best re-

to end the crisis inferring no Pak military involvement in Yemen as requested by Saudi Arabia. The minister warned Pakistan that it would pay a “high price” for its “ambiguous stand.” The Fact is the UAE and other Gulf countries are supporting millions of workers from countries like India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nepal, Sri Lanka etc. who outnumber Pakistani workers in almost each country in the Gulf. Yet none of these countries have been approached for military and logistic support in the current Yemen crisis.

The UAE minister needs to know Iran has a common border with Pakistan. Why would Pakistan create hostilities with another neighbor on its western border? India on its eastern border has always been hostile towards Pakistan.

It is estimated that more than three million Pakistani nationals are working in GCC countries and they are remitting about US.1.5 billion dollars per month to Pakistan. If GCC countries decided to expel all Pakistani nationals, it will cause huge economic hardship for Pakistan.

When work visas get issued, the other nations are given preference over Pakistan.

Those countries get billions of dollars in remittances from their workers, with Pakistan just getting a fraction. Pakistanis are a nation that never forgets its good friends.

The Pakistan government has not backed out and has committed that if the territorial integrity of S Arabia is threatened, it will act

ception I received was in Quebec. At that time Reasonable Accommodation Commission was hearing people’s opinions on Islam and Muslims. At that time due to the media hype of anti-Muslim sentiments in Quebec I was very concerned when walking through the rural Quebec. Moreover, I did not know French which made me more worried. But I was happily shocked and surprized to see how the people of Quebec welcomed me. I felt like a celebrity in Quebec.

I walked with thousands of Canadians of all faiths and no faith. We were invited in many homes and Churches. Hundreds of ordinary Canadians walked with me for short distances. I had the opportunities to talk to them, answer their questions and explain to them what Islam is all about and what Muslims believe in. The walk was very well covered in the media especially by the CBC. The closing ceremony in Victoria was organized by the local interfaith group. I am extremely grateful to all the volunteers who drove the motorhome, cooked food and helped, and above all gave me their company. I cannot thank Linda Zachri enough. She worked day and night to plan my route and coordinate with the local church groups and authorities. She did a fantastic job.

Without the volunteer drivers from Montreal, Toronto and Calgary I could not have done this walk. May Allah bless all of them.

We did receive some token financial support from ordinary Canadians but most of the expenses were paid by the bank loan which I am still trying to pay off.

During almost 7 months long walk covering more than 6,500 kilometers I did not meet a single Canadian who disliked Muslims. People did have questions about Islam, Muslims, Sharia, Jihad, women’s rights, hijab, niqab, relationships with Jews and Christians, terrorism, etc... By the Grace of Allah I answered their questions and they left satisfied.

I saw Canada on feet. There is no country like Canada and there are no people like Canadians. God keep Canada safe glorious and free.

Saudi and Iran proxies and some others from amongst the various warring factions are aggressively active for certain purposes including winning sphere of influence.

Pakistan is genuinely trying to bring a peaceful solution to the crisis through diplomatic means, a move that should be appreciated.

The Saudis have been re-assured by pointing out that it was a strategic ally: That Pakistan was committed to the sanctity of the two Holy Mosques and Saudi sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability; and that Pakistan would stand by the Saudis. Pak Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the territorial security of its allies while stressing for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the Yemen conflict. Of course, Pakistan will respond to “friends’ genuine demands,” it wants to see an end to hostilities in the region.

PM Nawaz Sharif’s “policy statement on Yemen,” was interpreted as a formal clarification after last Friday’s parliamentary resolution which provoked a hostile response from a UAE minister. Most probably, it was Pak PM’s fault who over-committed himself in his royal visit when the Saudi king himself received him at the tarmac.

Finally, the UN Security Council resolution targets Abdul Malik alHouthi and two other senior rebel leaders, Abd al-Khaliq al-Houthi and Abdullah Yahya al-Hakim, as well as Mr Saleh and his eldest son Ahmed, a former commander of the elite Republican Guard force.

Ahmed Saleh is the former com-

“How Dare They?”

The most horrendous barbaric action by AlShabab is anti-Islam and anti-Sharia.

How dare they cut throats and kill in the name of my religion ‘Islam’?

How dare they use the fake ID of Muslim committing such crimes of killing Christians?

How dare they or any other groups make fatwa changing the true Islamic Law, whether it be the religious law, the political or the law of daily way of life?

How dare they ignore the Divine Law-Sharia on fighting the aggressors or the enemies only?

How dare they ignore the teaching of the Universal Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), who ordered the safety of the Jews and Christian civilians, and crystal clear law of fighting in defense only face to face with the enemies and not to take revenge on innocents not involved in fight and has nothing to do with the crimes committed by others.

Only Allah-Creator-GOD has the right to make fatwa and to give the Law of Living Life, the legal law of Halal and nobody has a right to change it into Harraam-Illegal.

Those who oppose to HIS Legal Law, including the law of worshiping only HIM, and not any Imams or Gurus, has no right to use the trade mark titles the ID of a ‘Muslim or Islam’.

HE has made it clear: “There is no compulsion in religion”. So any kind of harassment is anti-GOD. It seems such groups are not fully aware of religion of Islam given by GOD: consequently they get blinded with rage, and plunge into evil revenge and retaliate in most inhumane evil ways lacking righteousness.

Such seems are the re-born progeny of Hitler; and Romans who tried to kill Messiah Jesus (AS), who too was sent by GOD to correct the nation, to redeem like all the other Prophets and Messengers are sent for: on a ‘Rescue Mission’.

Killing innocents in the name of Islam is antiGOD and ‘anti-Rescue Mission’.

mander of Yemen’s elite Republican Guard The embargo also applies to “those acting on their behalf or at their direction in Yemen.”

The Security Council also imposed a global asset freeze and travel ban on Abdul Malik al-Houthi and Ahmed Saleh.

The resolution demanded that the Houthis withdraw from areas they have seized, including the capital Sanaa, and resume negotiations on the democratic transition begun in 2011 when Ali Abdullah Saleh was forced to hand over power to Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi following mass protests.

Resolution was passed by 14 votes to nil.

Conclusion: Pakistani decisions through the national assembly are particularly based on national interest and aspirations to respect the nations and their integrity and sovereignty.

Arab Monarchs must understand that Pakistanis give their blood and sweat to build and maintain the Gulf States on low wages. Once there is a cease fire, the Yemeni citizens should be facilitated under the UN umbrella to vote on merit for a new government that governs for all Yemenis on equality basis.

In the interest of regional peace, Saudi Arabia and Iran must bridge the gap between them.

Pakistan’s approach to foreign policy, especially in the GCC and Middle East needs an overhaul.

Indeed, fruits of preventive diplomacy are countless.

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New Democrats advocate for protection from predatory fees on international money transfers Jane Shin, New Democrat spokesperson for multiculturalism and immigration, introduced legislation on Wednesday that would eliminate fee gouging when sending money overseas.

“A great number of hard-working British Columbians send money internationally to support their loved ones,” said Shin. “Remittances are widely used by Canadians to help out friends or family members in their home country, or who are studying or travelling abroad, and to support charities and disaster relief efforts.”

Shin’s proposed legislation, if passed, would cap fees on international remittances in B.C. at five per cent, the rate recommended by the World Bank.

Workers in Canada send roughly $24 billion in international remittances each year, and face an average fee of 15 per cent. In some cases the fees can be even higher.

“We can improve the lives of people here in B.C. and around the world simply by bringing our rules into line with recommended international standards,” Shin said.

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Waan laysa lil insaniilla ma’ sa’aa That man can have nothing but what he strives for.

Letters to the editor do not reflect the opinion of the Miracle media group. We do not publish anonymous letters or the letters of the people who do not disclose their identity to ‘The Miracle.’ A writer can use a pen name or request ‘The Miracle’ to withhold his / her identity. Please include your daytime telephone number for the confirmation of your letter. We regret the inconvenience.

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

P A K I S T A N

Saudi minister hopes Pakistan will send army to fight Houthis

Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Religious Affairs Shaikh Saleh bin Abdul Aziz has expressed the expectation that Pakistan will join the coalition of Islamic countries and send its army to fight rebels in Yemen as reported by The News. He was giving an interview to this correspondent. The interview will be aired on Geo at 7 pm today.The Saudi minister rejected all talk of mediation saying this is not acceptable in any way. He said an agreement was concluded between Ali Abdullah Saleh and Mansoor Hadi that was known as Gulf countries agreement. He said this was signed by all parties

in Yemen but Houthis violated this agreement and tried to occupy the country with the use of force. He said there was no justification to talk with the rebels who have violated international law. He said talks would be held when rebels lay down arms and return to their positions.He blamed Iran for arming the Houthis and giving them such missiles that can hit any area of Saudi Arabia including Harmain Sharifain.

He said Iran had earlier destabilized Iraq and Syria and now it is interfering in Yemen. He said Iran’s engagements have been a threat to whole the region including Saudi Arabia.

The minister said Saudi Arabia would stop this Iranian interference and crush rebellion by the Houthis in accordance with Shariah at all costs. He also expressed concern at the proposed US-Iran nuclear deal and Russian announcement of giving missiles to Iran.He said Saudi Arabia is not at war with Yemen but is siding with Yemen against rebels on its own request. He said Saudi Arabia is fighting for the sake of right against wrong. He said the Yemeni president had called an Islamic conference in Riyadh that would propose measures for peace in Yemen.The Saudi minister termed his Pakistan visit very successful. He said he met high officials here and exchanged views with them. He said Saudi Arabia always remained in touch with Pakistan and “this is something we are proud of.” He said he has taken the Pakistani government into confidence on the Yemen operation against Houthis.

COAS warns foreign states, agencies against involvement in Balochistan

The COAS visited the Southern Command Headquarters as well as the Frontier Corps Headquarters in Quetta today, according to the ISPR. General Sharif reviewed the security situation in the province and the progress of the FC operation against terrorists.

He also held meetings with Governor Balochistan, Chief Minister Balochistan and Commander Southern Command.

The COAS warned foreign states and international agencies against trying to destabilise Pakistan by supporting terrorists in Balochistan. He expressed grief on the brutal killing of poor and innocent labourers by the terrorists in Turbat, adding that the Pakistan Army will go to any length for writ of the state. He said we will unearth terrorists, their abettors, sympathisers and financers and that none of them will find any place in the country to hide.

General Sharif emphasised the need to adopt integrated approach by civil and military leadership, and law enforcement agencies for a peaceful Balochistan. He also commended

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LEAs and FC for noticeable law and order improvement and vowed to stand by the people of the province to bring peace and prosperity. He said that Frontier Works Organisation will continue working on development projects.

Later today, the COAS called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad and discussed matters related to Balochistan. Following the massacre, security was beefed up in and around Turbat. Patrolling by FC, Levies and police was also increased in town to keep a vigilant eye on the movement of suspects.

Earlier on Monday, at least 13 suspected militants belonging to the BLF were killed in a raid by security forces near Turbat. The dead militants were allegedly involved in Saturday’s gun-attack on labourers.

Turbat is considered as among the sensitive districts in Balochistan. It is also the home town of Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch.

Kashmiri leader waves Pakistani flag at rally in Srinagar

A Kashmiri leader waved a Pakistani flag at a political gathering in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-held Kashmir.

According to reports in the Indian media, Hurriyat leader Masarat Alam waved the Pakistani flag on Wednesday to greet Syed Ali Shah Geelani at the rally.

Thousands of Kashmiris attended the rally, in the restive capital of state of Indian-held Kashmir, which was held as a show of strength to welcome Geelani on his return from New Delhi.

The Times of India reported that Alam also allegedly chanted pro-Pakistani slogans during the rally. Alam was released from prison after four years on March 7 this year. Now, questions are being raised

on his release and there are widespread reactions on social media platforms, demanding his rearrest.

The 47-year-old Alam, a likely successor to Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, organised Kashmiri youth to welcome Geelani on his return from New Delhi. Alam is known to use social media to spread his views and distribute audio CDs in mosques.

India reacted furiously following the show of support for Pakistan at the Srinagar rally.

National Spokesperson Bharatiya Janata Party GVL Narasimha Rao said the act was completely unacceptable.“We expect the state government of Jammu and Kashmir, headed

by Mufti Saeed, to take cognizance of the matter,” Rao added.

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

“New Vigour, New Steps” issued by India and Canada

Canadian Prime Minister the Right Honourable Stephen Harper hosted the Prime Minister of India the Honourable Narendra Modi who is undertaking an historic bilateral visit to Canada, the first by an Indian

Prime Minister in 42 years, including Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver on 14-16 April 2015. The visit comprises extensive engagement with Canada’s political, business and academic leadership and robust interactions with the Indian diaspora. It included a call on the Governor General of Canada His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Harper met in Ottawa on 15 April 2015, and held detailed discussions to assess the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged perspectives on a range of

Senate vote paves way for congressional oversight of Iran deal

A deal reached in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, which would give Congress a final vote over U.S. negotiations with Iran, added a new roadblock to the Obama administration’s efforts to conclude a landmark nuclear deal with Iran

by June 30. Called the Iran Nuclear Review Act of 2015, the bill was unanimously passed by the 19-member Senate committee after Senators Bob Corker, R-Tenn. and Ben Cardin, D-Md., reached a compromise on its language. It would provide at least a 30-day review period after the signing of any international agreement to place limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. That review period would allow Congress to pass a resolution approving or rejecting a final deal, and President Obama would be unable to lift sanctions on Iran previously levied by Congress during that period. Many U.S. legislators have expressed concerns that they have been sidelined from the negotiating process. “Congress should have the opportunity to review this deal,” Republican House Speaker John Boehner said on Tuesday. “We shouldn’t just count on the administration, who appears to want a deal at any cost.” The House will soon debate its version of the bill. After saying for weeks that it would veto the bill, the White House indicated on Tuesday that it was now inclined to approve the amended bill after the most recent changes. That concession may indicate that the administration realized the bill had gained enough support to override a presidential veto. “Despite the things about it that we don’t like, enough substantial changes have been made that the president would be willing to sign it,” White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said on Tuesday. On April 2, the U.S. and five other world powers reached an understanding on the framework with Iran upon which the final terms of a deal must be negotiated by June 30. Regardless of a congressional review of any final deal, the timing of sanctions relief in exchange for curbs to Iran’s nuclear program remains a point of contention between Tehran and the six world powers. Negotiators will meet again on April 21 to work through those outstanding differences. Iran wants sanctions relief automatically after a deal is signed, while the U.S. and its negotiating partners have expressed desire for a phased approach, reducing sanctions slowly once international compliance with curbs on the nuclear program can be verified. The U.S. also wants sanctions on Iran to “snapback” into place automatically if Iran is determined to have violated the agreement.

President Barack Obama does not need Con-

gressional approval to negotiate with Iran, but lawmakers can significantly complicate his efforts to lift sanctions, many of which require congressional support. Proponents of a deal with Iran fear that the new bill could weaken the U.S. negotiating position by calling into question the administration’s ability to follow through on its pledges. “This bill undercuts U.S. negotiating leverage by casting as an open question whether the U.S. can honor it commitments,” Jamal Abdi, of the National Iranian American Council, said in statement. “The uncertainty the bill creates regarding U.S. ability to provide sanctions relief, combined with the backlash that it could generate in Iran to limit their negotiators’ maneuverability, could very well mean greater U.S. concessions will be necessary to secure a deal.” The biggest positive for the Obama administration in the compromise bill is that it largely limits congressional review to nuclear negotiations. Several members of Congress wanted to make a final agreement tied to changes in Iran’s foreign policy, including its support for proxy groups opposed to the U.S. in the Middle East and its antipathy toward Israel. Republicans, who have been largely skeptical of negotiations from the beginning, used the vote on the bill to put their stamp on negotiations that they have felt excluded from. “We believe it is our role to ensure that any deal with Iran makes them accountable, is transparent and is enforceable,” said Corker, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. For many Democrats, who have largely supported Obama’s negotiations, the bill gives them a way to assert their congressional authority without imperiling the substance of an eventual agreement.

“There’s no longer language in the bill tying extraneous issues (to the bill),” said Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer. “That would be a deal breaker.” Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said making a deal with Congress now will prevent challenges later on. If not for this compromise, he said, “We would go through an indeterminate period of months in which the Republican-controlled Congress would make its best efforts to prevent any implementation of the agreement.” Secretary of State John Kerry pressed the administration’s case on Monday and Tuesday in private congressional briefings, where he called for breathing room while negotiations are underway. “We hope Congress listens carefully and asks the questions that it wants,” Kerry said. “But also give us the space and the time to be able to complete a very difficult task which has high stakes for our country.”

Source: Al-Jazeera

regional and international issues of mutual interest.They noted the historic significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Canada in advancing bilateral ties to a new level marked with “Naya Utsah, Naye Kadam” – New Vigour: New Steps”. The two Prime Ministers agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Bilateral Relations Prime Minister Modi commended Prime Minister Harper for his leadership in renewing the momentum of the bilateral relationship through his visits to India in 2009 and 2012. This momentum was maintained by the Governor General of Canada’s state visit to India in 2014. The two leaders welcomed the continuing diversification, growth and deepening of bilateral relations in recent

years, rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism, tolerance, human rights and rule of law, and based on expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-topeople ties. They also agreed to hold regular discussions including on the margins of international meetings.

The leaders agreed to take concrete measures to expand bilateral cooperation in key areas including the economy, trade and investment, civil nuclear cooperation, energy, education and skills development, agriculture, defence and security, science, technology, innovation and space, culture, people-to-people ties, and regional and global issues. http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news

‘Empty words’: Donors fail to deliver pledged Gaza aid Just a quarter of the $3.5bn in aid pledged to rebuild Gaza in the wake of last summer’s devastating war has been delivered, according to a new report. The report from the Association of International Development Agencies, released on Monday, found that only 26.8 percent ($945m) of the money pledged by donors at the Cairo conference six months ago has been released, and reconstruction and recovery have barely started in the besieged coastal enclave. “The promising speeches at the donor conference have turned into empty words,” said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam, which was among the report’s signatories. “There has been little rebuilding, no permanent ceasefire agreement and no plan to end the blockade. The international community is walking with eyes wide open into the next avoidable conflict, by upholding the status quo they themselves said must change.” Operation Protective Edge, the 2014 Israeli assault on Gaza that spanned nearly two months, resulted in the deaths of 2,132 Palestinians and 71 Israelis, according to data from aid agencies. More than 10,000 homes were destroyed in the war, and thousands more were severely damaged. An estimated 17,500 families remain homeless. After Israel and armed Palestinian groups agreed on a ceasefire, international donors met in Cairo in October 2014, where more than $5bn in aid was pledged. Of this, $3.5bn was earmarked for Gaza, while the rest was intended to provide support for the Palestinian government in general, including programmes in the West Bank. The report notes that while some damaged buildings in Gaza have been repaired, almost no large-scale reconstruction projects have started, and no permanent housing has been rebuilt. Some international donors have been hesitant to disburse their reconstruction pledges due to the tense relationship between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, who have bickered over control

of Gaza’s border crossings. The plethora of other crises in the region, which also require donor attention, has further stalled the delivery of aid, the report noted. “The paradox is that the lack of reconstruction is exacerbating the potential for conflict,” the report stated. “By refraining from releasing funds due to fear of political instability in Gaza, donors are entrenching divides that heighten instability.” The report contains a number of recommendations, including for all parties to immediately resume negotiations for a long-term ceasefire, for donors to make good on their Cairo conference pledges, and for Israel to lift its ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip. Fikr Shalltoot - the Gaza director of Medical Aid for Palestinians, which was among the 46 signatories to the report - noted that the situation on the ground in Gaza has become dire.

“The people who lost their houses are losing their privacy, their dignity and their patience... The fear of the future has become a dominant feeling for the majority of people in Gaza,” she told Al Jazeera. Mouin Rabbani, a Middle East analyst who specialises in the Israel-Palestine conflict, said that absent international aid, the Gaza Strip will remain unable to provide for the basic needs of its residents. “Israel, the West, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority have transformed the Gaza Strip into an isolated, blockaded and entirely aid-dependent territory,” Rabbani told Al Jazeera, noting the ongoing siege of Gaza is of graver concern than the failure of donors to deliver promised aid. “The Gaza Strip is in urgent need of both humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, but it is important to recall that this remains a fundamentally political rather than developmental challenge,” he said. “As such, the most urgent Palestinian priority has been, and remains, national reconciliation and the reconstruction of a coherent, dynamic, credible and effective national movement.”

Source: Al-Jazeera

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

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6 N A T I O N A L & I N T Harper’s tough-on-crime House prices resume climb in hot spring agenda dealt a legal selling season blow by SCC Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

The Supreme Court of Canada dealt the Harper government’s tough-on-crime agenda a serious blow Tuesday by striking down a law requiring mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes. The 6-3 ruling, penned by Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, said the statute was unconstitutional as it upheld a 2013 Ontario Court of Appeal ruling that labelled the law cruel and unusual. The court said the mandatory minimum sentence could ensnare people with “little or no moral fault” and who pose “little or no danger to the public.” It cited as, an example, a person who inherits a firearm and does not immediately get a license for the weapon. “As the Court of Appeal concluded, there exists a ‘cavernous disconnect’ between the severity of the licensing-type offence and the mandatory minimum three-year term of imprisonment,” McLachlin wrote for the majority. Justice Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement that the government will review the decision to determine “next steps towards protecting Canadians from gun crime and ensuring that our laws remain responsive.” “Our government will continue to be tough on those who commit serious crimes and endanger our communities.” McLachlin also took aim at the government’s core justification for tough sentencing laws, which it says is to keep Canadians safer. “The government has not established that mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment act as a deterrent against gun-related crimes,” she wrote. “Empirical evidence suggests that mandatory minimum sentences do not, in fact, deter crimes.” Eric Gottardi, head of the Canadian Bar Association’s criminal justice section, applauded the ruling because he said there is no solid evidence that stiffer sentences deter crime. “In a climate where almost every law that is coming out of the government in the past 10 years has had some kind of mandatory minimum sentence attached to it, it is a pretty strong message to the government that their internal checks for what is constitutional clearly aren’t working.” The case was focused on gun crimes, and will not affect other mandatory minimum sentencing laws on the books for possession of marijuana plants, sexual assault, child pornography and fraud and theft, Gottardi said. Gannon Beaulne, a Toronto lawyer who has writ-

ten in favour of mandatory minimum sentences, said the Supreme Court overstepped its jurisdiction, which is becoming a pattern. “The rule of law is aided by any legislative policy that makes it easier to determine what sentence you’re facing,” he said. “It impinges on Parliament’s jurisdiction to have a court of this country step in and erode that jurisdiction.” Justice Michael Moldaver echoed that sentiment in the dissenting minority opinion. “In my view, sending our elected representatives back to the drawing board... would impede the goals of deterring and denouncing the unlawful possession of deadly weapons and keeping them out of the hands of those who would use them as instruments of intimidation, death, and destruction,” Moldaver wrote. The ruling struck down both the three-year mandatory minimum for a first offence of possessing a loaded prohibited gun, as well as the five-year minimum for a second offence. The new gun sentencing rules were enacted in 2008 as part of a sweeping omnibus bill introduced by the federal Conservatives.

The Ontario and federal governments argued the move was an effort to combat a serious danger posed by the proliferation of handgun possession cases. In one of the appeals at issue, a young Toronto man with no criminal record was sentenced to three years after pleading guilty to possession of a loaded firearm. The judge said that without the mandatory minimum, he would have sentenced Hussein Nur to two-and-a-half years. In the second case, Sidney Charles pleaded guilty to firearms offences after he was found in his rooming house bedroom with a loaded and unlicensed semi-automatic handgun. He was sentenced to five years because he had two previous convictions. While the justices said the law is too broad in a general sense, they said the sentences were fitting in the two cases at issue. The Supreme Court has clashed with the Conservative government on several key policies, although it recently sided with Ottawa over the destruction of gun registry data, which Quebec sought to preserve. That win for the Conservatives came after several losses at the Supreme Court.

Source: CTV News

Canadian resale home prices were up 4.7 per cent across Canada in March, according to Teranet, with only two cities – Winnipeg and Ottawa-Gatineau — reporting a drop in prices compared to March 2014. The Teranet housing index showed prices rose an average of 0.3 per cent in the month, with eight of the 11 metropolitan areas surveyed marking rising prices. The figures mark the strong beginning to the spring house-buying season, with the months between March and May traditionally seeing the largest number of home sales. This spring consumers are benefiting from low mortgage rates and competition for the mortgage business. Last week, Meridien, Ontario’s largest credit union, offered an 18-month fixed term mortgage rate of 1.49 per cent, the lowest in living memory. Variable rate mortgages start at around 1.95 per cent, according to RateSpy At the end of March, BMO dropped its fixed five-year rate to 2.79 per cent, prompting TD Bank to match those terms and kicking off a rate war among the big banks. But cheaper mortgages may be helping to boost home prices, especially in markets with tight supply such as Toronto, Vancouver and Hamilton, which lead in year over year price rises for resale homes. In Hamilton,

prices were up 8.4 per cent, in Toronto, 7.6 per cent, and in Vancouver, 5.3 per cent. Even Calgary house prices are 4.4 per cent higher than a year ago and up 0.2 per cent on the month, despite layoffs in the oil patch which had driven prices down earlier in the year.

However, price acceleration in Calgary has decelerated from the nine per cent average seen last year. TD Bank analyst Admir Kolaj said the deceleration in home price growth seen in the last four months has ebbed, in part because of lower rates. But he expects prices will continue to moderate later in the year.

“While price growth in Calgary and Edmonton have remained in positive territory, we still expect home prices in commodity-dependent housing markets such as Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador to decline by three to severn per cent over the course of 2015,” he said in a note to investors.

Meanwhile, prices in Ontario and British Columbia should stay strong, he said. The wild card is what the Bank of Canada does with interest rates — if there is another rate cut, that could mean even lower mortgage rates and even more Canadians rushing to get into the market while mortgages are cheap.

Source: CBC News

UN: ‘Majority of ...... Continued from Page 1 bring aid into the country and said on Monday the situation in Aden was deteriorating rapidly. “Shops are closed. We have a problem of food,” said Marie-Elisabeth Ingres, the Yemen representative of Doctors without Borders (MSF). Metaz al-Maisuri, an activist living in Aden, said basic services had stopped and there had been a “mass exodus” of civilians from the city. “Schools, universities and all public and private facilities have been shut due” to the violence, he told the AFP news agency. “Residents’ lives have become very difficult and complicated... They can no longer obtain the food they need,” he said. “We are unable to leave our houses to buy what we need because of the Houthi snipers,” said Adwaa Mubarak, a 48-year-old woman in Aden. Afzal Ashraf, a consultant fellow at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, told Al Jazeera that the Saudi-led coalition faced a dilemma over getting their military on the ground as air strikes alone would not achieve the coalition’s aims. “The situation is very confused not just for us, observers, but also for people on the ground. And it

will remain that way until we get ground forces in,” said Ashraf. “This is the problem that the Saudi-led coalition is facing.

They want to avoid ground forces, but they can’t make any meaningful change on the ground using air strikes alone.” Meanwhile, in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Yemen’s Prime Minister Khaled Bahah was sworn in as vice president at the country’s embassy in front of exiled Hadi, a day after his appointment, in a move welcomed by Yemen’s Gulf neighbours. Mohammed Abdel Salam, a Houthi spokesman, denounced the appointment of Bahah in televised comments on a pro-Houthi channel. He said that the Houthi group will not recognise decisions promulgated by Hadi and that anything pertaining to the country’s politics should be decided upon through dialogue within the country.

UN special envoy for Yemen Jamal Benomar has been urging the parties to come to a negotiated settlement. Saleh has also called for a UN-sponsored dialogue.

Source: Al-Jazeera

7

Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

F A I T H Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.

By: Nasmira Firdous When I was given this topic, I started mentally rewinding all the series and lectures, books or articles I had heard/read about khushoo and its importance in salah. However, what I soon realized was that it didn’t matter how much I read or how many lectures I listened to, the effect of having khushoo only lasted for a few prayers and was not a consistent element in my salah.

For those who are not really sure what khushoo is, its most often translated as sincerity and concentration during salah, where you focus only on speaking with your Creator and not getting distracted by worldly affairs.

A famous speaker portrayed a very powerful and beautiful definition of khushoo. He said khushoo is a feeling when your limbs and mind become numb, when you can’t think or hear about anything else around you because you are standing in front of the King, the Master and speaking to Him. He referred to this numbness as something similar to what students would go through if they were summoned in front of the Principal’s office: the fear in their hearts and the numbness that engulfs their mind for a split second Sadly, there have been instances when I rush through the salah and sometimes even forget if I am praying the 3rd rakat or the 4th one! In trying to figure out where I was going wrong repeatedly, I narrowed down on the following points, which I hope would help you to develop khushoo when you pray next time, insha’Allah.

1. Get into the groove even before prayer begins: Imagine how we would plan for a meeting or an interview. We would begin with checking if we are dressed properly, if our papers are ready and if we have perfected our speech. We would probably even repeat the speech many times over to make ourselves look prepared and confident.

Imagine the amount of pre-preparation we should undergo in order to talk in front of the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth! So, in order to focus in salah, let us prepare even before we actually start praying.

Condition your mind and nafs to get into the groove by: • Repeating after the adhaan • Reciting the dua after adhaan • Doing wudhoo with concentration • Dressing nicely! (You are presenting yourself in front of your Lord, remember?)

• And, most importantly, pray on TIME. 2. Learn something new:

Khushoo in Salah

Try learning a new short surah, or maybe even a few lines from a long surah. Recite the same after fatiha. This way, you are automatically forced to concentrate on reciting something new. In turn, you will be keeping your heart and mind vigilant. This is an extremely powerful tool to prevent your mind from wandering away into thinking about other inconsequential matters while praying.

3. Don’t steal while praying: Abu Qutaadah (may Allah subhaana wa ta’aala be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: ‘The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his prayer.’ He said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, how can a person steal from his prayer?’ He said, ‘By not doing rukoo’ and sujood properly.’”

When treating salah as a boring form of physical movement, we tend to rush through to get over with it! But, we lose the blessings of performing salah here.

While performing sujood, spend a couple of minutes extra to make dua. Bow your heart along with your body and submit to the Highest Power. Allow humility and peace to enter your heart and mind while praying rather than being worried about what meal to prepare.

While getting up from sujood, sit up straight and then go back into sujood position slowly, rather than slamming your forehead to the ground in quick succession. Feel relaxed and allow each bone in your body to feel at ease.

Salah gives you a free ticket to talk to the King of Heavens and the Earth, acknowledge the fact that it is a graceful and powerful meeting!

4. Learn the language: Well, the main reason why most of us find it difficult to concentrate in salah is because we fail to realize the magnanimity of the occasion, fail to realize whom we are speaking to and in most cases, don’t even understand what we are reciting because most of us are not native Arabs.

The best way to develop khushoo is to learn the language. If you don’t find time or means to learn Arabic, you can start by learning the meaning of the surahs that you generally recite during prayer. Try listening to the tafseers of those surahs and you will automatically realize the beauty of each letter mentioned in the Holy Book, helping you concentrate on every single word being uttered in salah, making

Names Of A l l a h (SWT) & Mohammad (PBUH) Last edition Names were

Al -Rafi name of Allah(swt) & The Tihami Mohammad(saw) name.

you crave for more, insha’Allah.

5. Perfect your relationship with Allah : Allah says, “… and establish prayer for My remembrance” [Surah Taha 20:14] This is the Lord, the All Mighty, All Powerful asking us to pray so that we remember Him. Is there any instant when we forget our own families or kids? Now, how is it that we forget the Creator, the one who created our families and kids?

You might be wondering why I am talking about perfecting our relationship with Allah subhaana wa ta’aala on the same lines as that of khushoo. Ever noticed how close we get with friends when we get to know them better? A phone call or an online chat with them becomes more important than anything else. Imagine how much more engrossed we would be if we could develop the same kind of relationship (if not more) with our Lord ?

Start thinking about Allah subhaana wa ta’aala throughout the day and it will be easier to talk to Him when you are given 5 chances to do so. Take the first step, and He will come running towards you!

6. Defeat Satan: “Then I (Satan) will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].” [Surah Al-A’raf 7:17] Satan has promised to annoy us and take us away from the straight path. We are given a challenge here to submit ourselves to our Lord and not let the Satan win. Salah is probably the most perfect time for Satan to distract us and he does end up succeeding on more occasions than one. Suddenly, an unfinished work seems more important and his whispers start getting louder. Crush the satanic whispers from within.

Stay away from haram, do not waste ‘free’ time, read beneficial books and do not make your mind a piece of meat for the Satan to devour upon. Keep Satan at bay when you are not praying and you will automatically be successful in cutting out his whispers while praying insha’Allah.

7. Diversify your dua list: Most of the time, we end up asking the same set of duas with an added ‘demand’ here and there according to the situation we are in. Notice how

we always have something new and exciting to share with our friends everyday? But, why is it that we tell the same stuff everyday to our Lord? Speak to Him with zeal, enthusiasm and humility. Start diversifying your dua list. Increase your time in sujood and make dua, don’t rush to finish tasleem and walk out. Ask dua constantly to increase khushoo levels.

8) Want to be successful?

Here’s how:“Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive (khaashi’oon)” [Surah Al-Mu’minun 23: 1-2] In the above verses, Allah subhaana wa ta’aala says those who have attained khushoo (khaashi’oon) are indeed successful. He doesn’t call them religious, He calls themsuccessful. Notice the choice of words here? When you manage to discipline your nafs, mind and heart in front of the Highest Power, it becomes easy to discipline yourself within the boundaries of Islam while dealing with worldly matters too, making you successful here and in the Hereafter!

Know that you’ve experienced a small percentage of khushoo when: • You can only hear the words which you are uttering to our Lord, • When external noises are muted, • When every single worry in your heart ceases to exist, • When the beauty of Allah’s Mercy and the magnanimity of talking to Him subhaana wa ta’aala fills your heart with awe, so much so that you don’t want to complete your prayer and let the beautiful meeting end, • When your limbs get soaked in numbness, • When you feel sad that your meeting and oneon-one conversation with Allah subhaana wa ta’aala is coming to an end during the last rakat, • And, when you cry (without feeling embarrassed that someone might see you), making you yearn for the next salah!

May Allah subhaana wa ta’aala make us of those who are successful. May Allah subhaana wa ta’aala make us of those who are the chosen ones in His eyes. May Allah subhaana wa ta’aala allow our hearts to taste the sweetness and beauty of this blessed religion. May Allah subhaana wa ta’aala make us of those who develop khushoo in every single prayer we are allowed to perform until our last breath! Ameen.

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver April 17-May 1, 2015 Jamadi ul Thani 28- Rajab 12, 1436H Date

Day

Fajar

28 17 Fri 29 18 Sat 30 19 Sun *Rjb 1 20 Mon 2 21 Tue 3 22 Wed 4 23 Thu 5 24 Fri 6 25 Sat 7 26 Sun 8 27 Mon 9 28 Tue 10 29 Wed 11 30 Thu 12 May 1 Fri

4:12 4:09 4:06 4:03 4:01 3:58 3:55 3:52 3:49 3:46 3:44 3:41 3:38 3:36 3:33

Sunr

6:15 6:13 6:11 6:09 6:07 6:05 6:03 6:01 6:00 5:58 5:56 5:54 5:52 5:51 5:49

Zawal

Dhuhr

1:16 1:16 1:16 1:16 1:15 1:15 1:15 1:15 1:15 1:14 1:14 1:14 1:14 1:14 1:14

1:21 1:21 1:21 1:21 1:20 1:20 1:20 1:20 1:20 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1:19 1: 19

Asar

Maghrib

Isha

20:16 20:17 20:19 20:20 20:22 20:23 20:25 20:26 20:28 20:29 20:31 20:32 20:34 20:35 20:37

21:46 21:48 21:50 21:52 21:54 21:57 21:59 22:01 22:03 22:05 22:07 22:10 22:12 22:14 22:16

18:01 18:02 18:03 18:04 18:05 18:06 18:07 18:07 18:08 18:09 18:10 18:11 18:12 18:13 18:14

For such Prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times: Quran ,n 4:103 Source: BCMA

8

Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

LL O OC CA A LL

Mufti Aasim invites Media and Community Members On April 3, The founder of Al- Ihsan Foundation called a On April 3, the founder of Al- Ihsan Foundation called a meeting of community members and local media at his centre located at 129 St x 76th Ave Surrey. Among the attendees were al-Ameen, Community Times Canada, Sohni Dharti of Pakistan and Miracle Media Group editors, the BCMA Surrey branch board members, PCA & PCCA current and past presidents, former Muslim School Trustee of Surrey Board, current and past Al-Ihsan students and many community members.

Mr. Basharat Ali opened the floor and told the purpose of this gathering. Mr. Saleem Sheikh described the current auditor financial report and his own family members’ experiences during study in Al- Ihsan Foundation under the guidance of Mufti Aasim.

After that Mufti Aasim Rashid explained all the details of this Islamic institution programs which can be found at their

website). This includes •Aalim Courses • Islam Comprehensive Course •Women’s Academy •Boys’ Hifiz Academy •Girls’ Hifiz Academy •Short Courses •Weekly Programs He introduced current students of different courses and also those students who have completed their Mufti, Hafiz and Alam courses recently. He explained about the women and girls participation in all these courses. Mufti Aasim said that we take care of all students academic courses as well as Islamic courses.

He also clarified about the chaos and rumors spreading in Muslim community about Al- Ihsan Foundation financial matters. He presented thorough slide shows covering 2011 2014 time period in which all sources of income and expenditures were presented. The auditor provided these facts and figures with his approval. There is no sign of Mufti Rashid’s personal monthly salary being drawn except his trip expen-

Late Hajji Abdul Aziz Khan

Pioneers member of the BC Muslim association It has come with great sadness that Hajji Abdul Aziz Khan has passed away on April 9,. Inna lila hi wa ina ilayhi rajioon. He is remembered for his humbleness, joyful character and delightful cooking. He was born in Ba, Fiji Islands on June 25, 1926. He arrived in Canada in the early 1960s on a boat called the Oriana.

After 2 weeks of travel with a handful of other Fijians they made it across the Pacific Ocean.

He left behind his wife and 3 small children.

In Canada, he began his mission as a Canadian Muslim, he secured employment as a diesel technician and he was able to bring his family

from Fiji to Canada. The colleagues he arrived with on the Oriana came together and created what is known as the BC Muslim Association.

With this, the first mosque was established in British Columbia which today has grown into multiple beautiful masajids, chapters, and Muslim schools Masha Allah. In order to reach these achievements, he and his team went to great lengths and sacrifices to gain prosperity for the Muslim community.

We are still reminded of times when he would hire lawyers and have them accompany him to the airport and demand the release of new

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ditures for collecting funds from outside BC. He said that they have organization structure who takes care all these matters and he never interfere in financial matters , though he signs at the end as a final authority.

Mufti Aasim assured everyone, that Al Ihsan is in very good position to continue their religious services in Muslim community. He also discussed future plans and fundraising dinner schedule and volunteer duties with present members and asked their suggestions for betterment of this institute and its financial strength.

At the end few questions were raised from Media for Mufti Aasim which he replied. Mr. Jafar Bhamji asked about financial report matter, Mr. Naseer Pirzada asked about the effects of Mufti Asim ‘s resignation from BCMA and its benefit to the Al-Ihsan foundation. Mr. Tarik Kiyani asked about the organizational structure.

immigrants into the country where he also graciously provided food and shelter for them. He retired after 40 years of employment with Cullens Detroit Diesel, which gave him more time to spend on his deen and his family. We always observed that in his spare time he would be doing one of 3 things. These include reading Quran, performing Salah or making wudu. He has inspired us all to realize he was one of the few Muslims to pioneer the BC Muslim association, the masajids and the ummah which is a centerfold in our community.

He lived a life of giving for 88 years and has been married for 55 years. He is survived by his wife Mairoon Nisha Khan, three children, Arif Khan, Nasima Samut, Mehmoona Ali, 10 grandchildren, and many close loving family

and friends.

His family would like to thank the community for all their love and support from here and abroad. Courtesy by: Hassan Muhallam

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

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10 L O C A L 15th MYC Anniversary Dinner Thanks & Gratitude Jumada Al AThani 14, 1436 April 3 2015

In honour of participating and supporting the Muslim Youth Centre’s (MYC) 15th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, April 11, 2015, the MYC would like to convey our thanks and gratitude to our sponsors, all tickets’ sellers and buyers, those who gave pledges, donated funds, bought auction items, the vendors, MYC’s Self Defense class, the Qur’aan reciter, and the volunteers.

The audience was entertained by an awesome performance by the MYC’s Self Defense class.

The MYC was honored to have Sheikh Alaa Elsayed who gave an inspiring speech on “Looking out for a Hero”. The Sheikh also did the fundraising and a total of ap-

proximately $32,000 was raised.

The MYC would also like to thank Br Habeeb Alli from IDRF for a very lively and entertaining auction.

Congratulations to Br Rayyan Khan – winner of the trip to Disneyland.

Upcoming Programs: 1. Self Defense Class every Saturday from May 2, Beginners 11:30-12:15, $20/M 2.Mother/Daughter Event, May 2, 2015 @ 2 pm. This is a potluck and free admission.

3.Boys’ Soccer (ages 6-10), May 23, 2015 @ 1:30 pm - $5.

Please continue to support the MYC with any help you could possible offer.

On-going collections of non-perishable food items for needy – MYC’s project since 2000

Muslim Food Bank’s Annual Fundraising Dinner a Success

x For a while now the Muslim community in Blaine has wanted a Mosque. Due to nothing being available, Br. Aslam of Blaine provided his apartment and converted it into a musallah for the Muslim community of Blaine.

May Allah reward him for all his effort.

Due to the increase of the Muslim community in Blaine, there was a need for a proper Masjid. Br. Rizwaan Mohammed, Br. Mohammed Abdul Hai and Br. Raazin Sattar with the help of Br. Bashir Patel were in search of a proper Masjid. Finally with the blessing of Allah Subhan o’tallah a church was listed on the market in Blaine and after months of negotiation the owner finally relented to our offer of purchasing the property without any interest. The purchase price of the property is $300,000 including the closing cost.

Alhamdulillah, on the 20th of June we got the keys for the property. After a major clean-up on the weekend the committee decided to do

a small opening. Maulana Yusuf Bhola from Sacramento, California who was in Surrey for a visit heard about the mosque and suggested that right away we should open it to public to perform salah. On Monday we invited Maulana Yusuf Bhola as our chief guest and invited all the Ulema of lower mainland due to short notice most could not make it.

The first Asr salah in congregation was led

by Qari Mazar, the imam of Al-Noor Masjid.

The MC Bashir Patel welcomed the Ulema and some of the prominent people such as the trustee of BCMA, Br. Sikander Khan and the chairman of Al-Noor Masjid and Sharia counsel of B.C, Br. Suleiman Bhamji with the community of Blaine to the historical event to be a part of establishing the house of Allah. After the serving of refreshments the program was opened by a Quran Tilawat by a child of 9 years old. Qari Laher explained the responsibilities of establishing a house of Allah in English followed by

Maulana Gulam Baji explaining the same in Urdu. Followed by the chief guest Maulana Yusuf Bhola further elaborating the responsibilities now lies on the Muslim community of Blaine to make this Masjid a resourceful center. The MC thanked all for participating and the program concluded with a dua

by Maulana Yusuf Bhola followed by dinner and the Maulana leading the Maghrib salah after dinner.

The committee has a agreement with the owner that we would give deposit of $50,000 and the balance to be paid off in one year which is coming up soon. we are working with lower mainland mosque to raise $250,000 and just recently we did fundraising in Al Noor Masjid whereby we have collected with ticket sales approximately $40,000. We are really grateful to the Shura council of Masjid al Noor for helping us organize the fundraising and also to the community at large who bought tickets and

showed up with their generous support. We would also like to thanks the volunteers who helped sell tickets and support during the function. A very big appreciation to Sheikh Fazal Hassan, Imam of Bellevue Masjid.

Without his knowledge, speech, and lecture which motivated a small crowd to give generously. May Allah reward his effort.

We are looking to raise $150,000 within 2 months time.

The committee of Blaine is requesting all Muslim brothers to please donate generously and free the house of Allah from debt.

Also the committee will be doing collections from house to house in Washington and Lower Mainland, B.C. For further information please contact Br. Rizwaan Mohammed at 360-319-8342, you can mail your cheque to 495 Cherry St. Blaine, Washington 98230 or donate online at islamiccenterblaine.com

11

Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

M I D D L E

E A S T

Yemen crisis: Who is fighting whom?

Yemen is in the grip of its most severe crisis in years, as competing forces fight for control of the country.

Impoverished but strategically important, the tussle for power in Yemen has serious implications for the region and the security of the West.

Here are some key questions explained.

Who is fighting whom?

In recent months Yemen has descended into conflicts between several different groups, pushing the country “to the edge of civil war”, according to the UN’s special adviser.

The main fight is between forces loyal to the beleaguered President, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and those allied to Zaidi Shia rebels known as Houthis, who forced Mr Hadi to flee the capital Sanaa in February.

Yemen’s security forces have split loyalties, with some units backing Mr Hadi, and others the Houthis and Mr Hadi’s predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has remained politically influential. Mr Hadi is also supported in the predominantly Sunni south of the country by militia known as Popular Resistance Committees and local tribesmen.

Both President Hadi and the Houthis are opposed by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which has staged numerous deadly attacks from its strongholds in the south and south-east.

The picture is further complicated by the emergence in late 2014 of a Yemen affiliate of the jihadist group Islamic State, which seeks to eclipse AQAP and claims it carried out a series of suicide bombings in Sanaa in March 2015.

After rebel forces closed in on the president’s southern stronghold of Aden in late March, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia responded to a request by Mr Hadi to intervene and launched air strikes on Houthi targets. The coalition comprises five Gulf Arab states and Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Sudan.

What does Islamic State want with Yemen?

Why does it matter for the rest of the world?

What happens in Yemen can greatly exacerbate regional tensions. It also worries the West because of the threat of attacks emanating from the country as it becomes more unstable.

Western intelligence agencies consider AQAP the most dangerous branch of alQaeda because of its technical expertise and global reach. The US has been carrying out

operations, including drone strikes, against AQAP in Yemen with President Hadi’s cooperation, but the Houthis’ advance has meant the US campaign has been scaled back.

The conflict between the Houthis and the elected government is also seen as part of a regional power struggle between Shia-ruled Iran and Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia, which shares a long border with Yemen.

Gulf Arab states have accused Iran of backing the Houthis financially and militarily, though Iran has denied this, and they are themselves backers of President Hadi.

Yemen is strategically important because it sits on the Bab al-Mandab strait, a narrow waterway linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, through which much of the world’s oil shipments pass. Egypt and Saudi Arabia fear a Houthi takeover would threaten free passage through the strait.

How did it all get out of control?

In short, after months of tightening their hold, the Houthis have formally seized power. In January, the group said it would dissolve parliament and announced plans for a new interim assembly and five-member presidential council, which would rule for up to two years.

The move filled a political vacuum which had existed since President Hadi, the prime minister and cabinet resigned earlier that month after the Houthis placed President Hadi under house arrest and detained other leading figures.

But the Houthis are minority Shia from the north, and their declaration has not been recognised by Sunni tribesmen and southern leaders, threatening Yemen with a further descent into chaos.

President Hadi, who is recognised as Yemen’s legitimate leader by the international community, managed to escape to Aden, which he declared the de facto capital.

Who are the Houthis?

The Houthis are members of a rebel group, also known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), who adhere to a branch of Shia Islam known as Zaidism. Zaidis make up one-third of the population and ruled North Yemen under a system known as the imamate for almost 1,000 years until 1962.

The Houthis take their name from Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi. He led the group’s first uprising in 2004 in an effort to win

greater autonomy for their heartland of Saada province, and also to protect Zaidi religious and cultural traditions from perceived encroachment by Sunni Islamists.

After Houthi was killed by the Yemeni military in late 2004, his family took charge and led another five rebellions before a ceasefire was signed with the government in 2010.

In 2011, the Houthis joined the protests against then President Saleh and took advantage of the power vacuum to expand their territorial control in Saada and neighbouring Amran province.

They subsequently participated in a National Dialogue Conference (NDC), which led to President Hadi announcing plans in February 2014 for Yemen to become a federation of six regions.

The Houthis however opposed the plan, which they said would leave them weakened.

Why is Yemen so unstable?

In recent years Yemen has seen violent conflicts largely caused by underlying problems of unequal access to power and resources.

There have been six rounds of fighting be-

tween the state and the Houthis in the north; separatist unrest in the south; frequent attacks by AQAP; and power struggles between tribal and military factions.

For much of the 20th Century, Yemen existed as two separate countries - the Yemen Arab Republic (YAR) in the north and the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY) in the south. In 1990, the countries chose to unify and create the Republic of Yemen. However, southerners soon began complaining of political and economic marginalisation by the government in Sanaa, and fought a civil war in 1994 in a failed attempt to reverse the unification.

Instability and large-scale displacement, as well as weak governance, corruption, resource depletion and poor infrastructure, have hindered development in the poorest country in the Middle East.

Unemployment, high food prices and limited social services mean more than 10 million Yemenis are believed to be food insecure. Yemen profile Source:bbc.com/news/world-middle-east

Canadian Armed Forces conduct their first airstrike in Syria under Operation IMPACT

April 8, Canada’s CF-18 Hornets conducted their first airstrike in Syria since the Government’s decision to extend and expand Operation IMPACT, Canada’s military contribution to the US-led coalition against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Following the planning and coordination process conducted with our coalition partners, two Canadian CF-18s, using precision-guided munitions, were involved in an airstrike against an ISIL garrison near Ar Raqqah, Syria. A total of 10 coalition aircraft, including six aircraft from the US were involved in this airstrike.

Quick Facts • Canadian Armed Force aircrew and aircraft have safely returned to base.

• At the request of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have extended their participation in the international efforts to support the security forces in the Republic of Iraq for a period of up to twelve months until March 30, 2016, and have expanded the conduct of airstrikes against ISIL capabilities to include the territories of Iraq and Syria.

• Though this was the first airstrike in Syria since the mission expansion, it was not the first air sortie. Three previous sorties have taken place over Syria since the Government expanded the CAF’s participation in the international coalition against ISIL. Air sorties provide valuable opportunities to assess new areas of operation.

• Within the Joint Task Force-Iraq, the Air Task Force-Iraq operates three types of aircraft. The CC-150T Polaris supports coalition air assets in the region with aerial refueling. The CP-140 Auroras conducts intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions based on identified and pre-determined areas of interest. The CF-18 Hornet conducts strikes missions using precision guided munitions. Strike missions are validated through a rigorous targeting process, are authorized by our own national chain of command, and comply with the Law of Armed Conflict.

Quotes “This first airstrike under the expanded mandate demonstrates our Government’s firm resolve to tackle the threat of terrorism against Canada and to promote international security and stability. ISIL is a genocidal terrorist organization and we will deny them safe haven in the region. Canada is playing an important role in degrading ISIL’s capabilities in collaboration with the US-led international coalition.”

Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence “The CAF’s first airstrike against ISIL in Syria has been successfully completed. .

Canadians can be proud of the work that their Canadian Armed Forces are doing, and the contribution they are making to coalition efforts.”General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff.

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

S P E C I A L

Surrey to Celebrate Khalsa Day This Weekend

Final preparations are underway for the annual Khalsa Day Parade, taking place on April 18, 2015. Surrey will once again host a lively and celebratory event to commemorate one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar, the creation of the Khalsa. The Khalsa was founded to fight adversity over 300 years ago and has since continued to be at the heart of Sikh faith.

“Khalsa Saajna Divas” (Creation of the Khalsa) is celebrated worldwide to recognize the evolvement and importance of this heroic group of people.

The event has been held in Surrey for the past 16 years bringing together over 250,000 people in the largest Khalsa Day parade held outside of India. It is an occa-

sion of performance, live music, decorated floats, and food and drink compliments of local residents and businesses. The annual Khalsa Day Parade invites people of all cultures and religions to experience the joyous day, learn about the Sikh faith and savour the unique food and entertainment.

As the event date approaches, organizers would like to remind those who will be involved in the parade to refrain from using helium balloons in order to decrease air pollution post-parade. It is also reminded that parking is extremely limited near the parade route, and attendees are encouraged to travel to the event via transit.

Parade Route: The Khalsa Day Parade is scheduled to begin at approximately

9:30am at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, located at 12885 85th Avenue.

The parade will conclude there at approximately 4:00pm.

Spokesperson: Moninder Singh, Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar Main Stage Timeline: •11:00am-12:30pm - Kirtan/Dhadis (Devotional & Inspirational Sikh music) •12:30pm-1:30pm - Ceremony honouring community volunteers •1:30pm-2:30pm - Speaker series For more information about the event including the parade route visit: www. surreyvaisakhiparade.ca. To arrange an on-site interview on the day of the event, please refer to media contacts below.

We Are Closer To Our Goal Of A Department Of Peace And Need Your Support To Make It Happen

With virtually no funding and working only with volunteers, we have achieved the following milestones: •Introduction of the Department of Peace Bill in Parliament, Bill C-373 •Public hearings on the Bill in 6 cities •Endorsement of over 30 national organizations and many prominent individuals, representing over a million and a half Canadians •Chapters and representatives in 12 cities across Canada •Hundreds of presentations to MPs, NGOs and conferences •Promotion of the concept of Cities of Peace Now, we are expanding the campaign, in advance of the federal election, to reach out to all Canadians, calling for a department of peace (DoP) and to insert this idea into the national dialogue. We will vastly expand our

online tools to build the groundswell to make a DoP irresistible to politicians, because Canadians from all walks of life are fervently calling for it.

To make this happen, we are seeking $25000 to put this campaign over the top and to see a DoP created, and we need your help to do so. Please go to our crowdfunding campaign, www.dana.io/buildpeacenow , to contribute to this campaign, help make this dream a reality and earn an excellent gift in gratitude, including prints, books and a chance to win a painting from a major Canadian artist.

Canada was once at the forefront of peacekeeping, global peace initiatives including nuclear disarmament, and peace diplomacy.

Because of our increasing belligerence in the world and shunning of the UN, we can no longer use our good offices to help transform

conflict by peaceful means. It is time to return to our tradition.

At home, there are several powerful peacebuilding initiatives created by civil society - restorative justice, alternatives to violence projects, nonviolent communication, to name a few – that require greater support from government to expand their reach. A DoP would do that.

Now we are going to bomb ISIS in Syria!

The best we can expect from this is to create more death and destruction in a situation of absolute mayhem. What has happened to Canada’s role as UN peacekeeper, a Canadian innovation? Until the mid-1990’s, Canada was the largest contributor. Now there are more than 80,000 UN peacekeepers in the world and Canada’s contribution would only fill a single school bus. Yet Canadians repeatedly state, in national surveys, that peacekeeping

is Canada’s greatest contribution to the world.

Our government has decided to be a belligerent on the global stage when the best initiative of a prosperous middle power like Canada is to use our good offices in peace operations, peace diplomacy and humanitarian assistance.

Please contribute to our campaign by supporting a politics of peace, not war.

We ask you to consider your future, your children and your grandchildren, and contribute to a DoP for Canada in the interest of all Canadians. Peace is possible! Peace is practical!

Please go to www.dana.io/buildpeacenow and support this initiative.

In Peace, Furquan Gehlen, National Co-Chair Canadian Peace Initiative (CPI) Board http://www.departmentofpeace.ca/ Email: FJGHOME@YAHOO.COM

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Canada welcomes first permanent residents under Express Entry

Express Entry working to make top international talent permanent residents

April 10, Toronto Changes to Canada’s economic immigration system are proving successful in selecting people needed in Canada’s economy and giving them permanent resident status quickly. Just three months after the launch of Express Entry, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander welcomed three of the first Express Entry candidates to become Canadian permanent residents— Emma Hughes, Yaoyao (Anita) Zheng and Xin (Frank) Zhao.

Hughes is a successful candidate from Ireland who applied under the Federal Skilled Worker stream. She now works as an application scientist for EcoSynthetix in Burlington, Ontario.

Zheng and Zhao were both international students who applied under the Canadian Experience Class. Zheng came to Canada from China and in 2012 she graduated in Supply Chain Management from Humber College.

Today, she works as a dispatch logistician at DMA Logistics in Mississauga, Ontario.

Zhao also came to Canada from China as an international student and graduated in 2003 from Mohawk College in business accounting. Zhao is currently employed at Wing on New Group Canada, in Markham, Ontario.

Launched in January, Express Entry is a new way of managing applications for Canada’s key economic immigration programs. Candidates create an online profile and express their interest in coming to Canada permanently. Candidates who meet the minimum

i i are accepted d iinto the h pooll and d ranked k d criteria according to various factors, including language proficiency, education and work experience. Each is a leading indicator of one’s likelihood of integrating fully and quickly into Canadian society and making an optimal contribution to the economy.

Quick facts

•6,851 Express Entry candidates have received an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Most complete electronic applications under Express Entry will be processed in six months or less.

•International students are well placed for success under the Express Entry system because of their high education, Canadian work experience, strong official language skills and youth. They can transition to permanent residence through any of the programs under Express Entry for which they meet the requirements, including the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program or the Provincial Nominee Programs.

PM Harper Statement for National Volunteer Week from April 12 to 18, 2015

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the statement to mark National Volunteer Week, taking place from April 12 to 18, 2015: “This week is National Volunteer Week, the largest celebration of citizen participation in Canada. It provides us with an opportunity to thank and pay tribute to our volunteers for their selfless and tireless dedication and contributions.

“Every year from coast to coast to coast, millions of Canadians volunteer close to two billion hours – the equivalent of approximately one million full-time jobs – in an effort to help out family, friends, and those in need to better our neighbourhoods and communities.

Volunteers are the lifelines for our hospitals, shelters, not-for-profit organizations, and countless other parts of society that deliver important programs and services, and make a profound and lasting impact in our lives.

“Canada has been greatly enriched by the service of volunteers. That is why our Government created the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards, which every year honours the exceptional contributions of those who make

a difference in their communities. The call for the 2015 nominations for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards will be launched on April 13, 2015, and will run until June 30, 2015.

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16 S P E C I A L Timeline of the Riots in Modi’s Gujarat Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

backing of secular parties it needed to gain a parliamentary majority.

But the Ayodhya temple will remain a flashpoint, as later events in Gujarat reveal

Feb. 27, 2002 Train Fire Kills Hindu Pilgrims

For more than a decade, Indians have asked whether Narendra Modi, India’s new prime minister, could have slowed or stopped the bloody 2002 riots in Gujarat. Muslims make up about 14 percent of the Hindu-majority nation founded on a secular constitution.

Religion has been used by many parties for political gain. Following is a reconstruction of key developments before, during and after the riots.

Dec. 6, 1992 Hindus Destroy Mosque in Religious Tinderbox Tens of thousands of Hindus storm the Babri Masjid mosque in the northern city of Ayodhya, demolishing it with sledgehammers and their bare hands. They assert that the site was the birthplace of the Hindu deity Ram and was taken from Hindus in the 16th century by India’s first Mughal ruler, who built a mosque on the site.

Riots claim more than 1,000 lives, most of them Muslims, in the worst religious clashes since the nation’s bloody partition of British India in 1947.

Despite an order from India’s Supreme Court that the site remain intact, L.K. Advani, a prominent leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, or B.J.P., and the nationalist World Hindu Council, mobilizes the mob.

The incident shakes India’s secular identity, which is enshrined in its constitution. It is pivotal in the B.J.P.’s rise to power in 1998, after which it abandons its campaign pledge to build the Ram temple in order to win the

A train filled with Hindu pilgrims returning to Gujarat from Ayodhya stops in the town of Godhra, which is 40 percent Muslim and prone to religious violence. The Hindu activists had reportedly been chanting religious slogans. A scuffle begins with Muslim residents.

Within 15 minutes, Coach S-6 ignites, followed by cities, towns and villages across the western state of Gujarat.

The charred bodies of the 59 victims are displayed for the public in Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s largest city. Close aides of the state’s chief minister, Narendra Modi, who has only been in power a few months, endorse a widespread strike. These two decisions will be widely criticized as stoking anti-Muslim sentiment.

In 2005, an Indian government investigation finds that the fire was an accident and not caused by Muslims. The report is one of a number of politically competing inquiries.

Ninety-four people were put on trial ;31 were convicted, 20 given life sentences, and 11 sentenced.

Patiya, where more than 90 people are killed, and at the Gulbarg Society, a Muslim housing complex where a rumor encouraged by a World Hindu Council leader incites a mob. Muslims take refuge in the home of Ehsan Jafri, a former member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress party. While the attacks continue for more than six hours, Mr. Jafri calls a number of influential people for help, but none arrive. Sixty-nine people are killed, including Mr. Jafri, who is hacked to pieces and burned.

There are widespread allegations that the B.J.P., which leads the state of Uttar Pradesh and the national governing party, and the World Hindu Council — both part of the same Hindu nationalist family — were complicit and in some cases instigated the mobs. The party and the council both deny the charges.

The day after the train attack, for example, police officers in Ahmedabad do not arrest a single person among the tens of thousands of angry Hindus.

A top state official tells one investigation panel that Mr. Modi ordered officials to take no action against rioters. That official was murdered. Thousands of cases against rioters are dismissed by the police for lack of evidence despite eyewitness accounts.

Feb. 28, 2002 Hindu Mobs Turn on Muslims For 2005 U.S. Imposes Visa Ban on Modi Weeks Blaming Muslims for the deaths of the pilgrims, mobs of Hindus rampage, rape, loot and kill in a spasm of violence that rages for more than two months. Mothers are skewered, children set afire and fathers hacked to pieces.

About 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, are killed. Some 20,000 Muslim homes and businesses and 360 places of worship are destroyed, and roughly 150,000 people are displaced.

The two biggest massacres are in Naroda

In an unusual step, the United States imposes a visa ban to rebuke Mr. Modi for his role in the Gujarat riots. Senior American officials will not reach out to him until February 2014, when he becomes a candidate for prime minister of India.

Britain ends a 10-year diplomatic boycott of Mr. Modi in October 2012.

Sept. 30, 2010 Site of Mosque Is Divided An Indian court divides the disputed holy

site in Ayodhya, concluding a case that has languished in the legal system since 1950 and that set off riots that killed a total of 2,000 people, most of them Muslims.

Nearly 200,000 officers are deployed across Uttar Pradesh as a precaution, but the public remains calm.

Sept. 25, 2014 U.S. Court Issues Summons to Modi in Lawsuit Over 2002 Riots A day before Mr. Modi is due to arrive for a much-touted five-day visit to the United States, a federal court in New York issues summons for Mr. Modi to respond to a lawsuit that over the 2002 riots. The summons are not likely to have any concrete effect on Mr. Modi’s visit because he enjoys immunity from lawsuits as a head of state. An attorney acting on behalf of him and the Indian government can seek to have the case dismissed, leaving a judge to decide the matter in several months. The complaint names two Indians as plaintiffs, one identified only as Asif and the other as Jane Doe, who, the complaint says, would not give her name out of “well-founded fear of retaliation from the state and nonstate actors.”

Human Rights Watch notes that regardless of whether Mr. Modi’s direct complicity can be established or not, he should be held accountable at the least for failing to stop or control the riots, according to John Sifton, the Asia advocacy director of the organization.

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

YOUTH

IQRA students won Silver and Bronze at the Regional Science Fair 2015 Congratulations to our grade 7&8 students Our students successfully represented our who worked really hard and made our school proud through their performance at the Regional Science Fair held at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey BC on April 9-10th.

Zeenat Khan won bronze

school by displaying well-done projects that caught the attention of the judges.

These are some of the students that represented IQRA this year; some of them received more than one award.

Hamza Khan special award for “Hydroelectric sparks”

Amar Dawood & ZakariaJama won Silver

Iqra Islamic school participants at the Regional Science Fair 2015 Science teacher at IQRA Islamic School Nicoleta Mateescu

Abeera Irfan & Museera Rahimyar won a Silver medal a pecial BC Hydro award for “The energy saving key holder”

Mahum Masroor & Mariam Nasir won Bronze

We are really proud of all our students and especially of those who qualified at the Regional Science Fair and represented our school through hard work and perseverance. Keep up this nice effort dear students and May God Bless you all!

Never Be Ungrateful

Miracle New Stories Series:

By: Fatima Nadeem Grade 7 It was high summer. The sun was extremely hot. Two travelers were going along a dusty road that had no trees along its sides. Looking for some shelter from the hot sun, they saw a tree with big leaves and branches spread like an umbrella.

They placed their belongings on the ground and sat in the cool thick shade of the tree. After taking some rest, one traveler said to the other, “What a useless

tree it is! It bears no fruits at all.”

Hearing this, the tree felt pinched and burst out, “You ungrateful soul! On one hand, you are taking shelter in my cool shade from the burning heat of the sun and on the other hand, you are calling me useless. Get up and leave the place immediately to be scorched again.” They had to leave back to the scorching sun so never be ungrateful of what you have, thinking about what you don’t have.

Illuminate Academy - High School Alternative To Public School

Alhamdulillah, with the blessings of Allah SWT, par- dents are registered with the Ministry of Education under Saturday April 26/2015: 2pm to 4pm ents will have an alternative option to sending their chil- a distributed learning option; ILM Academy will provide @ at Islamic Academy of Canada, Unit 113 – 8299 dren to public high schools starting September, 2015. full learning assistance from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Fri- 129th Street, Surrey BC ILLUMINATE Academy (ILM Academy) was founded to provide a Grade 8-12 high schooling option with a full range of BC Ministry of Education curriculum combined with Islamic studies and Arabic language program. Stu-

THE

day at a minimal cost per month.

For further information, please contact: Sr. Hafsa Dean 604-593Students have an option to complete grade 12 diploma 8782, Br Sultan Badshah 778-960-6259 graduation requirements at a faster rate as well.

Or email : illuminateacademyinc@gmail.com, Insha Allah, there will be an information session held on:

www.illuminate-academy.com

MIR A LE

The Miracle Media Group Inc. plans to call a Forum on

Y O U T H A N D PA R E N T S C O N F L I C T S There are issues of cultural norms, freedom, concept of space and privacy, choice of friends, life partner choices and academic expectations etc etc.

We are looking for two teams for Pannel Discussion

Yo u n g g e n e r a t i o n f ro m 1 2 - 3 0 y e a r s X I V S P a re n t s X I w i t h 2 G r a n d p a re n t s a s M o d e r a t o r s Date and Venue to be announced soon.

Please send your name as participant to miraclenews@telus.net or contact Mr. Pirzada:604-690-0400

Why is our Young Generation not interested in getting married?

This is a very common social problem of our society. Parents are worried about their children’s interest in married life.

What are the reasons behind this hesitation, are they answerable to their parents? Are parents responsible for that?

Think About that!

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

YOUTH

IQRA ISLAMIC SCHOOL Iqra Ranked On Top #1 in BC

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

H

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Dastarkhwan Buffet Opens at the Pantry RestaurantMuslims in Richmond in Richmond and nearby areas can now enjoy a full Meal Course in a pleasant environment in centre of the city. On April 3 Mr. Jahan Mirza started serving Halal Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Buffet from Friday to Sunday in the Pantry restaurant located at the Richmond Travelodge hotel.

Mr Mirza told the Miracle that Allhumdulillah the restaurant is now serving Halal Meat which is supplied by a certified Halal Farm.

The hall capacity is almost 150 people and we there are special Family/conference room for parties. People from Richmond are giving good response on weekend, but like any other Halal food business it will take some time to properly establish. People of Surrey are also visiting and enjoying the special Menu. Dastarkhwan Management would like to thank all its customers. The Miracle congratulates Mr. Mirza and his management and wish them best for future.

Gulberg Opens its third location in Vancouver

After the success of two Gulberg locations Mr. Zafar Khan opened its third location at 5943 Fraser Street in Vancouver on April 10.

Dr Muhammad Tarik Counsel General of Pakistan inaugurated along with Vice Counsel Mr. Fahad Amjad and Master Shamim with other community members.

Master Shamim made Duaa for this restaurant and expressed his views of early sixties, and how difficult it was to find food, clothes, Jobs and place for prayers.

Dr. Tarik congratulated management on its new location.

Congratulations from Miracle!

22

Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

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The steps to becoming a real success story are not always simple as one may think. If so, everyone would have a success story, everyone would be making more money, or everyone would be starting their own business, etc. But if you want it as bad as you want to breath, success will not only come but will change your life to ways that you never saw before. There are 5 magical steps that will help you to become successful.

1. Find your purpose ~ Find your purpose and true happiness will come. We were all created with a thought in mind and with a true purpose. Finding your purpose will help you live longer and grow stronger. What if we were sitting in a chair expecting it to ride us down the street like a car would. It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work would it? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the purpose of the chair to take us here or there. Find your purpose and the success you yearn for will push you to becoming a real success story.

2. Write the Vision ~ Writing the vision is the 2nd step to becoming a real success story. In a nutshell it just says that your dreams and vision will come to life. Writing the vision

is another word for setting goals for yourself and seeing who you will become and be and what your real live success story will look like.

3. Be willing to Fail ~ All real success stories are full of failure stories. Chances are some successful people may have failed at one time or another. Remember, just â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quitâ&#x20AC;?.

Continue to try over and over again until they become a real success story.

4. Surround yourself with other real success stories ~ This means continue to surround yourself around like-minded people. If you want to be a real success story, then surround yourself with other people who live, breath and produce success.

5. Be a positive thinker ~ All people who are a real success continued to believe that they could do anything possible than they believed. Even when the time is down and negative things happened, they still believed that they would be success no matter what the results were.

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People in Vancouver, BC and Canada Stand Up to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anti-Terrorismâ&#x20AC;? Bill C-51!

By: By Thomas Davies, Editorial Board member of Fire This Time Newspaper Over the past two months an important discussion has been taking place among the vast majority of people, including marginalized and ethnic communities, across Canada. This discussion has centred on Bill C-51 and the fundamental human and democratic rights that are under attack with this dangerous legislation now in front of Parliament in Canada.

Bill C-51 was introduced to the Parliament in Canada with the name â&#x20AC;&#x153;ANTI-TERRORISM 2015â&#x20AC;? at the end of January, 2015. If this law passes, the Canadian government will give itself unprecedented powers to spy on, disrupt and detain anyone falling under the purposefully vague and undefined accusation of â&#x20AC;&#x153;supporting terrorism.â&#x20AC;? The grave implications of this bill were immediately recognized by legal experts, indigenous, labour, student and faith groups and seven leading human rights organizations in Canada. Included in these organizations are Amnesty International, the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association, and the Na-

tional Council of Canadian Muslims.

Following Parliamentary hearings on Bill C-51, these same prominent human rights organizations released a press statement titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Canadian human rights organizations urgently call for Bill C-51 to be withdrawn,â&#x20AC;? where they repeated their opposition. Ziyaad Mia of the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association stated â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have highlighted that Bill C-51 is replete with provisions that violate the Charter of Rights and other provisions in Canadian law. That has been repeated consistently by legal academics, former parliamentarians and numerous other expert witnesses who have appeared before the Committee. The government has refused to disclose the advice it has received from its own lawyers about the Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compliance with the Charter...â&#x20AC;?

Although the measures included in Bill C-51 are broad enough to threaten the human rights of all people across Canada, this bill directly targets those already most marginalized in society - immigrant, refugee, ethnic, and especially Muslim communities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Given the disproportionate impact that previous security measures and legislation have had on Canadian Muslims, it is not unrea-

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Family Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Clinic 7347 120th Street Delta, B.C. sonable that that they fear becoming collateral victims in this web of unchecked power and unbridled information sharing, if not the direct targets of unfair scrutiny,â&#x20AC;? said Ihsaan Gardee, Executive Director, National Council of Canadian Muslims (March 30, 2015 Press Statement) Those that promote Bill C-51 were hoping that people in Canada would support this dangerous Bill, taking advantage of the racism, discrimination, and Islamophobia that exists against the ethnic and Muslim community in Canada. However, since the legislation was introduced, more and more people are discovering the real threat that Bill C-51 presents, and joining together in opposition against it.

The opposition continues to grow against Bill C-51 all across Canada. This includes a National Day of Action on March 15, 2015 with protests in 70 cities in Canada, including Vancouver. For eight consecutive weeks, a newly formed group, the Working Group to

Stop Bill C-51, has held weekly picket actions in Skytrain Stations across the Metro Vancouver area. The photo included with this article is from the most recent action organized by the Working Group, on Monday, April 13 at the Surrey Central Skytrain Station. Anyone interested to get involved against Bill C-51 can contact the Working Group stoppolicestatebillc51@gmail.com or visit the Facebook â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stop Bill C-51â&#x20AC;? and follow us on twitter @ StopBillC51. For more information you can also visit www.mawovancouver.org or www. firethistime.net.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;United We Stand, A Canada-Wide Rally Against Bill C-51â&#x20AC;? is this Saturday April 18 at 1pm at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Georgia st. at Howe st.) in Downtown Vancouver. Then on Monday, April 20 there is the next picket action organized by the Working Group to Stop Bill C-51, beginning at 4pm at the Joyce Skytrain Station in Vancouver.

23

Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

Reducing Sectarian-Religious Violence in Pakistan: Role of the Diaspora* Where: Room 120, Surrey City Centre Library, 10350 University Drive, Surrey, BC Date: Saturday, May 2nd, 2015; Time: Doors open at 1:00 pm to meet/greet. Talk begins at 2:00 pm Aden Dur-e-Aden, Emilia Valsta, and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal

The Maria-Helena Foundation (www.mariahelenafoundation.org) Pakistan, population almost 190m, has a history of being a very conservative, patriarchal and polarized country. In Pakistan, the more powerful and the most populous sect is Sunni Muslim. The most oppressed sects/religions are: Ahmadis, Shias, Hindus, Christians, and now even the tiny community of Sikhs is un-

der attack. Pakistan tops the list of countries with the most religious hostilities (Pew Report; 2014). However, people from the minority sects have made significant contributions to the land now called Pakistan and their elders are a part of its heritage. This needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. Even living

1.The Government should establish science scholarships in the name of our (until recently) only Nobel Laureate, Dr. Abdus Salam (1926 – 1996), and the house where he was born should be declared a protected property. Recently, the house of the Bollywood film star Yousef Khan (also known as Dalip Kumar) in Peshawar has been declared a protected property by the Government; why not that of Dr. Salam? Dr. Salam should also be promoted by the Government as a role model and inspiration for aspiring young scientists.

2.The Lahore Municipal Government could rename the Mall Road as Shahra-e Sir Ganga Ram.

Sir Ganga Ram (1851 – 1927) is the grandfather of philanthropy in Lahore; Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is just one of his many gifts to the citizens of Lahore.

Pakistan has named important boulevards in the names of foreigners; why not honour its own blood?

3.The main Gurdwara in Nankana Saheb should become a United Nations World Heritage site; bringing prestige, and more tourists to Pakistan. Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539), the founder of Sikhism, should be accepted as a Pakistani saint.

More than five centuries ago he had the vision to ban tobacco smoking for his followers while the West thought of it only five decades ago. In addi-

about twelve thousand miles away the diaspora can do something.

In order to help bring respect and dignity to the minority sects, we are proposing that the following three eminent persons be honoured in the special ways mentioned below:

tion, his birthday (April 15th) could be celebrated as a no-smoking day in Pakistan.

No doubt a few more names could be added to the above list. In this presentation we will discuss how the diaspora can become involved in raising the issue of honouring sons and daughters of Pakistani soil.

•Co-sponsored by South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy, and the Committee of Progressive Pakistani Canadians.

24

Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

PAKISTAN

London police extend Altaf Hussain’s bail till July

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement ( M Q M ) chief Altaf Hussain appeared at a London police station on Tuesday to be interviewed in an ongoing money-laundering investigation after his bail expired in the case.

Hussain was arrested on June 3 last year on suspicion of money laundering. He was subsequently released from police custody in July and his bail was extended again in December

until April 14, 2015.Geo News London correspondent Murtaza Ali Shah reported that the MQM chief had arrived at the central London police station for his appointment, scheduled for 10am London time.

The Metropolitan Police informed Mr Hussain of developments in the money-laundering case at the start of the interview process.

Sources told Geo News that two Scotland Yard interrogators were interviewing Hussain at the Southwark Police Station.Scotland Yard told Geo News they were aware that Altaf Hussain was being interviewed but were awaiting an update from the investigators.Scotland Yard added that a decision will be made by Crown Prosecution Service not the police to charge or bail Altaf Hussain and hopefully this will be done today.

Calgary imams fight back against Islamic State recruitment

A group of Calgary imams is marking the first line of defence at the foot of the Rocky Mountains against the self-styled Islamic State (IS) group’s recruitment of Canadians as fighters.

Several imams issued a religious edict against IS jihadists last month, denouncing its threats against Canada and its online recruitment after dozens of Canadians —mostly from Calgary —traveled to Syria to join their cause.

In the fatwa, the imams urge Muslim youths to shun the sway of the IS group, which they accuse of having violated Islamic tenets “in the most horrific and inhumane way.”

“Some Muslims, having the fatwa against them, they will have second thoughts” before seeking to join an extremist group, said Khalil Khan, president of Calgary’s Al Madinah Islamic center. “(They) will wonder if this is right or wrong.”

Khan is one of 37 imams and religious scholars from across Canada, plus one from Texas, who endorsed the fatwa.

The edict was motivated by a wave of recruitment, as at least a dozen people have left the oil-rich province of Alberta to fight with the Islamic State group abroad.

The call comes in the wake of the January 2014 death of Damian Clairmont, a 22-yearold Calgary man who was enticed to join the extremist group and who became the first Canadian casualty in the IS push to carve out an Islamic “caliphate” in the Middle East.

Zaheera Tariq, a director of the Al Madinah mosque, told AFP that recruits are being lured by misrepresentations of Islam.

“It’s a lack of education, a lack of knowledge,” she said, adding that young people are “being influenced by those people who are misrepresenting Islam, who are misquoting the Prophet.”

She added: “They need to find proper imams.”

Gathered at the mosque, Tariq, Khan and others say more resources are needed to address a growing religious education gap facing Muslims whose numbers are soaring in Calgary.

The city’s Muslim population has increased fourfold in the past two decades to 120,000. In 2010, Naheed Nenshi became the first Muslim to be elected as mayor of a major Canadian

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“The Muslim population is growing rapidly in Calgary. That’s why we needed a bigger mosque,” Tariq commented, pointing to construction underway to enlarge the mosque and add space to accommodate some 800 students.

Oil to jihad The son of French-speaking Canadians, Clairmont converted to Islam at the age of 17 following a failed suicide attempt. Three years later, he began showing signs of radicalisation.

“He met someone and moved downtown,” his mother Christianne Boudreau told AFP. He joined an extremist cell whose leader was being monitored by Canada’s spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.

“They were a dozen young people in the group, sons of immigrants or religious converts. They all went to Syria,” said Boudreau, leafing through a letter from CSIS telling the grieving mother they did all they could to try and stop her son from leaving Canada.

The population of Alberta province is just under four million, or about 10 percent of the Canadian total. Yet a large proportion of Canadian jihadists originate there.

Boudreau thinks one reason is the “easy money” to be made in Alberta’s oil fields, in order to pay for travel or facilitate terrorist activities.

Many young people work in the oil patch of the isolated northern Boreal forest, where they can earn quick and easy cash.

“You can work in relative anonymity, you live in a work camp, and you can accumulate suitcases of money over a short period,” according Rod Knecht, chief of police in Alberta’s capital

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Our wives frightened after Imran’s wedding: Javed Hashmi

MULTAN: Makhdoom Javed Hashmi has said that Imran Khan’s marriage brought such a change that it has frightened “our wives”.When asked to comment on Khan’s wedding, Javed Hashmi said jokingly that “our wives are now scared that a 64 year old man could also marry” He said that his wife was taking care of him more passionately for fear that i will marry someone else.

Edmonton, where several recruits have also come from.

Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, a Muslim convert who stormed Canada’s parliament last October, had worked in the oil patch, hoping to raise enough money to travel to Libya to join jihadists.

His attack, he said, was in retaliation for the West’s military deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq, including Canada’s.

There has been no reaction from the Islamic State group to the Canadian imams’ fatwa against them, but another militant group linked to Al-Qaeda has called for attacks on Canada’s biggest mall in Edmonton.n response, imams say Canadians — Muslim or otherwise— need to remain vigilant.“ISIS, they’re so strong, they’re killing people all around the world. It wouldn’t be surprising if they would attack and hit here,” said imam Azfar Ayub Qadri.

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Jumada Al Thani 28, 1436 April 17, 2015

SPORTS

Batsmen need to catch up with bowlers - Azhar

Azhar Ali, Pakistan’s new ODI captain, has said he understands the demands of modern cricket and hoped to get his young team to match the level. Azhar added that the onus was on the batsmen to lift their games and support the bowlers who have been playing their part well. Recently named the ODI captain, Azhar, 30, has played only 14 matches, the last of them in January 2013.

Although his strike rate has been a talking point, his promotion was seen as a continu-

ation of stability akin to that provided by Misbah-ul-Haq. However, Azhar said he was improving, just like his team. “I understand cricket has changed a lot and obviously we do have to take our cricket forward in a positive way,” Azhar said. “But if you expect a sudden change, that is not going to happen. Rather than breaking into a race, we should gradually bring on a change. Definitely cricket these days is going fast and we are surely going to match the pace at

the top level and it’s important. “As a team everyone has a role. But yes, bowlers have definitely done well in the World Cup, so we are going to rely on them but it’s important that batsmen should also feel the sense of responsibility,” he said. “Cricket as I said is changing and we as a team have to play with a positive frame of mind. These players… all are coming up after performing at the domestic level and they are in form as well, so I don’t think there should be any problem and you will see a much-improved batting side.” Azhar’s first assignment as captain is the Bangladesh tour that starts from April 13.

Along with the coach Waqar Younis, Azhar led the six-day conditioning camp in Lahore and signed off with satisfaction and asserted that his team was ready. “I am seeing how excited the players are,” Azhar said. “They want to do something for Pakistan and I am assured they it will be a different side. My approach varies accordingly but the team is like a family and has to create a friendly atmosphere. So if you manage well you can

apply any sort of approach rather only being aggressive. But they are responding exactly the way I wanted them to be. “Bangladesh’s performance in World Cup was good and they looked a much-improved side. They are also tough in their conditions, so we are not going to take them lightly. There will be two teams fighting and I believe my young boys will perform well.” When asked if he has ready to fill in the big boots of Misbah who had been the strongest link in Pakistan batting line-up, Azhar said, “I have a big example of Misbah bhai who led Pakistan in a very tough time and how positively he led the team. There are a lot of things that might not have made it to the public, but being a team member I saw a lot of good things in him - how he handled situations. So this is going to help me. There are a lot of great captains around the world but for me Misbah is the best captain I have played with.

It is tough to cover the gap but we certainly have to step up to take his place.

Source: Cricinfo

India’s Mirza reaches doubles number one ranking Sania Mirza has become the first Indian to climb to the top of the WTA doubles ranking after she teamed up with Swiss great Martina Hingis to claim the Family Circle Cup title. The 28-year-old won her third successive doubles title with Hingis, following triumphs in Indian Wells and Miami, to achieve the top ranking milestone. “When you start off as a child playing tennis, you dream of being number one in the world,” Mirza said in a statement. “It’s a dream for every person; very few get there. I feel extremely honoured to be No.1, it’s something that I’ve worked

for all my life. I hope this makes girls in India believe that anything is possible; we can achieve anything we want if we put our mind and body to it.” Mirza had once been tipped for success as a singles player after she became the first Indian to win a WTA singles title in 2005. She followed up her success in her hometown of Hyderabad by reaching the fourth round of the US Open in 2005 and two years later broke into the top 30. But from then on her singles career went into freefall, with injuries taking a toll.

On the doubles court, however, her career prospered as she became the first Indian woman to claim a grand slam title when she partnered Ma-

hesh Bhupathi to the 2009 Australian Open mixed doubles crown. When the new WTA rankings are released on Monday, Mirza’s run of winning 14 successive doubles matches with Hingis will see her leapfrog Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci at the top of the standings. Only three other Asian women have achieved the top WTA doubles ranking: Japan’s Ai Sugiyama, China’s Peng Shuai and Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei. Leander Paes and Bhupathi are the only other Indians to achieve number one rankings in tennis when they dominated men’s doubles in the late 1990s Source: Al-Jazeera

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