Miracle 524-July 31, 2020

Volume 20 Issue 524- Zul Hijja 10,1441H, July 31, 2020

$1 www.miraclenews.com

BC, CANADA First Muslim

Biweekly & Bilingual

THE

5 The Muslim Hajj:

A spiritual pilgm..

10 Kashmiri Lives 16

Also Matter History of Hagia Sophia

2 Out-of-province

2

8 Coronavirus

3 6

plates? Take the bus report card: Experts give 15 New community roundtable to tackle

Trudeau and top aideto testify on Pakistan Army downs this year’s 10th US ‘disappointed’ by Turkey’s decision

Hajj & Eid ul Adha Mubarak to all our Readers from entire Miracle Team , Writers and Advertisers !

July, 31- Aug 2

July, 30, 31

Hajj Day July 30,

July, 31 July, 28 - Aug 2

July, 27 & Aug 3, 2020

Notes: Dates as per local zone

Hagia Sophia reopens as mosque The journey begins: 1,000 pilgrims arrive in Mina for first day of Hajj with 1st prayers in 86 years At Pg 6 & 15

At Pg 5 & 7

2

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

Trudeau and top aide to testify on WE affair Thursday OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is slated to appear before the House of Commons finance committee on Thursday to testify about the government’s now-cancelled decision to have WE Charity manage a $912-million federal program.

His chief of staff Katie Telford is also scheduled to appear.

The date and time for the hotly anticipated committee meeting was published Monday on the committee’s webpage, which revealed that Trudeau is slated to testify for an hour starting at 3pm E.T. and Telford will testify

for another hour shortly thereafter. His appearance will come two days after the cofounders of WE Charity, Craig and Marc Kielburger, are slated to appear before the committee. Victor Li, WE Charity’s CFO, and Michelle Douglas, WE Charity’s former chair of the board of directors, are also slated to appear on Tuesday.

However, that meeting’s schedule could find itself looking different on Tuesday, as the finance committee voted on Monday to ask the Kielburgers to stay with the committee for four hours of questioning, rather than the

currently scheduled hour and a half. The Kielburgers have yet to respond to the request.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau had his turn testifying before the committee last week, ily took two trips in 2017 that WE Charduring which he was grilled over information he revealed within ity paid for in part. He also revealed that he joined them on one of those trips. Morneau the meeting.

During that finance committee meeting, To be Continued at page 7 Morneau revealed that members of his fam-

VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier John Horgan says drivers who have outof-province licence plates on their vehicles should consider taking public transit or riding a bicycle if they’re feeling harassed by people. Horgan also suggested on Monday that drivers change to B.C. plates to avoid trouble from residents who are concerned about the spread of COVID-19.

“I would suggest, perhaps, public transit,” he

said at a news conference. “I would suggest that they get their plates changed. I would suggest they ride a bike.” Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said interprovincial travel is allowed. The border between Canada and the United States remains closed to non-essential travel until at least Aug. 21, when the issue will be reconsidered by the Canadian and American governments.

Police around the province have reported

Out-of-province plates? Take the bus if feeling harassed, B.C. premier advises

several heated disputes generated when residents questioned drivers about their out-ofprovince plates. Horgan said he can’t tell people how to respond when seeing a different licence plates but judging people by where their vehicle is registered does not often tell a complete story of their circumstances. “We don’t know why they would continue to have plates that are not consistent with B.C. and

To be Continued at page 7

Coronavirus infections around 17 million worldwide Coronavirus Cases:

Deaths:

Recovered:

10,463,714

16,901,802

663,570

Coronavirus Cases:

Deaths:

Recovered:

Coronavirus Cases:

Deaths:

Recovered:

114,994 3,523

8,912 194

100,134 3,076

Last updated:

July 29, 2020, 07:06 GMT

www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/?

CANADA Last updated:

July 29, 2020, 07:06 GMT BC;CANADA Last updated:

July 29, 2020, 07:06 GMT

3

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

PAKISTAN

Pakistan Army downs this year’s 10th Indian spying quadcopter: ISPR said. Earlier that month, the Pakistan Army

Pakistan Army troops shot down an Indian spying quadcopter in Pandu sector along the Line of Control (LoC), the military’s media affairs wing said on Sunday.

“The quadcopter had intruded 200 metres on Pakistan’s side of the LoC,” said Major General Babar Iftikhar, director general of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a tweet, adding that this was the tenth Indian quadcopter to be shot down by Pakistan Army’s troops this year. On June 28, an Indian spying quadcopter was shot down in Hot Spring sector along the LoC after intruding 850 metres on Pakistan’s side, the ISPR had

had shot down yet another Indian spying quadcopter in Khanjar sector along the LoC. “The quadcopter had intruded 500 metres on Pakistan’s side of the LoC,” the ISPR had said.

Officials believe the Indian Army is deliberately escalating tensions at the LoC by sending spy drones and by resorting to unprovoked shelling. This constitutes a breach of the November 2003 ceasefire agreement.

On June 3, Maj Gen Iftikhar had warned that any military adventurism by India will be met with “uncontrollable and unintended consequences”, cautioning the neighbouring nation to “not play with fire”.

“Many times, their [India’s] quadcopters have intruded on our side [of the LoC] and in the past we have downed some of them, and it has been covered in the media.”

“Being a military spokesperson, let me say this: Indian aggression aimed towards Pakistan will be responded [to] with full might, there should be no doubt about this. We are ready, we will respond — and we will respond with full might.” Source: dawn.com

Govt wants FATF legislation, NAB changes delinked

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government wants the opposition not to link legislation related to the action plan of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) with their proposal to amend the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO).

The proposed amendments to the FATFrelated United Nations (Security Council) Bill 2020, Anti Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2020 and NAO came under discussion at the second meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Legislative Business presided over by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.After the in-camera meeting, Mr Qureshi told the media that the opposition sought time to deliberate on the draft bills. He said the committee decided to meet again on Tuesday.

Sources in the committee told Dawn that apparently the opposition wanted both bills passed simultaneously. However, they said, the government desired that amendments to the NAO should not be linked with the FATF-related legislation.FM Qureshi says opposition has sought time to deliberate on draft bills The amendments to the NAO are almost the same that were introduced through a presidential ordinance promulgated in December last year. However, a ‘controversial’ clause related to extension in the term of the chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was included in the proposal which, according to a committee member, has been withdrawn.

But the government side claimed that so far there had been no understanding with the opposition over the extension in tenure of the NAB chairman. A ruling party member of the committee said it was too early to make such a claim. “It has not yet been decided whether the NAB chairman would get

an extension or not. We, however, conveyed to the opposition not to link the FATF-related legislation [with the NAO amendments] since it is related to the national interest,” he said.

According to him, the FATF-related legislation has to be done before Aug 3, whereas amendments to the NAO can be done any time after due deliberations. He said the government might make a commitment with the opposition related to crucial amendments to the NAB law, but since it would take time, “we would try to convince the opposition to separate this from the FATF-related bill”.

Talking to the media, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan said: “The government wants a general consensus on the FATF bill since it is a national issue.”

He, however, ruled out the possibility of abolishing any institution as desired by some opposition members.

The NAO amendment bill reportedly seeks to spare public office holders from NAB action for any step taken in “good faith”. The draft law on NAB and eight bills aimed at removing the country from FATF’s grey list have been shared with the opposition. .Source: dawn.com

Opposition parties are ‘on one page’ in anti-govt effort, says Bilawal after meeting Shehbaz, Fazl

PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday said that all opposition parties are “on one page” in their movement against the PTI government, which he alleged has become a “hazard” for the country.

Bilawal’s remarks came after he held backto-back meetings with Jamiat Ulema-iIslam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PML-N president Shehbaz

Sharif in Lahore, ahead of the opposition’s multi-party conference (MPC) scheduled to be held after Eidul Azha.

Speaking to the media with Sharif by his side after their meeting at the latter’s Model Town residence, Bilawal said his party will join the PML-N in “standing up for the people of Pakistan” and devise a strategy to oust the government during the MPC.He

All businesses to reopen if Covid figures remain low, says PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said all businesses, including marriage halls, restaurants, educational institutions as well as those associated with the tourism sector, might reopen if the present trend of low Covid-19 cases persisted throughout Muharram.

Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Khan urged citizens to continue taking precautionary measures during Eidul Azha and Muharram to prevent a spike in novel coronavirus cases as was seen soon after Eidul Fitr.

“Be careful. If we pass Eid and Muharram with caution, there are chances that all closed businesses might reopen,” the prime minister said.The country cannot afford another surge in cases as it will hit the country’s economy hard and also affect those in the vulnerable age group, Prime Minister Khan said, urging people to observe their animal sacrifice ritual online and follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) if they had to visit the animal market. “I urge people to go for online Qurbani and avoid visiting animal markets,” he said, adding that in case people do visit these markets, they must adopt all SOPs and wear masks.

“Opt for online sacrifice of animals to avoid gatherings in a bid to control mass spread of the virus,” he added.

He also advised shopkeepers and customers against violating the SOPs, asking them to observe social distancing during shopping and not to adopt the same careless approach they did during Eidul Fitr two months ago.

“If we are not cautious during Eid and Muharram, cases might rise again and the situation can worsen. Allah Almighty has blessed our country as the number of cases is declining,” he said in his address.

“If we are not careful, it could prove dangerous for our economy and for the aged and ailing people,” he added.

The prime minister gave the example of Australia and Spain where the virus cases

had jumped again after initially falling.

“I appeal to everyone not to be complacent about Covid-19; adopt safety measures and do not risk the lives of the elderly and patients,” he added.

The prime minister took the credit of going for smart lockdown, saying his government was the first in the world to follow this policy, later adopted by other countries.

“Our government was the first to introduce smart lockdown in March instead of the strict curfew-like measures imposed in India, Europe and China,” the prime minister added. ”Despite pressures and criticism by various segments of the society, the government preferred the smart lockdown instead of complete closure as it had realised that Pakistan’s situation was nothing compared to that of Europe and China. We had to save our people both from coronavirus and starvation,” he said.

The prime minister said since Pakistan was faced with challenges like poverty, slum population, and informal and unregistered labour, smart lockdown was the best option to maintain a balance that allowed the poor and daily-wage labourers to earn their livelihood under the cover of safety SOPs. He said his government took pride in launching the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme through which an unprecedented number of deserving people was given financial assistance after necessary verification from Nadra in a short span of time.

The prime minister lauded his team for giving its best during the difficult situation, adding that construction and agriculture sectors were opened to boost the economy during the crisis. Later, in a separate meeting, the prime minister was apprised of the food supply situation in the country, especially about wheat and flour. He was informed that permission had been given to import 1.5 million tonnes of wheat to meet the local demand.

Source: .dawn.com

claimed the opposition will no longer need to stage a sit-in to force Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government to quit, saying: “We will reach half the way and the government will go home.”

He said the “selected” government had become a hazard for the country as it was for the first time in national history that “theft is being committed in wheat flour, ghee and sugar” stocks. Bilawal said he was “surprised” that Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi spoke about the amendment to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law in the National Assembly but does not bring up the issue of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav. He alleged that the government’s NAB ordinance had “failed” and as per a recent judgement of the Supreme Court the accountability ordinance is a “black law”.

In his remarks, Sharif said the opposition had “placed the responsibility on Bilawal’s young shoulders” and he will lead them in the anti-government movement.

“Imran Khan and Pakistan can no longer function together,” he said, alleging that the incumbent government was “nothing less than a danger” for the country.

He said opposition members were not seeking any sort of relief from the government and neither were they “begging” when they discussed a number a legislations with the government earlier today.

Sharif said the government’s economic policies had failed and people were finding it difficult to put two meals on their tables due to rising food costs.

“They called us thieves and robbers day and night but today the people have understood them well,” the PML-N leader said.

Sharif said a meeting of the opposition’s Rehbar Committee will be held after Eid during which the agenda for the MPC will be announced.Source: dawn.com

4

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

T

opinion

Regional militant sanctuaries

HE dreaded militant outfit that once held sway over Pakistan’s former Fata may have been driven out from its stronghold and splintered, but its sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan remain a security threat for the region. A recent spike in the attacks on Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan district and reports of reactivation of terrorist cells must be a cause of concern.

A recent UN monitoring team report has revealed that most of the 6,000 to 6,500 Pakistani militants in Afghanistan belong to the various factions of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. They are now operating from their bases in eastern Afghanistan. While many recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan have been traced to TTP splinter groups, some of the fugitive militants have joined the self-styled Islamic State (IS) group and are not only fighting the Afghan and American forces but are also engaged in a turf war with the Afghan Taliban. The original leadership of the Khorasan chapter of the outfit came from the ranks of TTP fugitives in Afghanistan.

There has been a marked escalation in the terrorist attacks claimed by the group, whose origins lie in the Middle East, following the February peace deal between the US and the Afghan Taliban. It has recently carried out some spectacular terrorist attacks in the Afghan capital Kabul, targeting civilians in an effort to disrupt the Afghan peace process. The UN report estimates the membership of the IS in Afghanistan at 2,200.

An estimated 6,000 to 6,500 Pakistani terrorists are operating from their bases in Afghanistan.

Although its numbers have depleted in the last few years, IS

has shown that it has the capacity to penetrate high-security zones via suicide bombings. Despite losing territorial control in parts of the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar to the Afghan Taliban, IS has proved its effectiveness at carrying out attacks. The rise in activities of the mutated TTP factions on both sides of the Pak-Afghan border raises some serious questions. Such a large number of trained militants dislocated from their home bases and with no resources could easily be turned into mercenaries and would be willing to work for vested interest groups and foreign intelligence agencies. The ongoing war in Afghanistan and regional conflicts make it easier for these mercenaries to be used as proxies. The recent militant attacks in North Waziristan district and other parts of the county seemed well-planned.

Surely the splinter groups do not have the capacity and support base to re-establish their control in their former strongholds. But they can create problems for the security agencies. The danger is more serious with the situation in the former tribal areas, particularly Waziristan, not yet fully settled. It could get worse with the conflict in Afghanistan.

Most of the TTP leaders were either killed or had fled to Afghanistan after the military operations in the former tribal regions. Among them was Mullah Fazlullah who became the leader of the TTP after the killing of Hakeemullah Mehsud in a CIA drone strike in 2013. After fleeing the Swat operation, he had taken refuge in the neighbouring Afghan province of Kunar that had long been the centre of radical Islamic militancy.

The fleeing militants continued to engage in cross-border attacks

presumably with the support of their Afghan allies. It is unclear whether Fazlullah had received any support from elements of the Afghan Taliban. The killing of Fazlullah in 2018 in an American drone strike led to the further disintegration of the group.

In this period, many other TTP commanders who had aligned with IS were also killed as the American forces intensified their offensive against the militant group. Their association with IS had also brought the elements of the TTP into confrontation with the Afghan Taliban. There is, however, a question mark hanging over the relationship between the other TTP factions and the Afghan Taliban. It’s a complex situation indeed.

Whatever remains of the TTP in Afghanistan has suffered the most serious blow this year when three of its top commanders were found dead in mysterious circumstances outside Kabul.

Among them was also Sheikh Khalid Haqqani, once deputy chief of the TTP and a member of the group’s leadership council. He was also believed to be one of the masterminds of the December 2014 attack on Peshawar’s Army Public School that killed almost 150 students and staff members. The others were Qari Saif Younas and Saifullah Peshawari. Both were top commanders. All three were reportedly associated with IS. A few weeks later, another TTP factional leader, Shahryar Mehsud, was also killed in a blast in eastern Kunar province. No one has claimed responsibility for those killings but they could have been caused by factional infighting or have been the work of some intelligence agency. The presence of TTP commanders in Afghanistan reinforces Paki-

stan’s allegation that many of the terrorist attacks that occurred in northwest Pakistan were planned across the border. Pakistani security agencies believe that hostile intelligence agencies abroad have been involved in terrorism.

It sounds plausible given the ongoing regional conflicts.

Across-the-border militant sanctuaries are often used for proxy wars. The UN report, which states that thousands of anti-Pakistan militants are operating in Afghanistan, only reinforces earlier reports of the TTP’s crossborder operations. It’s not only the TTP but also groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army that have allegedly found safe haven in Afghanistan.

And it’s not just about Afghanistan but also militant sanctuaries inside Pakistan allegedly engaging in cross-border terrorist activities. By not taking action against militant safe havens, countries lose their sovereignty.

Pakistan has paid hugely for its wrong policies of allowing militant sanctuaries on its soil in the past. But we can’t afford more such adventures at the risk of our own sovereignty and national security.

With the ongoing war in the country, the Afghan government may not have the kind of control needed to take action against militant sanctuaries, but the danger is that outside interests could exploit this situation. One of the most significant points of the US-Taliban peace deal is not to allow Afghan soil to be used for action against other countries. It will also be a part of the political settlement in the war-torn country. More importantly, there is a need for an agreement on the issue of regional security.

Courtest By: Zahid Hussain

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

People Gazed Up At The Surrey Jamia Mosque As The Arabic Hymn Floated Down First Time

By Hanif A. Patel

Surrey of British Columbia Canadian Muslims accolades and appreciate the recent Government’s permission to broadcast the call to prayer in the last few days of Ramadan.

Adhan echoes five time a day, prier to each prayer from every Mosque and to recite Adhan from loud speaker is a ubiquitous practice universally. Muazeen summons faithful to prayer at. every Mosque.

The first time being able to call to prayer out loud in Canada would not only lift all our spirits but also bring back a sense of our unity in our community. It is not only strengthening but beautifying the Canadian multi cultural society.

It is more than tolerance, it is our acceptance. Such type of legislative permission supports a pluralist ethos. That is remarkable that this country has shown once again the

unity in diversity.

The call of prayer rang from the roof of Mosque on evening as the sky glowed pink from the setting Sun On May 18 at Surrey Jamia Mosque.It was first Adhan beautifully recited by Hafez Hammadullah Qazi. People excited when they heard that Adhan was being publicly broadcast. Indeed it was a memorable moment for Muslims that would be engraved with the golden letter on the pages of Surrey Jamia Mosque history.

Local MP Sukh Dadhiwal, Jinny Sims MLA, Harry Bains MLA , Surrey Mayor Dough McCallum and other local politician also remained present during Adhan publicly broadcasted at the Surrey Jamia Mosque premises. Many people gazed up at the Mosque as the Arabic hymn floated down:

Almighty is the greatest.

I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship,except the Almighty.

The term Adhan stand for : to proclaim the glory of Almighty and prayer call. During Adhan a devotee sands facing towards Mecca and with his fingers in his ears cries in long sonorous notes “ Almighty is a great”. Adhan is an invitation to worshipers to hasten for prayer.

It is unusual to hear the Adhan publicly broadcast for number of years. Muslims have relied on the human voice to call the faithful to prayer. It has become tradition and trend that wherever a Mosque is built there is a place for Muzezzin or prayer caller.

If your refer the Islamic history than you will be able to find easily that in the early 6th century first Adhan was sonorously recited by Bilala ibne Rabbah ( whose father

was an Arab and mother from Ethiopian descendant ) at Mecca.

It has been advised that as soon as Adhan commenced immediately we should shut down all activities, even you busy reading the Quran’n and. listen with rapt attention towards the verses of Adhan and reply.

It means Muslims seriously adhere the rule not to indulge in worldly affairs during Adhan recitation.

Continue: Another Letter of Sr. Gulshan Aalani at Page 7

THE

MIR A LE

Miracle Media Group Inc.©

Contact Info Mailing and Office Address 9160-136A Street Surrey BC. V3V 7Z8 Canada Ph: 604-690-0400 Fax: 604-582-7809

Founder : Nusrat Hussain Managing & Chief Editor: M. Naseer Pirzada Sub-Editors: Misbah & Sabeeh Advertising Ph: 604-690-0400 Emails: info@telus.net miraclenews@telus.net Editorial Board : editor@telus.net Mr.Shams Jillani, Mr Aslam Hayat, Mr. Azhar Syed, M.A.L. Naumani, Graphic Design: Design Teams Copyright ® 2001 Miracle Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved Printed in Canada

Phone: 604-690-0400 Emails:

miraclenews@telus.net miraclenewsg@gmail.com info@miraclenews.com

Website: www.miraclenews.com

Contents

Editorial Pak. News Int. News Faith Current A

Middle East

Kashmir Local Politics Health Women History Letters Pakistan Corona Urdu

4 3 6,8, 5 8 9 10 7 10 16 15 16 4, 7 3 6 17-24

important note:

Letters to the editor and Articles 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.

Miracle Media is Member of : National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada

5

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

f ait h

Narrated ‘Ubaidullah bin ‘Abdullah: Volume 2, Book 26, Number 616: Ibn Abbas’ said, “Usama rode behind Allah’s Apostle from ‘Arafat to Al-Muzdalifa; and then Al-Fadl rode behind Allah’s Apostle from AlMuzdalifa to Mina.” Ibn Abbas added, “Both of them said, ‘The Prophet kept on reciting Talbiya till he did the Rami of Jamrat-al-’Aqaba.’ “

The Muslim Hajj: A spiritual pilgrimage with political overtones

N

early 2 million Muslims will gather in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia on Aug. 9 for an annual pilgrimage known as the hajj.

The five-day journey is a oncein-a-lifetime obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it. It is considered the fifth pillar of Islamic practice, along with professing faith, saying five prayers daily, giving to charity and fasting during Ramadan.

In calling Muslims to perform the hajj, the Quran says: “Proclaim to men the pilgrimage: they will come to thee on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path.”

The millions of Muslims from around the world who meet each year in Saudi Arabia dress simply to mask any differences in wealth and status. Women wear plain, white dresses and headscarves. Men drape themselves in seamless, unhemmed clothing.

As a scholar of global Islam, I’ve interviewed many Muslims who have gone on the hajj. They have described to me having profound experiences on the pilgrimage, both political and spiritual. The first day of the hajj The rites of the hajj are believed to retrace events from the lives of prominent prophets like Ibrahim and his son Ismail.

Pilgrims start by declaring their intentions for the journey and then circling seven times the “Holy Kaaba,” the black, cubeshaped house of God located at the center of the most sacred mosque in Mecca.

In doing so, they join in a long line of pilgrims to Mecca who have circled the Kaaba, including Prophet Muhammad.

Some may also kiss, touch or approach the Kaaba as a sign of their respect and devotion. However, Muslims do not worship the Kaaba or any of its elements.

The Kaaba is so central to the Islamic faith that, across the world, Muslims pray in its direction.

After circling the Kaaba, pilgrims walk about 100 meters to two hills known as Safa and Marwah, where they recreate another significant event recorded in the Quran.

After Ismail was born, God instructed Ibrahim to leave his newborn son and his mother Hajar out in the desert, and he complied.

But when baby Ismail cried out with thirst, Hajar ran between these two hills, looking for water, until finally she turned to God for help.

God rewarded Hajar for her patience. He sent his angel Jibreel to reveal a spring, which today is known as Zamzam Well.

Pilgrims drink water from the sacred well on the first day of the hajj before making their way to Mina – also known as the “tent city” – about three miles from Mecca, to perform their five daily prayers.

Pilgrims start by declaring their intentions for the journey and then circling seven times the “Holy Kaaba,” the black, cubeshaped house of God located at the center of the most sacred mosque in Mecca.

In doing so, they join in a long line of pilgrims to Mecca who have circled the Kaaba, including Prophet Muhammad.

Some may also kiss, touch or approach the Kaaba as a sign of their respect and devotion. However, Muslims do not worship the Kaaba or any of its elements.

The Kaaba is so central to the Islamic faith that, across the world, Muslims pray in its direction.

After circling the Kaaba, pilgrims walk about 100 meters to two hills known as Safa and Marwah, where they recreate another significant event recorded in the Quran.

After Ismail was born, God instructed Ibrahim to leave his newborn son and his mother Hajar out in the desert, and he complied. But when baby Ismail cried out with thirst, Hajar ran between these two hills, looking for water, until finally she turned to God for help.

God rewarded Hajar for her patience. He sent his angel Jibreel to reveal a spring, which today is known as Zamzam Well.

Pilgrims drink water from the sacred well on the first day of the hajj before making their way to Mina – also known as the “tent city” – about three miles from Mecca, to perform their five daily prayers.

The second day of the hajj

The hajj climaxes with a sojourn in the plains of Arafat, nine miles from Mina.

There, pilgrims gather in tents and spend the day together in prayer and contemplation. Some pilgrims will also ascend a hill known as the Mount of Mercy, where an aged Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon.

For many Muslims, this period is the highlight of the hajj. Muslims believe that the spirit of God comes closer to Earth in this place at the time of the pilgrimage.

In my conversations with pilgrims, many have told me they feel a close communion with God when standing in the plains of Arafat. As the hajj draws to a close on days four and five, pilgrims start to put on their everyday clothes to indicate a transition back to their worldly life.

Muslims believe that a proper performance of the hajj can absolve Muslim pilgrims of any previous sins. But it is up to God to judge whether the pilgrimage was acceptable.

Unity over division

The hajj may be a holy journey for pilThe rites of the hajj are believed to retrace grims, but for Saudi authorities it is also a events from the lives of prominent proph- massive organizational undertaking.

Crowd management, security, traffic and ets like Ibrahim and his son Ismail.

The first day of the hajj

sectarian tensions are annual challenges.

A stampede in 2015 left more than 700 dead. Saudi Arabia is constantly renewing its safety protocols to protect the million of hajjis who flock to their country.

This year, concerns over Saudi human rights abuses have cast a cloud over the pilgrimage. Between the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia’s

involvement in the Yemeni civil war, some pilgrims are debating whether travel to the country is morally acceptable.

In hopes of avoiding such conflicts of conscience, which can divide the ummah – the global Muslim community – many Muslims have called for the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, an intergovernmental group, to create an international, multi-partisan hajj organizing committee.

The hajj is any individual Muslim’s single most symbolic ritual act that reflects the ideal of unity. By requiring Muslims to don the same clothes, pray in the same spaces and perform the same rituals, the hajj can connect Muslims across national and class boundaries – but only when politics do not divide them.

Source:theconversation.com

The journey begins: 1,000 pilgrims arrive in Mina for first day of Hajj

Numbers reduced and strict health measures in place to guard against spread of pandemic JEDDAH: About 1,000 pilgrims converge on the Mina Valley outside Makkah on Wednesday to begin their spiritual journey of a lifetime.

The Day of Tarwiyah (fetching water) marks the beginning of Hajj. There are no major rituals, so the pilgrims will spend their time praying and reflecting until sunrise on Thursday.

Mina, 7 km northeast of the Grand Mosque

in Makkah and within its boundaries, would normally be the site of the world’s largest tent city, accommodating about 2.5 million pilgrims.

However, Hajj participation is restricted this year to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, and the pilgrims are all Saudis or expatriates who live in the Kingdom.

Those selected to take part in this year’s Hajj were subject to temperature checks and

To be Continued at page 7

Prayer Schedule in Greater Vancouver July 31-Aug 14, 2020 - Zul Hijjah 10-24, 1441 H Isl. Dt. Day Date Fajar

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thus Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thus Fri

Sunr

ZawalAsar Dhuhr Asar Maghrib Dhur Shafi / Hanfi

Isha

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

6

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

N ationa l

&

I nt

US ‘disappointed’ by Turkey’s deci- Hagia Sophia reopens as mosque sion to turn Hagia Sophia into mosque with 1st prayers in 86 years

UNESCO World Heritage church was turned into museum by modern Turkey’s founder Ataturk The United States said Friday it was “disappointed” by Turkey’s decision to turn the Byzantine-era monument Hagia Sophia back into a mosque and urged equal access for all visitors.

“We are disappointed by the decision by the government of Turkey to change the status of the Hagia Sophia,” State Department

spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.

“We understand the Turkish government remains committed to maintaining access to the Hagia Sophia for all visitors, and look forward to hearing its plans for continued stewardship of the Hagia Sophia to ensure it remains accessible without impediment for all,” she said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has chipped away at the Muslim-majority country’s secularism, announced Muslim prayers on July 24 at the UNESCO World Heritage site.

A magnet for tourists worldwide, the Hagia Sophia was first constructed as a cathedral in the Christian Byzantine Empire but was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

Erdogan’s announcement came after the cancellation of a decision under modern Turkey’s secularizing founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk to preserve the church-turnedmosque as a museum from 1935.

Source: .i24news.tv/en/news

China orders closure of US consulate in Chengdu

Beijing says move is a ‘legitimate and necessary response’ to Washington’s decision to shut China’s Houston consulate. China has ordered the United States to close its consulate in the southwestern city of Chengdu, retaliating against Washington’s move earlier this week to shut down the Chinese consulate in the city of Houston.

The Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday the Chengdu mission’s closure was a “legitimate and necessary response to the unreasonable measures by the United States”.

“The current situation in China-US relations is not what China desires to see,” it said in a statement, adding that “the US is responsible for all this”.

“We once again urge the United States to immediately retract its wrong decision and create necessary conditions for bringing the bilateral relationship back on track.”

It did not say when the consulate must be vacated, but Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of the Communist Party-owned Global Times newspaper, said the notice period was 72 hours. “It means US Chengdu consulate will be closed

Monday morning,” he wrote on Twitter.

The tit-for-tat moves come amid a dramatic escalation in tensions between the world’s two biggest economies. On Tuesday, Washington gave Beijing 72 hours to close its mission in Houston, Texas, alleging the theft of intellectual property and espionage - a claim the Chinese side called “malicious slander”.

Ties have also deteriorated over a number of issues, ranging from the new coronavirus pandemic to Beijing’s trade and business practices, and its territorial claims in the South China Sea to its clampdown in Hong Kong and the far western region of Xinjiang.

Source: aljazeera.com/news

Pandemic has crushed aviation with more staff losses expected in the US when a job cut ban ends in September: reports.

About 400,000 airline workers have been fired, furloughed or told they may lose their jobs due to the coronavirus, according to Bloomberg calculations.

The aviation industry has suffered more than most as the pandemic destroys ticket sales and strips companies of cash. Airlines the world over have drastically cut back on flights due to border restrictions and a lack of appetite for travel, particularly internationally, because people are worried about contracting the virus and spending lengthy periods in quarantine.

British Airways, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Emirates Airline and Qantas Airways Ltd. are among the carriers announcing thousands of dismissals and unpaid leave programs. Many more are expected in the U.S. after a ban on job cuts -- a condition of a $50 billion government bailout -- is lifted at the end of September. Delta Air Lines Inc., United Airlines Holdings Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc. have already warned about 35,000 employees that their jobs are at risk. The trio’s combined personnel losses could top 100,000 by year-end.

Even the pilots and cabin crew who manage to keep their jobs are, in general, facing salary cuts.

The 400,000 job-loss figure is for airlines worldwide and covers pilots and cabin crew, who have found themselves on the front lines of the virus fight when they are at work. It includes planned cuts by U.S. carriers and was compiled from company statements, Bloomberg News stories and other media reports.

Job losses in related industries including aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, airports and travel agencies could reach 25 million, according to the International Air Transport Association. The hotels and lodging sector in the U.S. sees 7.5 jobs lost for every one in aviation. Airbus SE and Boeing Co. are cutting more than 30,000 positions.

Source: aljazeera.com/news

About 400,000 global airline jobs lost at or risk due to virus

Turkey’s iconic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque reopened for worship on Friday for the first time in 86 years with four muezzins from the mosque’s four minarets reciting the adhan, or call to prayer, and people performing their Friday prayers.

Thousands, including many who traveled from across Turkey, gathered near the mosque early Friday for the first prayers in decades while President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also arrived at the Hagia Sophia wearing a mask, accompanied by Communications Director Fahrettin Altun as well as the head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) Ali Erbaş. “Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a cultural heritage of humanity as a whole. It was a mosque and was reverted back into a mosque,” the president said following the prayers. “Some 350,000 people attended the Friday prayer around Hagia Sophia.”

The president added that the Culture and Tourism Ministry will conduct restoration work inside and outside the mosque. “Together with these works, our Hagia Sophia will hopefully gain a different, more meaningful structure,” he said.

The reopening, which included guests from all segments of society, began with the prayer program prepared by Diyanet. Prior to the inaugural prayers, the president recited verses of the Quran inside the nearly 1,500-year-old monument.

Erbaş led the first Friday prayer with a sword in hand, reading a special khutbah, or sermon, titled “Hagia Sophia: Sign of conquest, our trust in Fatih (Sultan Mehmet),” before the collective prayer.

“The longing that caused deep pain in the hearts of our people has come to an end,” Erbaş said, as he added that the monument will be open to people of all backgrounds just as other mosques are.

“Today is the day when takbirs (Allahu akbar), prayers, and salavats (salutation upon the prophet of Islam) resonate in the domes of Hagia Sophia, and the adhan (call for prayer) rises from its minarets,” Erbaş stated.

“Today is the day when believers stand up in prayer with tears of joy, bow down in submission and prostrate thankfully. Today is the day of honor and humility.”

Crowds formed at checkpoints surrounding the historic heart of Istanbul, where thousands of police maintained security. On entering the secured area, the worshippers, wearing face masks, sat spaced out on prayer mats in the city’s Sultanahmet Square.

Following the first official prayers, Erdoğan and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli visited the tomb of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Istanbul, while a huge crowd entered the Hagia Sophia.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya announced close to noon that all the prayer areas around the mosque are occupied and due to the coronavirus epidemic, they will not be accepting new entries to the area.

Later in the day, Yerlikaya also announced that Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque will remain open for worship 24/7 starting today as per President Erdoğan’s directive.

“We are ending our 86 years of longing today,” said one of the devout, Sait Çolak,

referring to the nearly nine decades since Hagia Sophia was declared a museum and ceased to be a place of worship. “Thanks to our president and the court decision today we are going to have our Friday prayers in Hagia Sophia.”

The iconic monument served as a church for 916 years until the conquest of Istanbul. It then served as a mosque from 1453 to 1934 – nearly 500 years – and most recently as a museum for 86 years.

One of the most visited historic buildings in Turkey by domestic and international tourists, in 1985, during its time as a museum, Hagia Sophia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

On July 10, a Turkish court annulled a 1934 Cabinet decree that had turned Hagia Sophia into a museum, paving the way for its use again as a mosque after an 86-year hiatus.

In the new era for Hagia Sophia, Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) will oversee religious services at the mosque, while the Culture and Tourism Ministry will supervise restoration and conservation work.

The architectural treasure will also be open to both domestic and foreign tourists free of charge.

Filled with excitement over hosting the reversion of the ancient structure to a mosque, Istanbul has been getting ready for the grand reopening with strict measures in accordance with both social distancing and Islamic rules. As part of the preparations, 17 healthcheck points with 736 medical personnel actively worked alongside an ambulance unit consisting of 101 vehicles and a helicopter waiting nearby.

Visitors’ temperatures were also checked and face masks were mandatory. Some roads were also shut down.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) also took precautions for the big day. Providing 25 shuttles for public transportation to the mosque for free, the municipality also made parking areas in the region free.

The municipality also planned to hand out 25,000 bottles of water, masks, disinfectants and disposable prayer rugs.

Erdoğan on Thursday unveiled a green sign with gold lettering in Turkish, Arabic and English in front of the iconic site that states: The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.

Three imams and five muezzins appointed On Thursday, Turkey’s top religious authority appointed three imams and five muezzins for Hagia Sophia Mosque, an iconic landmark in Istanbul set to open for prayers on Friday. Ali Erbaş, the head of Diyanet, said Mehmet Boynukalın, Ferruh Muştuer and Bünyamin Topçuoğlu were appointed as imams of the mosque. Boynukalın is a professor at the Religious Sciences Department of Marmara University, Erbaş said, noting that they appointed renowned scholars as imams in line with the Ottoman tradition.

Also, both Muştuer and Topçuoğlu have won international Quran recitation competitions. Inside the Hagia Sophia, the Christian frescoes and glittering mosaics adorning the cavernous dome and central hall were concealed by curtains during Muslim prayer times but will remain on display otherwise. Source: dailysabah.com

7

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020 Loca

l

&

I nt

n e w s

The journey begins: 1,000 pilgrims arrive in Mina for first day of Hajj

Continued from page 5 placed in quarantine as they began arriving in Makkah, and health workers sanitized their luggage.

Health and safety staff with disinfectant cleaned the area around the Kaaba, the structure at the center of the Grand Mosque draped in gold-embroidered cloth toward which Muslims around the world pray.

Hajj authorities have cordoned the Kaaba this year, and pilgrims will not be allowed to touch it, to limit the chances of infection.

They have also set up dedicated health centers, mobile clinics and ambulances to care for the pilgrims, who will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing.

All pilgrims were required to be tested for coronavirus before they arrived in Makkah,

and they will be quarantined after the pilgrimage.

They were given amenity kits that include sterilized pebbles for the Jamarat stoning ritual, disinfectants, masks, a prayer rug and the ihram, the seamless white garment worn by pilgrims.

“There are no security-related concerns in this pilgrimage, but it is to protect pilgrims from the danger of the pandemic,” said Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi, Saudi Arabia’s director of public security.

On Thursday the pilgrims will travel to Arafat to listen to the sermon, the pinnacle of Hajj. They then go to Muzdalifah and stay overnight, before returning to Mina for the Jamarat ritual.

Among the pilgrims in Mina on Tuesday were Zaker Kareem and Saifullah Al-Mo-

hammedani, two Iranian friends who met at university in Madinah 6 years ago and live in the Kingdom. Al-Mohammedani is finishing his last year at university. They both registered their names on the Hajj portal at the same time.

“I was checking the portal all the time to see if my application was accepted or not,” said Al-Mohammedani.

“I was delighted when I saw the approval. I called Zaker and he told me that he was also accepted.”

“I was really happy,” said Kareem.

Zelkin, an Azerbaijani pilgrim who lives and works in Jubail, said: “I would like to thank the Saudi government for this opportunity at such a difficult time.

“I know it’s really hard when there is corona-

virus disease everywhere, to make this kind of arrangement in such a short time.

“I couldn’t believe this. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not my luck, it’s Allah’s will and you should follow his will. .Source:arabnews.com

Eid al Adha Prayer Announcement for all Masajids, Islamic Centers and Musalahs •1.The day of ‘Arafah (9th of Dhū al Hijjah) will be on Thursday, July 30, 2020.

•2. The day of Eid al Adhā will be on Friday, July 31, Due to the restrictions

imposed by the Provincial health authorities, All Masājids, Centers will have a limited congregation for Eid salāh.

Please check with your local Masjid, Centre,

Continued from page 2

Musalah, regarding registration protocols Or Eid Timings, if you would like to attend.

Please don’t forget your Mask and Prayer Mate with you.

Trudeau and top aide to testify on WE affair Thursday

said that on Wednesday -- the day of the meeting -- he repaid the $41,000 the charity had initially covered related to the trips.

He also disclosed that his wife has made two $50,000 donations to the organization in recent years Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill Morneau have issued apologies for not removing themselves from conversations about granting WE Charity the student volunteer program, given their personal connections to the organization. Trudeau’s mother, brother and wife have all been paid

for their involvement in WE Charity events, while the finance minister’s daughter Clare has spoken at WE events, and his daughter Grace is currently employed by WE Charity.

It isn’t common for prime ministers to appear before parliamentary committees. The last time was over a decade ago In September 2006, then-prime minister Stephen Harper appeared before a Senate committee to discuss Senate reform. Harper did, however, turn down the invitation to appear before a committee in 2013, when he was

asked to testify about Nigel Wright’s payment to Sen. Mike Duffy.

Trudeau has also dodged a few committee invitations of his own.

In 2017, Liberals shut down an ethics committee attempt to invite the prime minister to testify about his vacation on a private island owned by the Aga Khan the Christmas prior — a vacation that was later found to have been in violation of the 11th paragraph of the Conflict of Interest Act. In 2019, Liberals on the same committee also used their ma-

jority to shut down a bid to invite Trudeau to testify about the SNC-Lavalin affair. When he speaks before the parliamentary committee on Thursday, Trudeau will first have the chance to provide opening remarks sharing his thoughts on the issue. That will be followed by a series of questions from members of Parliament who sit on the committee.

Both the Conservatives and the Bloc Quebecois have called on Trudeau and Morneau to resign as a result of the WE Charity controversy. Source: ctvnews.ca

Continued from page 2

COVID-19,” he said. “Those who are overtly declaring by their licence plates that they’re from somewhere else should be mindful of that.” A recent jump in the COVID-19 infection rate in B.C. has health officials raising concerns about larger gatherings where physical distancing protocols are not being followed. Community transmission of COVID-19 has occurred in the Okanagan and on the remote island of Haida Gwaii.

The most recent Health Ministry data provided Friday included 27 new COVID-19

cases and one death, bringing B.C.’s total number of deaths to 191.

The provincial COVID-19 numbers will be updated Monday afternoon.

Horgan said British Columbia residents should also consider the individual circumstances of other people before making judgments based on their licence plates.

“I ask people to walk a mile in other people’s shoes and try and live those experiences before you’re judgmental,” he said.

Last month, the mayor of Sicamous said

his community embarked on a COVID-19 kindness campaign to counter concerns about animosity after reports of rudeness toward people driving vehicles with out-ofprovince licence plates.

Mayor Terry Rysz said the northern Okanagan community, known as the houseboat capital of Canada, wanted residents to start saying hello to people and stop looking at licence plates. Source: ctvnews.ca

and his test from Almighty Allah, in it there is a sign indicates strong faith in GOD. The Sacred day of EID commemorates the test of Prophet Abraham (AS) by CreatorGOD and his willingness to be obedient to GOD to sacrifice his first born son Prophet Ishmael (AS), who also as an obedient son voluntarily offered himself to be sacrificed, and never flinched from his promise, until the sacrifice was redeemed by the substitute of a ‘Ram’-Lamb by GOD. “-- and remember, that Abraham was tried by his lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled--”: “Say yes we believe in AllahCreator and the revelation given to us to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, the tribes and that given to Moses, and Jesus, from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them and we bow to our Creator: “Being true in faith-” (Quran-2: 124, 130, 136).

Eid Ul Adha falls in one of the Sacred Months of Hajj-Pilgrimage and the performance of the divine symbolic rites

of universal gathering in the Sacred city of Mecca, the Holy territory containing centuries old symbolic monuments, and sacred Biblical places, such as Mount Arafat known as Mount of Mercy, commemorating the reUnion of P. H. Adam (AS), and his wife H. Eve (RA), also marking the last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad SAWS on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah in the Urananh Valley: Muslims fast on the day of Arafat on 9th.

The Key ritual of Hajj consists of ‘Tawaf ’ walking counter-clockwise around the Kab’a 7 times, coincides with the 7 Orbital movements.

The Kaba was re-built by Prophet Abraham (AS) and his first born Son Prophet Ishmael (AS). The Spiritual site within the enclosure of the Kaa’ba, a symbolic monument’Maqam-e-Ibrahim- a Glass and brass covered cage contains the foot print of Prophet Abraham (AS) where he stood and re-built the Kaba with his son Ishmael. “--Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundation of the House with the prayer: “Our Lord accept

Out-of-province plates? Take the bus if feeling harassed, B.C. premier advises

we should act accordingly,” he said.

Drivers with out-of-province plates should also be aware that B.C. has wholeheartedly embraced numerous health restrictions in the effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the premier said.

“What I can tell these individuals is there’s a high degree of certainty in B.C. that we want to keep our borders closed until neighbouring jurisdictions get a better handle on

Eid Ul Adha-Feast Of Sacrifice!

By: Gulshan Aalani

Most significant Eid Ul Adha, an Eid of sacrifice in the 12th month of Dhul Hijjah commemorates the divinely given religious ceremonies of our Prophet Abraham (AS) introduced by his progeny Prophet-Universal Messenger Muhammad SAWS. It also confirms that all the Islamic practices are ordained by the divine authority, and none are the man-made rituals, that’s is known as Monotheistic religion.

Such Divine practices opens up the Gates of knowledge of both the worlds.

Knowledge of the past Revelations, introduction of all the Prophets, Messengers, and Angels sent by Allah Creator of the Universe, that brings closeness with the people of the book, the whole humanity, as well as teaching the true concept of ‘One GOD’, only HIS worship and obedience are legal.

‘Muslims’ Believers of One Creator-GOD all over the world celebrate the ‘Eid of Sacrifice’; reviving the ‘religion of prophet Abraham (AS), (known as friend of god in the bible)

this from us, for Thou art the all Hearing the all Knowing”. (Q-2:127).

“--Take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer, and WE covenanted with Abraham and Ishmael to sanctify MY Housethose who compass it round-bow and prostrate therein in prayer. (Q-2:125).

The ceremony at monuments of Hills of Safa and Marwa, represents Lady Hagar wife of Prophet Abraham (AS): closer to these Hills is the Well of Zam Zam spring that miraculously sprang in the parched desert, after the prayer of Lady Hagar a desperate Mother of infant Ishmael prayed for water: this is the oldest Well flowing without interruption giving the Blessed Water. (Q-2:158).

‘EID Mubarak’!

8

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

N ationa l

&

I nt

Trudeau and Morneau should resign or risk WHO head says Canada has ‘done well’ snap election: opposition at bringing COVID-19 under control

OTTAWA -- Opposition parties are ratcheting up their calls for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill Morneau to resign, with the Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois saying that the Liberals could be facing a fall election, if actions beyond their apologies over their roles in the WE Charity controversy aren’t taken.

In a new statement in French Friday afternoon, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet said that in light of the ongoing developments in the WE Charity controversy, and what he called a betrayal of Canadians’ trust that Trudeau and Morneau have demonstrated, it’s time for them both to go.

If not, his party plans to consult Quebecers about possibly tabling a motion of non-confidence when the House of Commons resumes in late September. Because the Liberals are currently governing with a minority, their government could be toppled if they lose a confidence vote. Blanchet said the Bloc also wants the Chief Electoral Officer to consider what physical distancing and other precautions need to be in place should a general election be called.

However, many questions remain about the logistics of a confidence vote in the COVID19-altered House of Commons, or sending Canadians to the polls during a pandemic.

Elections Canada is currently working on a new approach and considering what health precautions needs to be in place should they have to deliver an election during, or shortly after the pandemic.

Up until now Blanchet has said he doesn’t want Trudeau to resign, but rather step aside until the ethics investigation —which on average takes several months—into the prime minister’s dealings with WE Charity is completed. Now he says he thinks that, as undesirable an election amid a national public health crisis may be, Quebecers want another Liberal scandal even less.

TORIES LEAN ON LIBERAL MPs Ahead of Blanchet’s latest comments, outgoing Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer also called for both Trudeau and Morneau to go, but stopped short of suggesting an election.

Scheer said that with the House currently not sitting in a manner that would allow for a confidence vote, and given his party is still in the process of electing his replacement, now is not the time to explore the snap election route.

“I don’t believe he deserves to govern this country. His party received the most seats in the last election, he failed to receive the largest amount of votes but he did receive the largest number of seats, so the Liberal Party of Canada has a right to govern this minority Parliament for as long as they are able to find the support of at least one other party, but there is nothing written that says that that must be Justin Trudeau,” Scheer said, suggesting Liberal MPs could take action and replace Trudeau with a new Liberal leader.

“Are they prepared to sacrifice their personal integrity to protect their scandal-plagued leader, and to cover up corruption? Or are they willing to take a stand and demand that Trudeau step aside? If the Liberals refuse to act, they sit on their hands and say nothing, then they are implicitly approving this corrupt behavior, and they will be just as guilty as Justin Trudeau is,” he said during a Friday

morning press conference in Regina.

While the ballots are still being cast to name the next federal Conservative leader, perceived front-runners Erin O’Toole and Peter MacKay have both expressed their outrage over the affair and have committed to holding the Trudeau Liberals to account if they are elected.

SEVERAL PROBES UNDERWAY Opposition parties continue to push for more answers and have launched three separate committee probes, including asking for Trudeau family financial records related to past speaking engagements. They have also prompted the ethics commissioner to launch conflict of interest investigations into both Trudeau and Morneau’s dealings in regards to a $912-million student service grant program that WE Charity was set to administer.

WE Charity backed away from the program after a series of headlines about their own internal issues as well as others calling into question Trudeau’s ethics and the potential conflict of interest he and his finance minister may have put themselves in by not recusing themselves from the decision-making table on the deal, given their close family connections to the organization.

As well, Trudeau and his top staffer Katie Telford have accepted invitations to appear before the House Finance Committee, where Morneau revealed earlier this week that he had just paid WE Charity back $41,366 in outstanding expenses that the organization covered for two trips his family took in 2017, and that his wife has made $100,000 in donations to the organization in recent years.

“Normally, these would be fireable offenses.

In the past, ministers have been forced to resign for much less. So why hasn’t Bill Morneau been fired? Why haven’t Liberal MPs demanded that Justin Trudeau stepped down as leader of the Liberal Party?” Scheer said.

A NON-CONFIDENCE VOTE? Following Morneau’s testimony, several of his cabinet colleagues have spoken out saying they still have confidence in him and support him staying on as the finance minister.

“Yes, I do have full confidence in minister Morneau. He has been working very hard…

And I believe that he has explained himself and testified in front of the finance committee,” said Minister of Middle Class Prosperity Mona Fortier on Friday.

Voting on a non-confidence motion would require either a full resumption of regular sittings, or a plan for remote voting if the pandemic risk is still high enough to keep the full roster of 338 MPs out of the Chamber. At this point it remains to be seen which approach MPs will adopt come the fall sitting, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 21.

Back in February, when rail blockades were the main preoccupation of the federal government, the Conservatives gave notice of a non-confidence motion, which they now have the ability to table at any point in this Parliament.

If advanced, the motion would need the backing of the other opposition parties to pass, and at this point the NDP have not articulated where they’d fall when it comes to forcing an election over this ongoing scandal.

Source: ctvnews.ca

TORONTO -- The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted Canada on Monday as one of the countries that has done well in its handling of the pandemic by bringing its outbreak “under control.”

Speaking at a virtual press conference, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that “COVID-19 has changed our world. It has brought people, communities and nations together and driven them apart. It has shown what humans are capable of, both positively and negatively.”

Globally, over 16 million cases of COVID-19 have been identified, and more than 650,000 people have died since the virus first emerged. Although health experts and world leaders are still learning how to respond as the situation goes on, Tedros emphasized that the “fundamental pillars of the response” have not changed: isolating and testing suspected COVID-19 patients, quarantining their contacts and promoting such virus-fighting measures as physical distancing, hand-washing, avoiding crowded and enclosed areas, and wearing a face mask. “When these measures are followed, cases go down. When they are not, cases go up,” he said. “Countries and communities that have followed this advice carefully and consistently have done well, either in preventing large-scale outbreaks like Cambodia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Thailand, Vietnam and islands in the Pacific and Caribbean. Or in bringing large outbreaks under

control like Canada, China, Germany and the Republic of Korea.”

There have been more than 114,000 cases of COVID-19 in Canada so far, with almost 9,000 dead and at least 6,000 cases still active. Case numbers peaked in May, and after a number of lockdown measures and new rules were introduced to safeguard the public, the numbers have been on a steady decline, although the end of July has brought a small increase in COVID-19 cases.

In Tedros’ comments Monday, he added that there were many more countries he could have listed as exemplary in their handling of the pandemic.

What sets apart those who have been successful thus far and those who have not is the willpower to act, he said.

“The bottom line is that one of the most fundamental ingredients for stopping this virus is determination and the willingness to make hard choices to keep ourselves and each other safe.”

Source: ctvnews.ca

Coronavirus report card: Experts give Canada a B, U.S. an F

B.C. to Ottawa were saying that there was little risk to Canadians, and the World Health Organization (WHO) was holding off on declaring the virus a global health emergency. Much has changed since then.

The disease caused by the virus has been given a name – COVID-19 – and the world is in the grip of the greatest pandemic in decades. There have been more than 15 million confirmed cases of the virus and more than 600,000 deaths worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. In Canada, there have been more than 110,000 cases – more than the entire population of MoncTORONTO -- The novel coronavirus beton, N.B. – and nearly 9,000 deaths. came a reality in Canada six months ago today.A man who had travelled to Wuhan, Half a year after COVID-19 first showed China, had fallen ill after returning to his itself in Canada, CTVNews.ca asked seven home in a Toronto suburb. He sought mediprominent epidemiologists, public health cal attention, and doctors diagnosed him experts and infectious disease specialists with Canada’s first presumptive positive to look back at the pandemic responses of case of the virus. Two days later, test results Canada, the United States and the world as on the man came back positive, and his wife a whole, and put together a report card for was diagnosed as the country’s second preeach – assessing their strengths and weaksumptive patient. nesses thus far, and assigning them a letter As this was happening, health officials from grade. Source: ctvnews.ca

Government now backs full public inquiry into N.S. mass shooting OTTAWA -- The federal government will now proceed with a full public inquiry into the Nova Scotia mass shooting, following increased pressure from victims and families to provide more transparency into the investigation.

On Tuesday, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair said the government will “work diligently with all those affected by this tragedy to bring forward the critical answers, and to ensure an event such as this will never happen again.”

“We have heard calls from families, survivors, advocates, and Nova Scotia Members of Parliament for more transparency,” Blair wrote in the statement. Nova Scotia Justice Minister Mark Furey said that he also supports the calls for a full inquiry into the

shooting, citing the political pressure from some parliamentarians who have challenged the federal and provincial governments’ decision to launch a joint review rather than a public inquiry .S. ctvnews.ca

9 M I D D LE E A S T Iran fires missile at mock US aircraft carrier during exercise Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

US Navy condemns Iran’s ‘irresponsible, reckless behaviour’ in war games staged during heightened tensions. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard fired a missile from a helicopter targeting a replica US aircraft carrier in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, state television reported on Tuesday, an exercise aimed at threatening the US amid tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The exercises - dubbed “Prophet Muhammad 14th” - were held near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for a fifth of global oil output. Footage of the war games broadcast on state television showed the Guard’s air and naval forces readying for an attack off the country’s southwestern coast.

Speedboats skimmed across the water in formation before ground forces fired cannons

and a missile was launched from a helicopter, leaving a trail of smoke before appearing to smash into the side of the fake warship.

The Iranian maritime manoeuvre was staged at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.

The US Navy condemned the “irresponsible and reckless behaviour by Iran”, calling it an attempt “to intimidate and coerce”. The US Navy 5th Fleet, which is based in the Gulf state of Bahrain, also criticised Iran’s use of the replica aircraft carrier.

“We are aware of the Iranian exercise involving attacking a mock-up of a vessel similar to a motionless aircraft carrier,” its spokeswoman Commander Rebecca Rebarich said in a statement emailed to the AFP news agency on Tuesday.

“The US Navy conducts defensive exercises with our partners promoting maritime security in support of freedom of navigation; whereas, Iran conducts offensive exercises, attempting to intimidate and coerce.”

While the coronavirus pandemic has engulfed both Iran and the US for months, there have been increasing signs of a confrontation as the US has argued for extend a years-long UN weapons embargo on Tehran that is due to expire in October.

The war games came only days after Tehran accused US fighter jets of harassing an Ira-

nian commercial airliner over Syria.

At least four passengers on board the Mahan Air plane were injured in Thursday’s incident after the pilot took emergency action to avoid the warplanes, Iranian authorities said. Source: aljazeera.com

Relations between Ankara and Athens have been uneasy in recent months and tensions have increased over Hagia Sophia.

Turkey and Greece have exchanged harsh words over the conversion of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia into a mosque, a day after Islamic prayers were held at the ancient site for the first time in 90 years.

Relations between NATO allies Ankara and Athens have been uneasy in recent months but tensions have recently increased over Hagia Sophia and energy riches in the eastern Mediterranean.

“We see that the targets of those countries who have made so much noise in recent days are not Hagia Sophia or the eastern

Mediterranean,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a televised speech on Saturday “[Their targets] are the presence itself of the Turkish nation and Muslims in this region.”

He also condemned hostile statements by the Greek government and Parliament members and Turkish flag-burning in the Greek city of Thessaloniki.

Erdogan joined thousands for the first Islamic prayer on Friday since Hagia Sophia was reconverted into a mosque this month.

Hagia Sophia was previously a museum and most Greeks view it as central to their Orthodox Christian religion: Church bells tolled in mourning across Greece on Friday.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday said what was happening in Istanbul was “not a show of force, but proof of weakness”. He also called Turkey a “troublemaker”, and the conversion of the site an “affront to civilisation of the 21st century”.

In a statement on Saturday, the Turkish foreign ministry spokesman said: “Greece showed once again its enmity towards Islam and Turkey with the excuse of reacting to Hagia Sophia Mosque being opened to prayers.” The Greek foreign ministry responded with its own statement, saying: “The international community of the 21st century is stunned to observe the religious and nationalist fanatic ramblings of today’s

Turkey.” Greece and Turkey disagree on a range of issues from airspace to maritime zones in the eastern Mediterranean and ethnically split Cyprus.

Source: aljazeera.com

Turkey and Greece in war of words over Hagia Sophia

Najib faces 1MDB verdict as Malaysian political ground shifts Judge to give decision in first case relating to failed state fund in decision that could have a major political impact. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - After nearly 16 months, dozens of witnesses and thousands of pages of evidence, a Malaysian judge will on Tuesday deliver his verdict on whether former Prime Minister Najib Razak is guilty of corruption in the first of a series of trials related to the alleged theft of billions of dollars from state fund 1MDB, in a decision that could have major political ramifications.

Najib faces seven charges in relation to SRC International, a unit of 1MDB, and allegations that millions of dollars ended up in his personal bank accounts and were used

to shop at luxury stores, pay for home renovation projects and provide funding for the component parties of his then-ruling coalition.

If found guilty, he could face decades in prison and substantial fines. He would also become the first Malaysian prime minister to be convicted in a criminal court.

“It’s a test for Muhyiddin’s [the current prime minister’s] government,” said Bridget Welsh, an expert on Malaysia and honorary research fellow with the University of Nottingham’s Asia Research Institute Malaysia. “It will also send a very important signal about whether leaders will be held to account for what they do while in office, as well as the

penalties for elites abusing the system.”

Najib might be facing more than 40 charges in relation to 1MDB and spending most of his days in court, but he remains an influential figure in the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which was ousted in May 2018 amid popular anger about 1MDB, but is once again the biggest party in the coalition after Muhyiddin Yassin - the deputy Najib sacked over 1MDB - emerged as prime minister in March. UMNO leaders were seen at court and hundreds of people turned out to show their support despite coronavirus restrictions, as Judge Mohd Na- biggest bank, began delivering his verdict at zlan Ghazali, who began his legal career at 10.20am (02:20 GMT). the Securities Commission and Malaysia’s Source: aljazeera.com

Ernest Gibson, the co-coordinator for 350 Fiji has been named as one of the seven young climate activists to take formal seat at UN table in Secretary-General’s new Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has selected Mr Gibson to advise him regularly on accelerating global action and ambition to tackle the worsening climate crisis.

The announcement marks a new effort by the United Nations to bring more young

leaders into decision-making and planning processes, as the UN works to mobilize climate action as part of the COVID-19 recovery efforts.

“We are in a climate emergency. We do not have the luxury of time,” said Mr Guterres.

“We have seen young people on the front lines of climate action, showing us what bold leadership looks like,” he added. “That is why I am launching my Youth Advisory Group on climate change today – to provide

perspectives, ideas and solutions that will help us scale up climate action.”

The members of the Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change represent the diverse voices of young people from all regions as well as small island states.

They will offer perspectives and solutions on climate change, from science to community mobilization, from entrepreneurship to politics, and from industry to conservation.

Source: fijitimes.com

Slump in flows reflects dramatically lower European fuel consumption as pandemic decimates demand. Egypt’s Sumed pipeline was designed to pump 2.5 million barrels

of Persian Gulf crude from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean every day. Since May, a slump in oil demand and OPEC+ oil production cuts seem to have combined to slash flows to about a quarter of that.

Acting as an artery in the global oil trade, the Sumed gets Middle Eastern oil to the north African coast, allowing giant supertankers - that would otherwise sit too deep in the water - to continue to use the Suez Canal.

From the Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir, it can then be shipped to refineries across Europe and North America. The slump in flows reflects European fuel consumption that plunged by as much as 90% in some instances and, in response to that, the deepest

output reductions in history by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers. In April, Saudi Arabia embarked on a production surge, pushing output to an all-time high and helping to drive down prices. That’s visible in the flows through the canal.

Then output cuts agreed by OPEC and its allies came into effect in May. Saudi Arabia’s production tumbled and Sumed flows almost certainly followed suit. The amount of crude poured into the Sumed fell to just below 700,000 barrels a day in June and July, down from about 1.3 million in April, according to tanker tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Meanwhile, the amount leaving

Fiji’s Gibson named among young climate activists to take formal seat at UN table

Oil flows through Egypt’s Sumed pipeline slow dramatically

Sidi Kerir - the Mediterranean end of the line - increased. That would imply stockpiles there probably swelled.There is almost 20 million barrels of oil-storage capacity at either end of the Sumed, meaning the movements of tankers at either end of the conduit won’t necessarily correlate perfectly with flows through it. The industry’s biggest tankers sit too deep in the water to navigate the Suez Canal fully loaded. They can either discharge all their cargo at Ain Sukhna and then return to the Persian Gulf for their next consignment, or they can unload part of it at Ain Sukhna and then sail through the waterway before refilling at Sidi Kerir.

Source: fijitimes.com

10

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

kas h mir ’ s

By Malik Muhammad Ashraf

The 5th of August marks the completion of 365 days since the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IO&JK) have been living under siege, cut-off from the outside world and bearing the brunt of the brutalities of the Indian security forces who relish indulgence in extra-judicial killings and torture.

Reportedly during the last five months of this year Indian security forces have martyred over 120 Kashmiris during cordon and search operations while the world by and large remains oblivious to the situation in IO&JK. What is amazing is that the global community and the UN which adopted a number of resolutions regarding settlement of the question of accession of Kashmir through a plebiscite-- which are legally binding--did not react the way they should have against Indian action to scrap Article 370 of the Indian constitution, amalgamation of the state in the Indian Union through Jummu and Kashmir Re-organization Act 2019 and the promulgation of new domicile law designed

po l itics

Kashmiri Lives Also Matter

to change demographic realities in IO&JK. India has already issued domicile certificates to 25,000 non-Kashmiris. All the foregoing actions taken

by India in IO&JK constitute blatant violation of the UNSC resolutions on Kashmir, bilateral agreements between India and Pakistan and 4th Geneva Convention.

People of IO&JK are living under inhuman conditions since 5th of August 2019.

The Indian government has tried its best to keep IO&JK out of the focus of the global community by denying access to foreign journalist other independent observers to travel to the region including a US Senator Chris Van Hollen. But the international media has been successful in unraveling Indian atrocities in IO&JK and discrediting the Indian actions. The Guardian, The New York Times, Washington Post and other eminent publications have been regularly reporting on the human rights abuses after 5th of August though the Indian government remains in the denial mode.

Washington Post in an editorial portrayed the situation in IO&JK in these words “There are persistent reports of indiscriminate detentions, beatings and torture by security forces, including of children as

young as 13. The Post interviewed 19 people in 13 villages who said they had been abused in the days after Aug. 5; they recounted beatings with rods, sticks and cables, electric shocks, and being hung upside down for long periods. India prides itself on being the world’s largest democracy, but these are not the actions of a democratic regime”.

The same paper in its photography blog ‘Insight’ also published a number of photographs taken by an Indian photographer Jayanta Roy on 10th April 2020 with regards to the permeating situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir with the caption ‘Land of permanent Sorrow’. As the title suggests these photographs provided a harrowing visual narrative on the inhuman conditions under which eight hundred thousand Kashmiris are forced to live. A commentary on those photographs said “As conditions around the world continue to evolve because of the corona virus people must remember that a large population is suffering from the same pain we are facing now but for longer than us much before the covid-19 outbreak and their suffering is like a neverending nightmare” India under Modi, a diehard proponent of RSS ideology of Hindutva which believes in racial superiority of Hindus and India for Hindus, has not only violated the UNSC resolutions and trampled 4th Geneva Convention in IO&JK but it has also enacted discriminatory laws against Muslims within

Modi’s grab, stab strategy exposed on Aug 5

I

By: Mian Saifur Rehman) t is probably ingrained in BJP leaders’ psyche to do things with a ‘grab and stab’ approach.

They are always finding opportunities to grab (others’ territories) to fulfill their petty, orthodox dream of ‘Akhand Bharat’ (Great, Grand India) the manifestation of which was witnessed recently, as well, in the shape of Galwan Valley conflict with China. In this military adventure, Indians had to cut a sorry figure and it was also a major setback to Modi Sarkar’s reliance on the strategy of bullying and intimidation.

Likewise, they are always pursuing the policy of stabbing (read subduing) the unlikeable people like lowcaste Hindus and minorities which do not fall in the category of the likeminded ones, given the odd peculiarities of dominating Hindus’ ideology.

Actually, the influential categories of people, like Brahmins or others of their ilk in the Hindu-dominated India are inspired by the philosophy of Hindutva that preaches zero tolerance for non-Hindus. RSS, which is the spiritual guru of BJP and known worldwide for its violent ways, adheres to the same philospophy of zero tolerance for non-Hindus whereas their extreme hatred for Muslims, knows no bounds. However, quite paradoxically, even a very large number of Hindus are despised by those adhering to the superiorcaste Brahmin ideology. When the situation is so inhuman where ‘lowly ones’ from their own religion like

Shoodras and Dalits are maltreated, what can one expect from these ‘superior ones’ when it comes to treating the Muslims of India in general and of the ‘vanquished Kashmir’ in particular.

How the hell has been let loose on the harmless Kashmiri Muslims living in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) during the reign of BJP which has surpassed all the previous New Delhi governments in curbing genuine demand of Kashmiris for plebiscite according to UN Security Council resolutions.

This plebiscite, to allow Kashmiris to exercise their fundamental, natural right of self-determination, was pledged at the international forum by the then Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. This solemn commitment was trumpeted by the Indian side in such a manner that, at one point of time, the world got convinced that the state of India understands the falsity of the so-called Kashmir Accession (to India) document for which it was ready to expiate the UN way.

Nothing doing! Seven decades gone but there has not been an iota of indication coming from the Indian side in the direction of any plebiscite.

Instead, all the governments of New Delhi have been using different methodologies to consolidate illegal Qabza (occupation) of Kashmir.

That included installation of puppet ‘democratic’ state governments in IOJ&K, sham and engineered elections, mass killings, mass rapes and

imprisonments, promulgation of draconian laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA) empowering Indian troops to abduct and detain Kashmiris without producing them in courts, even for a period extending to two long years in illegal detentions. A large number of these illegal detainees never returned to their homes. However, the subsequent discovery of mass graves revealed the story of bloodbath in the Valley of Kashmir.

While the BJP government continued pursuing all these policies of naked aggression and oppression, it crossed all civilized limits and violated universal standards of fair play on August 5, last year by giving a fullfledged (un-)constitutional cover to the Accession to India, of Occupied Kashmir.

The special status conferred on Kashmir under Article 370 was revoked.

Keen watchers of Kashmir situation say that it was nothing but complete bulldozing of Indian Constitution as well as the spirit of the Constitution.

This unconstitutional revocation totally violates the UNSC resolutions that require a plebiscite to be held, recognizing the fact that Kashmir is a disputed territory. How then can India usurp this right of plebiscite through unfair means.

Apart from Article 370, Article 35 A has also been revoked. According to this Article, people outside Kashmir were neither allowed to settle in Kashmir nor buy properties there.

India itself. The implementation of National Register of Citizenship in Assam which rendered 1.9 Muslims stateless and the promulgation of the Citizenship Amendment Act speak volumes about hatred against Muslims. Although the Muslim minority in India has all along been subjected to discriminatory treatment and from time to time also had to endure the wrath of the Hindu zealots in the shape of massacres during antiMuslim riots, but what has been happening since the BJP came into power, knows no parallel in the history of the sub-continent.

The Muslim minority is at the receiving end of the wrath of hate ideology.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an article published in the Indian newspaper ‘The Hindu’ on 6 March 2020 referring to the killing of 50 Muslims in the riots over the Citizenship Amendment Bill observed ”Delhi has been

To be Continued at page 5

But now, following the repeal of this Article, a sizeable chunk of nonKashmiris including non-Muslims are being settled there besides being given the rights to buy property.

As if these unconstitutional moves were not enough, Indian troops have intensified the use of brute force against innocent Kashmiris who are now facing the worst times, even much worse than the days when they would be kidnapped, their women gang-raped and youth tortured to death, not mentioning the indiscriminate use of pellet guns.

Ever since this ominous day, August 5, IOJ&K is under siege so much so that the virtually imprisoned (in their houses) Kashmiris can’t move freely for transporting their sick relatives to hospitals. And reports have also come that some people had to bury their near and dear ones in the backyards of their houses. And, as for the communication blockade, that too is quite stringent as if the people of Kashmir were living in medieval ages ruled by tyrants.

Source: thenews.com.pk/writer/ mian-saifur-rehman

11

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

HELP REQUIRED, THIS SATURDAY. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! FOOD HAMPER DISTRIBUTION SAT Aug 1

6:45 AM 10:00 AM

COMMUNITY CASE MANAGEMENT TRAINING-ONLINE SAT SUN Aug 15 Aug 16

10:00 AM 10:00 AM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM

-

Personal and Corporate Tax Returns Bookkeeping Audits and Reviews GST, PST and Payroll

We don’t just file your taxes, we look for ways to save you money!

MON Aug 17 6:30 PM 8:00 PM

DONATION REQUIRED E-TRANSFER TO accounting@muslimfoodbank.com ONLINE AT muslimfoodbank.com/donate

104 - 12941 115th Ave Surrey, BC

(604) 227-1120 info@advancedtax.ca

www.advancedtax.ca

from

Dawood’s

M EAT & PIZ ZA KRISPY FRIED CHICKEN!

Your One Stop Shop for Marinated Meats, Pizza, Fried Chicken, & our World Famous Burgers & Sausages

Order Now 604-780-0776

We Deliver!

Visit our location at: Unit 101 - 14620 64th Ave, Surrey BC

12

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

Ayyaz

Adeeb

(Realtor)

PREC

604 518 - 3782

604 - (Realtor) 839 - 7863

adeeb.shums@century21.ca ayyazrealtor@gmail.com

UPDATED SOLD Properties 2020 SOLD $725,000

SOLD $870 ,000 R2400927 13207 65A Avenue Surrey BC V3X 1X2

SOLD $785,000 R2420810 11934 92A Avenue N Delta BC V4C 3N2

SOLD $585,000 R2427526

11-12738 66 Avenue Surrey BC V3C 1J4

SOLD $470,000 R2437875

75-36060 Old Yale Road Abbotsford BC V3G 2E9

SOLD $730,000

R2460696

3520 Clearbrook Road Abbotsford BC V2T 5B8

R2405710

1205-3100 Windsor Gate Coquitlam BC V3B 0P3

SOLD $395,000

R2414099

11-8880 Nowell St ChilliwackBC V2P 0A6

SOLD $1,095,000 R2430568

14880 72 Avenue Surrey BC V3S 2G1

SOLD $509,900 R2450615

2-5480 Pebble Lane Sardis Chilliwack V2R 6B8

SOLD $680,000

465297

2445 Stirling Crescent Courtenay BC V9N 1Y2

SOLD $365,000

R2419578

109-7151 121 Street Surrey BC V3W 0E7

SOLD $1,095,000 R2434814

12295 74 Avenue Surrey BC V3W 5S3

SOLD $560,000 R2446093

3-12120 189A Street Pitt Meadows V3Y 1V3

SOLD $369,990

Pre Sold

301-22136 49 Avenue Langley BC VA0 A0A

13

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

Adeeb

Ayyaz

(Realtor)

PREC

(Realtor)

604 - A2Z 604 518 - 3782 Team 839 - 7863

adeeb.shums@century21.ca ayyazrealtor@gmail.com

UPDATED SOLD Properties 2020

$ 1,368,000

$ 765,000

R2473139

R2455571

2689 Kitchener Street Vancouver BC V5K 3C9

46778 Sylvan Drive Sardis Chilliwack V2R 4E9

$325,000 $565,000 $750,000 R2438612

202-11566 224th Street Maple Ridge BC V2X 9C9

R2446093

3-12120 189A Street Pitt Meadows BC V3Y 1V3

$835,000

R2454658

R2471098

21663 Exeter Avenue 11722 203 Street Maple Ridge BC V2X 4M9 Maple Ridge BC V2X 4T9

Free Appraisal and Legal Fees TERMS 2 Year 3 Year 5 Year Our Rates* 2.39% 1.95% 2.04% Special Promo

5 years Variable 1.95%

* Rates are subject to change without notice

Asma Shums

Mortgage Consultant

* Purchase * Renewal * Pre Approval * 1st & 2nd Mortgages * Self Employed

* New Immigrants * Debts Consolidation * Construction/ Renovations * Commercial Mortgage

Surrey Office: 115-13740 72A Avenue, Surrey BC V3W 1N5 Vancouver Office: 6241 Fraser Street, Vancouver BC V3W 3A2

604-839-7853 ~ asmashums@gmail.com ~ www.a2zmortgage.ca

14

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

FOLLOW US ON

WHAT WE DO PERSONAL TAX RETURNS CORPORATE TAX RETURNS REVIEW ENGAGEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BUSINESS AND TAX PLANNING SR&ED RETURNS BOOKKEEPING (GST, PST, WCB, PAYROLL)

WHO WE HELP INDIVIDUALS CORPORATIONS SOLE-PROPRIETORSHIPS NOT-FOR-PROFIT PARTNERSHIPS

3A-709 Twelfth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 4J7 604-773-0910 sabeeh@naseercpa.com 604-357-5088 www.naseercpa.com

15

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

w om e n / Y O U T H

Staying Positive In Difficult Times By: Shabnam Khan, Family Counsellor

T

he value of good friends is hard to overemphasize. It suggests that people with friends to rely on during stressful times experience healthier, more successful and live longer. A good friendship lessens the negative effects of high stress level. It is very supportive towards a meaningful relationship.

Take time to take good care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet, exercise and get plenty of rest.

Take time to relax with friends and family. A high rate of change often means extra stress and strain on your body. It’s important to pay attention to what your body needs.

Build your self-esteem. Always remember, you are a unique individual with special talents and interests. It’s helpful to make a list of what you like most about yourself. Encouraging others to feel good about themselves is a wonderful way to feel good about ourselves. You will always cheer others if you pass a sincere compliment to people you care about.

Be open and flexible. Most people are eager to settle into comfortable routines. Remem-

ber that your present routine could be only temporary.

Situations do occur that may make you change your routine.

You may not be able to predict change, but knowing that change can happen at any time helps you accept and adjust when it does occur. Most life transitions are slow processes that take time.

Concentrate on the good things in life. Don’t dwell on negative thoughts. A positive attitude helps you feel good about yourself and the life you live, and goes a long way towards improving your health.

Take control of your life. What can you do now to help you through a difficult transition in your future? Practice finding the good in each of our life’s transitions. It’s not what you do to respond, but how you choose to respond!! info: shabnam@skcounselling.ca

Kashmiri Lives Also Matter

Bakri Eid

By: Asma Shums,

B

willingness of Ibrahim, the messenger in Islam, to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. Muslims worldwide celebrate Bakrid by sacrificing a male goat as a symbol of the sacrifice made by Ibrahim. The families feast on the goat’s meat and also distribute it to the poor. Devotees also offer the Eid al-Adha prayers at the mosque, wear new clothes and greet each other.

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the lunar year.

It is also when Hajj, a pilgrimage in which the followers of Islam are required to complete once in their lives, takes place.

Bakrid feast dishes include mutton biryani, mutton korma, mutton keema and bhuni kaleji. Among the desserts are sheer kurma and kheer.

akrid is one of the most important festivals for Islamic followers as it marks the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham. As legend has it, the Prophet was challenged by God to prove his faith in Him and to do that, the Prophet had to sacrifice something that he held very dear to him. The Prophet’s steadfast faith in God had prompted him to offer his 13-year-old son, Ismail, for sacrifice.

The “festival of sacrifice” honours the info at: asmashums@gmail.com

What did the frog order at McDonald’s?

French flies and Diet Croak.

What would a bear say if he got confused?

I barely understand.

What does the ocean do when it sees its friends?

Waves!

New community roundtable to tackle racism in B.C. schools

A Continued from page 10

subjected to extreme violence over the past few weeks. We have lost nearly 50 of our fellow Indians for no reason. Several hundred people have suffered injuries. Communal tensions have been stoked and flames of religious intolerance fanned by unruly sections of our society, including the political class. University campuses, public places and private homes are bearing the brunt of communal outbursts of violence, reminiscent of the dark periods in India’s history. Institutions of law and order have abandoned their dharma (duty) to protect citizens. Institutions of justice and the fourth pillar of democracy, the media, have also failed us. Just in a matter of few years, India has slid rapidly from being a global showcase of a model of economic development through liberal democratic methods to a strife ridden majoritarian state in economic despair.”

It is pertinent to mention that even the UN rights chief in Delhi Michelle Bechelet moved the Indian Supreme Court against the controversial legislation passed by the Indian parliament by becoming third party in a petition brought by a former civil servant.

The hate philosophy against Muslims within India has had its spill over to Muslim Pakistan. India has adopted a belligerent posture towards Pakistan as is evident from her con-

tinued violations of the ceasefire line and the indiscretion of sending its planes to Balakot to hit the imaginary terrorist camps on 26 February last year which nearly brought the two nations to the brink of war. The escalation was averted due to the restraint shown

by Pakistan and the timely intervention of friendly countries.

India is using these tactics to cover up the state terrorism that it has unleashed against the people of IO&JK not realizing that it could have very serious repercussions for peace and security in the region. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan beginning from his address to the UN General Assembly last year has been sensitizing the world about the dangers lurking on the horizons due to the actions of Indian regime in IO&JK and its burgeoning animosity against Pakistan in pursuance of the supremacist RSS ideology of Hindutva.

As the killing spree and complete lockdown continues the people of IO&JK while resisting the Indian oppression are looking up to the UN and the international community to come to their rescue through concrete actions to stop India in her tracks instead of showing muffled concerns over the developing situation in the state, realizing that the Kashmiri lives also matter..

Source: /nation.com.pk/Columnist/ malik-muhammad-ashraf

new Community Roundtable on Anti-Racism in education has been created to support the development of an anti-racism action plan and to strengthen the K–12 curriculum, ensuring the culture, beliefs and ancestry of all students and staff are accepted, celebrated and understood.

“There is no place for racism, discrimination or intolerance in British Columbia – in our schools or anywhere else,” said Premier John Horgan. “We are bringing important voices to the table to help us bolster culture-based learning in the education system and build a better and more inclusive future for B.C.” Rob Fleming, Minister of Education, has brought together community leaders from a wide range of groups to better understand the impact of racism on B.C. students and provide input into strengthening and developing new policies and programs that promote anti-racism. The roundtable held its first meeting on Friday, July 24, 2020, and will continue to meet as the action plan is developed.

“Now is the time to listen, learn, engage and act,” Fleming said. “We are committed to working with community and education partners to build a meaningful and lasting anti-racism action plan to ensure schools are safe and welcoming places where diversity is celebrated.”

This is the first in a series of conversations to guide the ministry and B.C. education partners in understanding barriers faced by Indigenous students and students of colour. Fleming has asked the First Nations Leadership Council, the First Nations Education Steering Committee and Métis Nation BC to help set up a distinct I

ndigenous table and co-develop its approach. A new student advisory group will also be formed in the fall to hear directly from students on their experiences.

“Through this roundtable, we are hopeful for a more inclusive tomorrow by supporting students, families and educators today,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Citizens’ Services and responsible for Multiculturalism. “By listening and learning from the experiences of others we can all work together to build an environment that is understanding and respectful of our differences.”

The Community Roundtable on AntiRacism in education builds on a series of community dialogues led by Ravi Kahlon, former parliamentary secretary for sport and multiculturalism, last summer. The feedback from these meetings informed the development of Resilience BC, a provincewide anti-racism network announced in November 2019. The network connects communities with the information, supports and training they need to respond to and prevent future incidents of racism and hate at a local and regional level. Resilience BC is being established in 40 communities.

Source: news.gov.bc.ca

16

Zul Hijja 10,1441H July 31, 2020

health/ HISTORY

How to make sure your mask maximizes protection, according to a nurse? (Hint: Start by wearing over both mouth and nose)

W

hether or not you agree with a Cloth masks are considered appropriate for mandate to wear a mask, many general use in public. The Mayo Clinic recof us will do so during our daily ommends a mask that is two-layered. This business. means the cute reversible one your neighbor I am a professor of nursing at Purdue Uni- sewed for you is approved. Not recommendversity, where a colleague and I teach a class ed: a mask with a valve. Although the wearer detailing the history of health care over the breathes in filtered air, the unfiltered air is centuries. Among other things, students dis- pushed out upon exhalation. This negates the cover the original reason for a cloth mask, protection for others. dating back to the late 19th century, is the 2. Wash, wash, wash your hands same as today: to protect others from the germs of those wearing them. Understanding these past practices, say the students, makes them better caregivers.

With that in mind, here are five ways for you to make the most of wearing a mask in public.

1. Not all masks are created equal

T

What Is the Hagia Sophia?

The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish) was originally built as a basilica for the Greek Orthodox Christian Church. However, its function has changed several times in the centuries since.

Byzantine Emperor Constantius commissioned construction of the first Hagia Sophia in 360 A.D. At the time of the first church’s construction, Istanbul was known as Constantinople, taking its name from Constantius’ father, Constantine I, the first ruler of the Byzantine Empire. The first Hagia Sophia featured a wooden roof. The structure was burned to the ground in 404 A.D. during the riots that occurred in Constantinople as a result of political conflicts within the family of then-Emperor Arkadios, who had a tumultuous reign from 395 to 408 A.D. Arkadios’ successor, Emperor Theodosios II, rebuilt the Hagia Sophia, and the new structure was completed in 415. The second Hagia Sophia contained five naves and a monumental entrance and was also covered by a wooden roof.

However, a little more than one century later, this would again prove to be a fatal flaw for this important basilica of the Greek Orthodox faith, as the structure was burned for a second time during the so-called “Nika revolts” against Emperor Justinian I, who ruled from 527 to 565.

3. Does this mask make me look smart?

The mask should fit comfortably snug, always covering your nose and mouth, and secure under the chin. Covering only the mouth is useless. Humans breathe in and out of both nose and mouth. And the purpose of the mask is to block germ transmission through the air, which can occur when one exhales (spreads germs) or inhales (takes in germs) Before putting your mask on, wash your through either nose or mouth. hands. This is a basic infection control prin- 4. When you’re done ciple. Anytime you come in contact with When it’s time to take it off, clean your hands your face, do it with clean hands. This in- and grab the ties or ear loops to pull the cludes rubbing your eyes, wiping your lips, or mask away from your face. Fold the mask in scratching your nose. Likewise, after remov- on itself so the outside corners are together. ing your mask, wash your hands again.

Do not put the mask on your forehead like a

History of Hagia Sophia

he Hagia Sophia is an enormous architectural marvel in Istanbul, Turkey, that was originally built as a Christian basilica nearly 1,500 years ago.

Much like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Parthenon in Athens, the Hagia Sophia is a long-enduring symbol of the cosmopolitan city. However, as notable as the structure is itself, its role in the history of Istanbul—and, for that matter, the world—is also significant and touches upon matters related to international politics, religion, art and architecture.

The Hagia Sophia anchors the Old City of Istanbul and has served for centuries as a landmark for both Orthodox Christians and Muslims, as its significance has shifted with that of the dominant culture in the Turkish city.

Istanbul straddles the Bosporus strait, a waterway that serves as a geographic border between Europe and Asia. The Turkish city of nearly 15 million residents thus lies in both continents.

Don’t mess with the mask while it’s in place.

This is not the time to take a sip of your latte or snack on your beef jerky. Eat and drink in an environment where you can socially distance from others by at least six feet. If you have to adjust your mask when it’s on, clean your hands afterwards. For convenience, carry a hand sanitizer with you.

[Get our best science, health and technology stories. Sign up for The Conversation’s science newsletter.]

headband, or around your neck like a scarf.

Place the mask in a receptacle to be laundered. And then wash your hands.

5. Clean it up

Wash the mask with other laundry using your regular detergent. If you’re using a washing machine, use the warmest possible water that’s safe for the type of cloth used to make the mask.

For drying, it’s the same: Use the highest temperature possible for the fabric. Then allow to dry completely before wearing again.

If hand-washing the mask, use a disinfecting bleach. Follow the directions on the product to create the appropriate dilution, then soak the mask five minutes. Rinse with cool water and lay flat to dry or hang in direct sunlight.

Be careful not to stretch the fabric; that could damage the mask.

As a former operating room nurse, I know that masks are uncomfortable. Unless it’s Halloween, they’re no fun to wear. But we’re not trying to have fun. We’re trying to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe. So Google search for the perfect mask to showcase your personality, and wear it correctly with pride!Source: theconversation.com

Hagia Sophia History

Unable to repair the damage caused by the fire, Justinian ordered the demolition of the Hagia Sophia in 532. He commissioned renowned architects Isidoros (Milet) and Anthemios (Tralles) to build a new basilica.

The third Hagia Sophia was completed in 537, and it remains standing today.

The first religious services in the “new” Hagia Sophia were held on December 27, 537. At the time, Emperor Justinian is reported to have said, “My Lord, thank you for giving me the chance to create such a worshipping place.”

The Hagia Sophia’s Design

From its opening, the third and final Hagia Sophia was indeed a remarkable structure.

It combined the traditional design elements of an Orthodox basilica with a large, domed roof, and a semi-domed altar with two narthex (or “porches”).

The dome’s supporting arches were covered with mosaics of six winged angels called hexapterygon.

In an effort to create a grand basilica that represented all of the Byzantine Empire, Emperor Justinian decreed that all provinces under his rule send architectural pieces for use in its construction.

The marble used for the floor and ceiling was produced in Anatolia (present-day eastern Turkey) and Syria, while other bricks (used in the walls and parts of the floor) came from as far away as North Africa. The interior of Hagia Sophia is lined with enormous marble slabs that are said to have been designed to imitate moving water.

And, the Hagia Sophia’s 104 columns were imported from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, as well as from Egypt.

The building measures some 269 feet in length and 240 feet in width and, at its highest point, the domed roof stretches some 180 feet into the air. When the first dome suffered a partial collapse in 557, its replacement was designed by Isidore the Younger (the nephew of Isidoros, one of the original architects) with structural ribs and a more pronounced arc, and this version of the structure remains in place today.

This central dome rests on a ring of windows and is supported by two semi-domes and two arched openings to create a large nave, the walls of which were originally lined with intricate Byzantine mosaics made from gold,

silver, glass, terra cotta and colorful stones tion toward Mecca, one of the holy cities of and portraying well-known scenes and fig- Islam. Ottoman Emperor Kanuni Sultan Süures from the Christian Gospels. leyman (1520 to 1566) installed two bronze Hagia Sophia’s Tumultuous History lamps on each side of the mihrab, and Sultan As Greek Orthodox was the official religion Murad III (1574 to 1595) added two marof the Byzantines, the Hagia Sophia was con- ble cubes from the Turkish city of Bergama, sidered the central church of the faith, and it which date back to 4 B.C. thus became the place where new emperors Four minarets were also added to the original building during this period, partly for were crowned.

These ceremonies took place in the nave, religious purposes (for the muezzin call to where there is an Omphalion (navel of the prayer) and partly to fortify the structure earth), a large circular marble section of following earthquakes that struck the city colorful stones in an intertwining circular around this time.

Under the rule of Sultan Abdülmecid, bedesign, in the floor.

The Hagia Sophia served this pivotal role in tween 1847 and 1849, the Hagia Sophia unByzantine culture and politics for much of its derwent an extensive renovation led by Swiss architects the Fossati brothers. At this time, first 900 years of existence.

However, during the Crusades, the city of the Hünkâr Mahfili (a separate compartment Constantinople, and by extension the Hagia for emperors to use for prayer) was removed Sophia, was under Roman control for a brief and replaced with another near the mihrab. period in the 13th century. The Hagia Sophia Hagia Sofia Today was severely damaged during this period, but The Hagia Sophia’s role in politics and rewas repaired when the Byzantines once again ligion remains a contentious one, even totook control of the surrounding city. day—some 100 years after the fall of the OtThe next significant period of change for the toman Empire.

Hagia Sophia began less than 200 years later, Since 1935, nine years after the Republic when the Ottomans, led by Emperor Fatih Sul- of Turkey was established by Ataturk, the tan Mehmed—known as Mehmed the Con- legendary structure has been operated as a queror—captured Constantinople in 1453. museum by the national government, and it The Ottomans renamed the city Istanbul. reportedly attracts more than three million Renovations to the Hagia Sophia visitors annually.

As Islam was the central religion of the Ot- However, since 2013, some Islamic religious tomans, the Hagia Sophia was renovated leaders in the country have sought to have into a mosque. As part of the conversion, the Hagia Sophia once again opened as a the Ottomans covered many of the original mosque. And, the debate isn’t just a religious Orthodox-themed mosaics with Islamic cal- one: For much of the 21st century, Turkey’s ligraphy designed by Kazasker Mustafa İzzet. society has witnessed a rise in nationalistic The panels or medallions, which were hung fervor, with a growing recognition of the Oton the columns in the nave, feature the toman era as being a fundamental part of the names of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, country’s history. the first four Caliphs, and the Prophet’s two As the capture of Istanbul, and the Hagia Sophia, from the Orthodox Greeks by the Musgrandsons.

The mosaic on the main dome—believed to lim Ottomans is considered a high-water be an image of Christ—was also covered by mark of that period, there are some who are advocating for the building’s use as a mosque gold calligraphy.

A mihrab or nave was installed in the wall, as as a symbol of this history. is tradition in mosques, to indicate the direc- For now, though, the building remains open to tourists.

Source: history.com

17

18

19

20

21

22

PICTURE PICTURE

604-690-0400

604-690-0400 miraclenews@telus.net www.miraclenews.com miraclenews@telus.net

www.miraclenews.com

23

DEWAN-E-KHASS Pakistani & Indian DEWAN-E-KHASS Cuisine King of the Grill

From: Pir Afzal Ahmed Naqashbandi

S.R. Pirzada Syed Wali Hussain Shah Astana-e-Alia Shahenshae-Weelayat Hazrat Qibla-Sheikh-ul-Hadith Gujrat-Pakistan

Bullay Shah Academy of Canada Anjuman Khudam-e-Suffia

Pir Afzal Ahmed

Naqshbandi

EID Prayers at 7 &7:30am on Eid Day at Unit 102-8268 Scott Road, Surrey Ph: 604-592-9416 & Cell:604-760-0096

Please follow us on Facebook Dewan-E-Khass & www.dewanekhass.com

Dewan-e-Khass specializes in exotic Pakistani, Indian Grill and Karahi dishes made by our experienced cook from Pakistan.

We invite you to come and taste one of our authentic dishes. We are sure once you taste, you will come again.

Owner: Siraj Khan

Wed to Mon 11am to 10:30 pm.

Tuesday Closed

604.327.4800

5750 Fraser Street, Vancouver

We have 200 people capacity of Hall for your all Parties occasions

NOTARY PUBLIC (604) 596 1861 # 220-13711

72 Ave. Surrey, BC

5,7, 22

(Opp. Newton Wave Pool)

Shoaib.surrey@gmail.com

Shoaib Rauf

Notary Public Immigration Consultant

Mohamed Salim Contractor Unit #219-7928, 128 St.

(York Business Centre) Surrey. BC V3W 4E8 C: 604.817.3022 O: 604.503.5025 Fax: 604.503.5045

20

http://www.salimnotary.com/ http://cwics.ca/ www.cwics.team Emails:salim@salimnotary.com

19 ,

&:cwics.team@yahoo.ca

NOOR JAHAN Grocery&Meat Store

5989-Fraser St.(E 44th St.) Vancouver

BCMA Approved

Hand Slaughter

Chicken, Meat Beef, Veal & Fish

and much more Grocery available Mohammad

Lablu

22

Coronavirus Cases:

276,288

Deaths:

5,892

Recovered:

244,883

604-301-9090

Pakistan Last updated: July 29, 2020, 07:06