Miracle 594- April 7, 2023

19 Canadians detained in northeastern Syria on their way back to Canada: sources

Aer more than four years of living in an open air prison, 19 Canadians detained in northeastern Syria are on their way back to Canada, sources tell CTV News. Six women and their 13 children were taken out of Al-Roj camp Tuesday evening by Canadian ocials according to one eyewitness account.

Al-Roj is one of several camps and

jails operated by Kurdish forces in the region where more than 40,000 suspected ISIS militants and supporters are held. e majority of the detainees are children.

e United Nations called on all countries to repatriate their foreign nationals more than two years ago. RCMP have been at the camp conducting security assessments of the

ECP issues revised schedule for Punjab polls, notifies May 14 as new election date

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a revised schedule for Punjab Assembly polls on Wednesday, in line with the Supreme Court’s (SC) directives that the elections be held on May 14 instead of the previously noti ed date of October 8. e revised schedule was issued in a noti cation, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, citing the apex court’s order of the previous day in a petition led by the PTI against the ECP’s decision to delay the Punjab Assembly elections from the originally decided date of April 30 to October 8.

Elections to the Punjab Assembly

have been due since Janary this year when the house was dissolved. In early March, the ECP had proposed that the elections be held between April 30 and May 7 and subsequently, President Arif Alvi accepted the commission’s recommendations by setting April 30 as the date for the polls. e date was o cially noti ed by the electoral watchdog on March 8, but it was later deferred to October 8 in another noti cation issued by the ECP on March 22. In the latest noti cation issued today, the commission said it was recalling its March 22 noti cation and partially modifying the March 8 notication. Under the revised schedule, the last date for the ling of appeals against the decisions of the returning o cer rejecting or accepting the candidates’ nomination papers has been set as April 10. sued today, the commission said it was recalling its March 22 noti cation and partially modifying the March 8 noti cation.

e appellate tribunal can decide these appeals by April 17 and a revised list of candidates has to be issued by April 18...Source:dawnnews.com

The o cial Palestinian news agency Wafa said dozens of worshippers who were spending the night praying were injured in the police raid. JERUSALEM — Israeli police stormed into the AlAqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City early Wednesday, ring stun grenades at Palestinian youths who hurled recrackers at them in a burst of violence during a sensitive holiday season. Palestinian militants in Gaza responded with rocket re on southern Israel, prompting repeated Israeli airstrikes.

e ghting, coming as Muslims mark the holiday month of Ramadan and Jews prepare to begin the Passover festival on Wednesday evening, raised fears of a wider con agration.

e mosque sits in a sensitive hilltop compound sacred to both Jews and Muslims. Al-Aqsa is the third-holiest site in Islam and is typically packed with worshippers during Ramadan.

e spot, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is also the holiest site in Judaism, revered as the location of the biblical Jewish temples. e conicting claims have spilled over to violence before, most recently a bloody 11-day war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamic military group that rules Gaza.

By early morning, the Jerusalem compound had quieted down. A Palestinian o cial, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media,

Cont. @ page 16

The premier and Vancouver’s top o cials defended their approach to Wednesday’s takedown of the Downtown Eastside tent encampment with police enforcement, insisting safety issues had escalated to the point they had to act. Ongoing res in and around the tents, escalating violence, and reported sexual assaults of women were all repeatedly cited by o cials, who described the remaining campers as entrenched and unwilling to leave despite multiple o cers of shelter spaces.“We need to restore Hastings as a street that is safe and welcoming to everyone,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “I am con dent we are taking a step in

the right direction.” e chiefs of Vancouver’s police and re departments, the city manager and the mayor held a news conference at city hall as the tent clearing was underway. Journalists were required to show accreditation with extra security and a rare police presence inside and out. Source:bc.ctvnews.ca

Israeli police storm Al-Aqsa Mosque, raising fears of wider fighting

‘We have to break the cycle’: Vancouver leaders, B.C. premier defend tent city decampment

Cont. @ page 16

Wa bissawmi ghadann nawaitu min shahri ramadan

Allah humma inni laka samtu wa bika amantu wa alaika tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizkika aftartu

RAMADAN TIMETABLE 2023-AH 1444

The Holy Month Ramadan is divided into three stages (Ashras). Every Ashra of Ramadan has its particular si ni cance ass ciate it it T e sec n

Ashra of Ramadan refers to the middle 10 days (11th -20th) of Ramadan. It is the time of forgiveness in which Muslims must seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty. In this regard, the second Ashra of Ramadan is known for forgiveness. With seeking forgiveness Muslims should also repent of all sins that they had done before.

Significance of 2nd Ashra of Ramadan

quality of Allah are undertaken. In this way out of every distress and a relief from

regard, the following deeds can work the best.

Don’t Miss Obligatory Prayers

Read and Recite the Holy Quran

Do as much Tasbeeh as possible ffer Tara ee

ting mistakes or sins, rather Islam encourages the followers to repent over the sins which they commit and seek forgiveness. Moreover, this act of seeking forgiveness is n t nl an eff rt a man rat er llah Almighty reciprocates the true plea for forgiveness by forgiving such a person. In the Holy Quran, Allah says: “And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran, 73:20)

The second Ashra or the middle of Ramadan is a time where the forgiveness of Allah (SWT) is at its peak, and this is the best time for asking about forgiveness for all the sins from Almighty Allah. Do make sure to not repeat the sins after you have done Tauba. Seek forgiveness as many times as possible, because Allah Almighty loves Tauba during this period and forgives the one who seeks his forgiveness.

every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” (Abu Dawud) From this hadith it is clear that seeking forgiveness is not only a means of penance and clearing and cleansing of one’s soul, rather seeking of forgiveness also leads to the life of a person becoming easy and Allah Almighty providing sustenance to the person from sources about which the person least expects. Therefore, forgiveness is not merely cleansing of one’s conscience and soul, rather it is also a means of making life better both in this life and in the world hereafter.

Islam is aware of the fact that as humans it is quite natural that we commit mistakes. Although the recognition of the erring nature of humans does not means that Islam gives a free pass when it comes to commit-

commit

T e sec n s ra ama an is s eci c to seeking of forgiveness; therefore, in addition to seeking forgiveness throughout the month, a Muslim must also make s re t at t e sec n s ra is s eci call utilized for this purpose and in this Ashra all those deeds that invoke the Forgiving

If you seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) then also try to forgive all your beloved in these days as Allah Almighty loves

Regarding the matter of forgiveness, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in His hadith: “If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a

All About Zakat al Fitr 2023

All about Zakat al Fitr 2023 is what you’re going to learn in todays article. It is frequently referred to as Fitrana or Fitrah, which translates to “breaking a fast” in Arabic. When the month of fasting ends, the month’s Zakatul Fitr is what is donated.

If you’re fasting throughout this holy month, then Zakat-ul Fitr is a “special” sort of charity since it cleanses you from any lapses in your fasting. The fastest person in the world isn’t always the best. People say and do things they should not and could have done better all the time. This month, we may talk poorly of another person, look at something we aren’t meant to, or otherwise misinterpret what we’re doing.

What is Zakat al Fitr?

slim men an men a e nished their fast during Ramadan but still have food left over make a charity donati n n n as a at al tr Fitrana Muslims typically donated basic meals li e r an rice t t e nee rin t e Eid al-Fitr celebrations to aid those who were less fortunate. Payment may be made with cash or by bank transfer or another method as little quantities of essential food are i c lt t et

Rule of Paying Zakat al Fitr

Since the amount of Zakat is the equal for everyone, it doesn’t matter what your income level is. Each member of the family needs no more than a single sa’ (four double handfuls) of food, grain, or dried fruit. To arrive at this calculation, we used Ibn ‘Umar’s account of the Prophet declaring Zakat al-Fitr compulsory and repayable in rie ates r arle T e ali i a i and Hanbali schools do not permit the payment of Zakat al-Fitr in cash in an amount equivalent to the abovementioned amount. s a res lt se eral cial ata c ncils throughout the world began taking cash payments as routine procedure.

How Much Is Zakat al Fitr 2023 in the BC?

Every Muslim who is able to work is asked to pay $20 to Fitrana 2023 in BC. (as per BCMA announced this year) One saa is equivalent to four times that amount of food scooped up with both hands.

This is the amount of food that Muslims are obliged to eat in accordance with the teachings of Muhammad (PBUH). During the month of Ramadan, you are required to contribute Zakat ul Fitr, which is about 5 pounds in weight.

Who is Eligible?

Fitrana (or Zakat-ul-Fitr) may be paid

s lel t ne ei t s eci e r ani ations in Surat Al-Tawbah

People who aren’t as rich

Needy ones

People who are eligible for zakat

People who are new to islam

Slaves

Those who are in debt

People who are eligible for Sadaqah

Stuck Travellers

FAQs

What is the rule of Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr must be paid a total of $20 for each individual. Every adult Muslim who has food in excess of their requirements is li ate t ffer a at al Fitr j st before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, which takes place at the end of Ramadan.

Can I give zakat for next year?

Yes. It is possible to pay zakat on a yearly basis until the loan is repaid, or it is possible to wait until the loan is returned and pay the collected zakat in one large payment.

Who is not eligible for zakat?

Anyone who is not a Muslim is not entitled to zakat al Fitr.

a at ene ciar m st n t e a mem er of your immediate family; you cannot give your money to your spouse, children, parents, or grandparents.

In short, the second Ashra of Ramadan is for forgiveness, therefore, naturally the focus of a Muslim must be upon seeking forgiveness during these ten days so that the previous sins are forgiven and he or she elevates spiritually after being rinsed from sins. Source: quranreading.com

Your zakat may, however, be given to other family members. Receiving a gift from a Hashimi, a lineal descendant of the Prophet, is prohibited (peace be upon him).

Why do we pay Zakat al Fitr?

During the last 15 days of Ramadan, Muslims are obligated to commemorate the commencement of the Quran’s revelation to Prophet Muhammad, on whom peace be upon, by paying the alms known as Zakat al-Fitr, according to God’s given mandate.

When should I pay my Zakat al-Fitr 2023, and how?

Before the Eid prayer, this should be paid (or any day during Ramadan).

In certain schools of thinking, the Zakat alFitr may be paid even before the month of Ramadan begins. Ask your neighborhood cleric or scholar if you have any questions.

Source: quranreading.com

Free gang prevention workshops for parents this spring

Surrey, B.C. – e City of Surrey is once again o ering free gang prevention workshops for parents this April to May. Empower Surrey

Parent Workshops are free, twohour in-person workshops that provide parents and caregivers with tips and tools to help recognize and respond to warning signs for gang involvement, minimize the chance of gang recruitment, and provide strategies for building protective factors.

“Gangs target youth as young as 10 years old from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds so getting informed early is key,” said Brian Aasebo, the City’s Commu-

nity Safety Manager. “We encourage all parents and caregivers to attend and learn about how to start conversations with young people and equip them with the tools they need to build resiliency and avoid the allure of gang life.”

Workshops will cover the following topics:

• How to recognize and address risk factors

• How to recognize youth slang that may indicate potential for risk

• How to understand grooming and its e ects

• How to recognize signs of online exploitation

• e di culties Surrey youth face at school and in the community

• How to develop strong connections and build protective factors with children and youth

• Where to get help if a young person is at risk of or actively involved in negative behaviours

• Caregivers are invited to register for the following workshops that will take place 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.:

• Tuesday, April 01-SullivanHeights Secondary

• Tuesday, April 18-Hazelgrove

Elementary

• Tuesday, April 25-Johnston Heights Secondary

• ursday, May 11-Semiahmoo

Secondary

• Tuesday, May 16- Dr. F.D. Sinclair Elementary

• Wednesday, May 31-Jessie Lee

Elementary Workshops are supported by subject matter experts from the City’s Community Safety division, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC), Surrey School District, Options Community Services, Paci c Community Resources So-

ciety and Simon Fraser University. Childcare will be o ered at select schools and a light meal will be provided at each event.

For more information and to register, visit-empowersurrey.ca/ parentworkshops.

Source: Susan Jung

Media Enquiries:

Narrated Abu Huraira: T e r et sai e er aste t e m nt of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven .” Sahih al-Bukhari 2014

PREDICTABLY, the threemember Supreme Court bench headed by the chief justice ruled on Tuesday that the decision by the Election Commission of Pakistan to postpone elections to the Punjab Assembly was unconstitutional. e court announced May 14 as the new polling date. It ordered the government to provide the required funds to the ECP and ensure security for the exercise. ese two issues had been cited by the ECP as the reason for its decision to postpone elections.

Last month, the Supreme Court had ordered the ECP to hold elections to the KP and Punjab assemblies, dissolved earlier this year, within the stipulated time frame of 90 days. e voting date for the Punjab Assembly was initially supposed to be April 30 but was abruptly changed to Oct 8. It was clear that the ruling alliance was not ready to hold elections. Lack of funds and the worsening security situation were cited as the reason for the delay. Now the government is bound to comply with the court order. But the game is certainly not over as the ruling coalition has rejected the order.

e judgement has changed the country’s political landscape. While it has come as a huge setback to the ruling coalition, the opposition PTI is celebrating the decision as a vindication of its position. In a hard-hitting statement, the federal government has challenged the validity of the ruling by the three-member bench, and has reiterated its demand that the case should have been heard by the full court. e federal law minister has warned that the verdict would aggravate the

Significance of Ramadan

Iwould like to inform readers t e si ni cance ama an for Muslims as we fast from sunrise to sunset during this month. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic (lunar) calendar. It was during this month that the Qurant e l Islam as rst revealed to the prophet Muhammad by Allah (God). Ramadan is the”month of blessing” marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. For nearly two billion Muslims around the world, including some 8 million in North America, Ramadan c ses n sel sacri ce an evotion to Allah (God). This is a month of fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the mandatory acts that form the foundation of Muslim life. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and the pilgrimage to Mecca.

For Muslims, Ramadan is a holy month dedicated to prayer, reading

On a collision course

current political crisis. Non-compliance with the court’s orders will cause matters to spin out of everyone’s control.

e ruling coalition is on a deant path. It has made it clear that it won’t comply with the court’s order that it describes as ‘minority’ and ‘partisan’. Some ministers have not even ruled out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency.

But such a move would be seen as a virtual declaration of war against the top court, and pit the two institutions of state against each other, with disastrous consequences. Going against the order would intensify the clash of institutions and deepen the constitutional crisis, bringing the country closer to a systemic collapse. ere is a fear that the crisis could also suck the security establishment more deeply into the political fray. Notwithstanding its claims of neutrality, the military is not totally out of the game.

ere are strong indications that the military leadership is not in favour of early or scattered elections, with the defence ministry asserting that the armed forces would not be available for poll security duties because of the security situation.

Unlike in the recent past, when the judiciary was seen to go along with the security establishment, its latest position on polls in Punjab and KP indicates a divergence of views within. Among other factors, the fear of the PTI sweeping the polls has brought the establishment closer to the government’s position.

ing means abstaining from food, drink, smoking, bodily desires, swearing, gossip or other sinful acts, during daylight hours. Meals are served before dawn and after sunset. This means that they may not eat or drink anything, including water, until sunset. Families get up early for Suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as Iftar which usually begins with dates and sweet drinks. While we experience hunger and thirst, Muslims are reminded of t e s fferin t e r Fastin is also an opportunity to practice selfcontrol and to cleanse the body and mind. Fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers and concentrate on devotion and worship, express gratitude and seek forgiveness and help the needy and to make us better versions of ourselves. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam t e a e s ecial si ni cance during Ramadan. People raise

But non-compliance and its consequences will cause matters to completely spin out of everyone’s control. And a move to get the army directly involved in emergency rule could spell disaster for both the country and its institutions.

con

timately led to the ouster of the latter. While one cannot predict a similar fate for the current chief justice, many opine that the split has weakened his position in the run-up to his retirement in a few months. Unfortunately, the division has rendered the court’s ruling controversial. It is a huge blow to the rule of law.

MIRA LE THE THE MIR

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With the political process hitting a dead end, the battleground has long been shi ed to the highest court. Caught in the middle of a reckless power game that has divided the country, it was hardly possible for the Supreme Court to stay clear of controversy when it took up the petition against the postponement of elections in Punjab and KP.

e court was already seen as divided on the issue of suo motu action taken earlier by the chief justice on setting an election date for the two dissolved assemblies. But the composition of the bench that was hearing the petition apparently intensi ed the war within. Split down the middle, the apex court is now ghting a desperate battle to maintain its sanctity.

e authority of the chief justice is seen as being challenged by the ruling coalition and some of his fellow judges.

In fact, many among the 15 members of the apex court appear to have reservations regarding the chief justice’s powers, demanding that the absolute authority of his position to constitute benches be curtailed. e con ict has taken a more ominous turn as the disagreements have come out into the open. Observers have said that the situation is reminiscent of the judges’ revolt against then chief justice Sajjad Ali Shah in 1997, that ul-

money and donate supplies to help others in need. Muslims also attend late night prayers called Taraweeh. Everyone who has gone through puberty is expected to take part in fasting. There are exceptions such as the elderly, women who are breastfeeding and those with medical conditions. Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr when the new moon is sighted. Literally the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr e le ress in t eir nest cl t es adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family. Muslims will gather together at the mosque for a prayer, before spending the day with family or friends and wishing one another ‘Eid Mubarak’, or ‘Blessed Eid’. How can non-Muslims be considerate of their Muslims friends and colleagues during Ramadan?

If you know someone who is fasting, just be considerate and don’t hesitate to ask questions as Muslims will happily explain why they are astin It can e er enecial to Muslim employees if their em l ers r i e e i le sc euling during Ramadan, if possible.

e view that the concentration of powers in the o ce of the chief justice raises questions about the impartiality of the judicial system — and underscores the need for reform — is not without substance. But the move to change the rules through an act of parliament has reinforced suspicions about the government trying to exploit the judicial divide for its own political ends. Many legal experts maintain that the change in rules should have been le to the Supreme Court itself. Meanwhile, the clash of institutions and ongoing frictions have eroded the writ of the state. With the country in the midst of an economic meltdown and with the democratic political process on very shaky ground, any deviation from the Constitution will further weaken an already fragile polity.

ere is still time for the rival political forces to step back from their hard-line positions and come to the negotiating table — in an atmosphere of confrontation, it will not be possible to hold free and fair elections. By undermining the authority of the Supreme Court, the politicians will only strengthen the forces of Bonapartism.

e writer is an author and journalist.

Courtesy By: Zahid Hussain e writer is a journalist.

Working an entire day without eatin r rin in can e i c lt and nighttime prayer and charity events mean workers’ schedules are jam- packed. For employees with a typical 9-to-5 schedule, this could look like allowing workers to create a custom schedule where they work from home or come into work after Suhoor (the meal consumed in the early morning before fasting begins) and leave the ce earlier t an s al m lers can also consider letting those who celebrate, work through their lunch break and go home early.

Employers can also consider proi in e i ilit t em l ees who don’t work a typical 9-to-5 workday. Employers should allow their Muslim workers to schedule their shifts around these important mealtimes if possible.

Not only does this show respect for the employee’s religion, but workers may be more productive after eating a meal and prefer to work in the morning after Suhoor or at night after Iftar.

May Allah bless all of us to have a fruitful Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims and fellow Canadians.

Thank you, Mahmood Awan, Richmond, BC

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Contents

I MPO RTA NT NOTE: Letters to the editor and Articles do not re ect 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 con rmation of your letter. We regret the inconvenience.

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The Miracle requests to all readers to respect any published Islamic material including Allah’s name and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and quranic verses. Please recycle those pages and avoid throw them in the garbage.

the Quran, and introspection. Fast-

Prime minister calls discovery of Indigenous woman in Winnipeg landfill heartbreaking

day. Police say they do not believe the case is linked to the killing of Rebecca Contois, whose remains were found in the same landll last year, or the killings of three other women. Police have said they believe the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran are in a di erent, privately run Prairie Green land ll north of Winnipeg, but they have not been found.

Govt vows not to let CJP have his way

•Legislature, executive refuse to abide by verdict; PM calls it ‘murder of justice’

•Legal team tasked with ‘repulsing’judgement

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government needs to do more to end the epidemic of violence that Indigenous women and girls face a er police found the body of another Indigenous woman in a land ll this week.

Trudeau says it’s heartbreaking that discoveries like these continue to happen.

e Winnipeg homicide unit says it started an investigation a er sta at the Brady Road land ll south of the city found the body of 33-year-old Linda Mary Beardy on Mon-

land re My govern

e prime minister says his Liberal government has made signi cant strides in countering gender-based violence, but there’s more it can be doing. “My heart goes out to the community in Winnipeg and to the families of the woman who was ... le in this way,’’ Trudeau told reporters Wednesday.

“We will continue to be there with the community as it grieves, but we will also continue to be there to put an end to this unconscionable violence.’’ Source: ctvnews.ca

24 Sussex Drive closed as rodent carcasses fill the walls and attic: documents

which can’t be fully addressed until the building envelope issues are resolved,” the document, dated June 2022, read.

•Minister to writeto apex court to take up reference against Z.A. Bhutto’s ‘judicial murder’

A er years of warnings that the prime minister’s o cial residence was in “critical condition,” documents show that a severe rodent problem played a role in the closure of 24 Sussex Drive.

Documents prepared by the National Capital Commission (NCC) cite air quality concerns in the main building due to “an important rodent infestation” as an argument for the home’s closure. Attempts were made to control the problem with bait but the NCC says it “leaves us with excrements and carcasses between the walls and in the attic and basement spaces.”

“ ere is an important rodent infestation,

e documents, rst obtained by the National Post via an access-to-information request, paint a picture of a famous residential address that is now considered “uninhabitable.” Concerns in the main building -- which has housed Canadian prime ministers since the 1950s -- include mould, asbestos, an electrical system that is now considered a re hazard and pipes that are so old they need to be decommissioned or a “potentially catastrophic collapse is inevitable. “ e critical condition of the property is making it increasingly di cult to contain designated substances such as asbestos and eliminate any risk to users of the buildings on the property. ere are also considerable pest control issues. Together, these circumstances risk endangering the health and safety of current users,” the NCC wrote in a letter to then-Procurement Minister Filomena Tassi before the decision to close the main home had been made.

Source:ctvnews.ca

ISLAMABAD: In an act of open de ance, the National Assembly and the federal cabinet — dominated by members of the ruling coalition — refused to abide by the Supreme Court ruling that xed May 14 as the election date in Punjab, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling the verdict a “murder of justice”. Lawmakers in the lower house of parliament, where the judiciary came under intense criticism for its latest judgement, categorically declared that the decision would not be implemented at any cost and demanded a full court to hear the issue — a demand long held by the government. ey asked Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial to “rethink and constitute a full court bench” to resolve the crisis while also drawing comparisons between the decision which led to the hanging of Zul kar Ali Bhutto and the ruling on polls date. Speaking on the oor of the National Assembly, PM Shehbaz Sharif equated the decision with that of the ‘judicial murder’ of Zul kar Ali Bhutto and said that “his murder took place on April 4, 1979, and on the same date (today), the unfortunate episode was repeated” through the polls ruling. “Two decisions were made

today, murder of Bhutto and murder of jus tice, which is highly regrettable,” the premier said while speaking at the National Assembly session. During a meeting of the federal cabinet that categorically rejected the verdict, the apex executive body directed the legal team to nd ways to repulse the decision. “ e prime minister has directed me and the attorney general to give a legal opinion on the Supreme Court’s decision that has been made in such a way that it negated the judicial system of the country,” Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on the oor of the National Assembly following the cabinet huddle.

e verdict regarding elections in Punjab would further deepen the constitutional and political crises in the country, he said, adding: “We have reservations about the decision and our legal team will decide about the future course of action a er consultations”...

Source: dawnnews.com

LARKANA: Hinting at the possibility of intervention if the prevailing crisis continues, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned on Tuesday that neither Shehbaz Sharif nor Imran Khan will come to power next time around, and it would be the people of Pakistan who will have to bear the consequences.

A man who allegedly threatened one person with a knife and slashed another person’s throat on a bus in B.C. is facing four terrorism charges, according to federal authorities. Court documents provided by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada show that Abdu Aziz Kawam has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault causing bodily harm, and assault with a weapon. e charging documents say that all four o ences are alleged to have been “for the bene t of at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group; to wit, the Islamic State.”

Kawan made his rst court appearance by video Monday, sitting in front of a white wall dressed in a prison-issue jumpsuit and showing little emotion. A publication ban is in place preventing the details of the hearing from being reported. “I can tell you that the information was relayed that this morning alleging that Mr. Kawan committed four acts for the bene t of a terrorist group,” said Crown prosecutor Sharon Steele following the hearing. e alleged o ences took place in Surrey on the morning of April 1.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police said a suspect rst approached a man at a bus stop and held a knife to his throat around 9:30 a.m. at man managed to ee without be-

ing injured, spokesperson Const. Amanda Steed told CTV News.

Shortly a er, the suspect boarded the 503 bus and attacked a second victim, slashing his throat. e victim was critically injured but survived emergency surgery and is expected to recover, according to Steed.

In an email Monday, Steed con rmed that the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team was called in. “During the course of our investigation, it was determined that the suspect made several concerning comments,’ Steed wrote, explaining the move. A statement from the BC RCMP con rmed the charges and the allegations the alleged assaults were “carried out for the Islamic State,” while saying no further information will be released...

Kawam remains in custody and is next due in court Wednesday.

Source: bc.ctvnews.ca

Addressing a select gathering in Naudero House to mark the 44th death anniversary of his grandfather and PPP founder Zul kar ali Bhutto, the foreign minister said that in the previous elections Imran Khan was brought to power through rigging, but this time around they would not allow the electoral process to be sabotaged. He said the coalition partners in the Centre were wise to the game being played with the nation’s future, and repeated the demand to form a larger bench of Supreme Court. Mr Bhutto-Zardari said he feared that the battle for Takht-i-Lahore (the throne of Lahore) would sink the country.Recalling the reference led by his father Asif Ali Zardari over the judicial murder of Zul kar Ali Bhutto, he said it was still pending before Supreme Court,

but the Constitution framed by his grandfather was broken time and again. Tracing the history of illegitimate steps that were provided cover by the judiciary, he said that both General Zia and General Musharraf’s coups were declared legitimate, while his mother Benazir Bhutto’s democratic government was hardly allowed to run and survived for a mere 11 months. en again, in 1996, her government was dismissed and the judiciary did not act to restore it. He also referred to Murtaza Bhutto’s murder, saying that it was ironic that they were held to be suspects, even though the crime was committed against his family. Source: dawnnews.com

gratitude when I meet him,” Momen said while addressing the media a er a comic book unveiling in the capital.

He said he would visit the US this time as the US secretary o ate has invited him.

“Of course, we’re very lucky to get invited three times in a row,” he said.

said the United States is Bangladesh’s biggest friend, one of the biggest investors and export destinations. Momen is set to leave for the US on April 7 where he is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Washington on April 10. For all latest news, follow e Daily Star’s Google News channel.

“America is the only country who provided 100 million vaccines for free during the Covid-19 pandemic. ey even supported us the most a er the Rohingya in ux. Other countries have helped us as well. But I’ll express

When asked what will be discussed in the meeting with the US Secretary of State, Momen said that the Rohingya issue and bilateral trade will come up. Replying to a question about the US concern regarding democracy in Bangladesh, the foreign minister said: “We fought for democracy. ree million people gave their lives to uphold democracy and human rights. erefore, we don’t need lessons on democracy,” he said. ”We want a fair election. America also wants a fair election. We don’t disagree with that. We have already made necessary institutional arrangements to ensure a free and fair election,” the minister said.

Momen said the US has agreed to scale up the resettlement process for vulnerable Rohingya refugees...Source: thedailystar.net

Terrorism charges laid after B.C. bus attack, ISIS named in court documents

Bangladesh: “US our biggest friend”: Momen

Shehbaz nor Imran will rule if crises persist, says Bilawal

fast from sunrise to sunset during the entire month.

e idea is to practice selfcontrol and focus on self-improvement and good works. Each day of fasting ends with a feast, or i ar, celebrated with family and friends. So there’s always a reward at the end of the day.

Lesson One: Patience and Humility

By:Asma Shums,

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, and there are approximately 1.7 billion Muslims (followers of Islam). Ramadan, one of the most important seasons for Muslims, is an entire month devoted to re ection and self-control, along with many types of fasting, such as food, drink and smoking. Twenty percent of the world’s population practice Islam, and there is a lot to learn about how Ramadan encourages self-re ection.

First, A Little History

Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year and begins with the new moon. For example, in 2019, Muslims o en

What does Ramadan teach us?

First, Ramadan teaches patience and humility. If you don’t eat or engage in other pleasures, you understand what it means to be poor and not have enough to eat. You also learn to be grateful for the food and blessings you have–and to patiently wait for your next meal. Even if you don’t practice Islam, there’s a lot to learn from fasting and delaying satisfaction. A fast can teach us to appreciate the things we have and have more compassion for people who don’t enjoy our comfortable lifestyle.

Lesson Two: Forgiveness and Letting Go

All of us hold a grudge from time to time–and nd it hard to forgive a friend, loved one or co-worker

Lnot just be good for your mental health — it could also be good for your physical and physiological health too.

According to a new study published last week in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, the way you feel about your close personal relationships on a day-to-day basis may have an impact on how well your body physically functions.

“Both positive and negative experiences in our relationships contribute to our daily stress, coping, and physiology, like blood pressure and heart rate reactivity,” Brian Don, lead author of the study with the University of Auckland, New Zealand, said in a press release. “Additionally, it’s not just how we feel about our relationships overall that matters; the ups and downs are important too.” While previous research has looked at t e im act t at c n ict it in relati nships has upon the body in terms of blood pressure or stress levels, this new research cast a wider net by looking at whether positive relationships had an impact on physical health as well as negative ones. Researchers tracked more than 4,000 participants drawn from all over the world over the course of three weeks. During that time, participants were required to check in daily through an app on their smartphone or smartwatch, giving information about their blood pressure, heart rate, stress and how they were coping on a day-to-day basis. Every third day, they l c m lete re ecti ns n t eir c rrent feelings about their closest relationship, focusing on both positive and negative experiences and feelings concerning that person. In general, people who reported more positive experiences with their closest relationship were more likely to also have lower blood pressure and lower reported stress levels, along with better coping. Researchers also observed that overall negative relationships that saw a lot of daily ping-ponging between improving and getting worse were predictive of more stress, poorer coping and higher blood pressure.

who has slighted us. During Ramadan, people take time to pray and practice self-re ection. It is also a time to seek forgiveness, apologize and settle arguments. Letting go of anger and resentment is a good practice that helps us move beyond petty di erences and focus on the good in our relationships. And self-re ection is an important part of letting go of old issues. If you are struggling in a relationship, ask yourself if you have responsibility. en, think about how you may have hurt the other person–and how that also hurt you.

Lesson ree: Mercy and Compassion

All religions teach mercy and ask us to be compassionate of others. But Ramadan teaches Muslims to think about how they can be more compassionate every day for an entire month. at’s a lot of selfre ection! Many people help others by giving money or food–or perhaps contributing their time to a cause that helps others. While we may not devote 30 days to thinking about how we can give back, we probably have a few hours every

Those who had the highest overall positive relationships were less likely to report a wide margin of variability in their day-to-day experiences with that person, while those with the most overall negative relationships reported greater negative variability, suggesting an erratic relationship with someone could be a contributor to its overall negativity.

The blood pressure and heart rate measurements were recorded using an optic sensor that comes with some Samsung phones and smartwatches, such as the Galaxy S9. Researchers said that this data raises the question of how outside factors impact relationships, and thus physiological health. For instance, this could be yet another way that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the health of the global population, they suggest. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, relationships have been facing unprecedented challenges, turbulence, and change,” Don said.

“What this means is that the COVID pandemic may have health implications not just because of the virus itself, but also indirectly as a result of the impact it has on people’s relationships. That is, because the COVID-19 pandemic has created considerable strain, turbulence, and variability in people’s relationships, it may indirectly alter stress, coping, and physiology in daily life, all of which have important implications for physical well-being.”

Researchers stated that while the overall impact of negative relational experiences on blood pressure in particular was small, the pattern they observed could become a larger problem if it contributed to elevated blood pressure throughout everyday life, potentially accumulating into “long-term physiological harm.”

The study didn’t stratify participant responses based on what type of close relationship they were reporting their experiences about, meaning they didn’t measure whether a negative romantic relationship, for example, might be more detrimental to health than a negative close friend relationship.

The study also was limited by their sample, as participants were around 48 years old on average, with around 65 per cent male participants and 35 per cent female participants.

week to assist those who are less fortunate.

Ramadan is experienced di erently by everyone. We all lead di erent lifestyles, live in di erent communities and even fast at di erent hours around the world. Ramadan brings us all together through worship and fasting and allows us to re ect on shared experiences during this holy month. In this post we re ect on the di erent lessons and experiences that shape Ramadan for us and characterise it as the enriching and beautiful experience it is.

One lesson Ramadan teaches us particularly well every year is of course, patience. From fasting long hours to reading and understanding the whole Quran – especially if Arabic is not your rst language.

Everything we do in Ramadan is driven by patience and not in a short-term sense either. Patience that the hunger, thirst and long nights staying up in worship will be rewarded accordingly is what drives many of us during this month.

Another lesson that is most valuable is practicing self-discipline.

To be able to overcome our desires for something far greater than ourselves and out of personal choice is the epitome of self-discipline and its beautifully displayed during Ramadan amongst millions of Muslims. is month allows us to practice this self-discipline beyond Ramadan too through the healthy habits we pick up.

For many of us and the lifestyles we lead, praying on time at work can prove to be increasingly difcult – especially when meetings are scheduled right around prayer times. is leads us on to the nal lesson we think Ramadan teaches us the most and that’s pride. Pride in the faith we practice, pride in yourself and in your body for being able to carry out long 18 hour fasts day in day out during this month. Pride in letting others also know of what Ramadan means to you and what fasting and prayer means to you. ose are just some of the skills we’ve learnt during Ramadan – but there are many more! What are some of the lessons you’ve learnt? Re ect and feel free to share with me at : asmashums@gmail.com

Three quarters of participants were white, and the majority hailed from the U.S. It’s important to note also that this study only looked at the association between these factors, and doesn’t contain evidence of a causal link between feeling down about a close relationship and experiencing physical impacts. Researchers are hoping that further examination will be able to establish the biological processes behind why a person’s overall l ress re r stress le els ma increase a ter a t it a cl se rien It l e useful to examine other physiological states, such as neuroendocrine or sympathetic nervous system responses as outcomes of daily positive and negative relationship experiences, ic ma re eal ifferent atterns ass ciati ns D n sai Source: ctvnews.ca/health

DonaldTrump pleads not guilty to 34 felony charges

NEW YORK - Former U.S. president Don ald Trump pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records arising from a hush money payment to a porn actor during his 2016 campaign, according to two law enforcement o cials familiar with the matter. e plea came during a history-making arraignment in a lower Manhattan courtroom, with Trump becoming the rst former president in U.S. history to face criminal prosecution.

e two o cials who con rmed the plea spoke on condition of anonymity to e Associated Press because prosecutors had not yet released the indictment publicly.

e arraignment, though procedural in nature, amounts to a remarkable reckoning for Trump a er years of investigations into his personal, business and political dealings. e case is unfolding against the backdrop not only of his third campaign for the White House but also against other investigations in Washington and Atlanta that might yet produce even more charges.

A silent and stone-faced Trump, his lips pursed in apparent anger, entered the courtroom shortly before 2:30 p.m. He le court about an hour later, also without commenting.

in real time, describing the experience as “SURREAL” as he travelled from Trump Tower to lower Manhattan to face a judge. It represents the new split-screen reality for Trump as he submits to the dour demands of the American criminal justice system while projecting an aura of deance and victimhood at celebratory campaign events. Wearing his signature dark suit and red tie, Trump turned and waved to crowds outside the building before heading inside to be ngerprinted and processed. He arrived at court in an eight-car motorcade from Trump Tower, communicating in real time his anger at the process...

Source: ctvnews.ca

Finland joins NATO, dealing blow to Russia for Ukraine war

More than 350 arrests in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound: Israel policeto 34 felony charges

Israeli police arrested more than 350 people early Wednesday a er clashes at Jerusalem’s ashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque, a police spokesperson said.

tary alliance Tuesday, dealing a major blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin with a historic realignment of Europe’s post-Cold War security landscape triggered by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

e Nordic country’s membership doubles Russia’s border with the world’s biggest security alliance. Finland had adopted neutrality a er its defeat by the Soviets in World War II, but its leaders signaled they wanted to join NATO a er Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine sent a shiver of fear through

its neighbours. ” e era of nonalignment in our history has come to an end --- a new era begins,” President Sauli Niinisto said before his country’s blue-and-white ag was raised outside NATO headquarters. A short distance away, outside the security fence, a few dozen people wrapped in ags of their own chanted, “Ukraine needs NATO.” In praising Finland’s membership, U.S. President Joe Biden noted it came on the 74th anniversary of the signing of NATO’s founding treaty on April 4, 1949. “When Putin launched his brutal war of aggression against the people of Ukraine, he thought he could divide Europe and NATO. He was wrong,” Biden said in a statement. “Today, we are more united than ever. And together -- strengthened by our newest ally, Finland -- we will continue to preserve transatlantic security, defend every inch of NATO territory, and meet any and all challenges we face.” e move is a strategic and political setback for Putin, who has long complained about NATO’s expansion toward Russia and partly used that as a justi cation for the invasion. Source: ctvnews.ca

Fiji: MiDA Act 2010 repealed on floor of Fiji parliament

e Media Industry Development (Repeal)

Bill 2023 was passed in Parliament at 11.06am today despite erce debate from the Opposition parliamentarians.

While presenting the motion in Parliament on Monday pursuant to Standing Order 51, Fiji’s Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said the Bill to repeal the existing Media Industry Development Act (MIDA) 2010 meant that freedom of expression would be assured for

members of the media fraternity in the country. “ e MIDA 2010 amongst other things regulates the ownership, registration and content of media organisations in Fiji,” Mr Turaga said.

He said the repeal of MIDA did not mean that media organisations and reporters could report on anything and everything without having authentic sources and facts.

coun par Pre Min

e debate was limited to one hour only with six speakers registering their interest to participate in the debate – Opposition MP Premila Kumar, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo, Opposition MP Viliame Naupoto, Deputy PM and Minister for External Trade Manoa Kamikamica, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad.

e Bill was passed a er a vote: 29 for the motion, 21 against and three did not vote.

Yesterday, Fiji media leaders met in Suva as it committed to commence work to revive the Fiji Media Council – the body that holds to account media standards and complaints in the country. Source: jitimes.com

“arrest

Jeru in

com

In a statement, police said they had “arrested and removed over 350 individuals that violently barricaded” themselves inside the mosque in the Old City of annexed east Jerusalem. ose arrested included “masked individuals, stone and rework hurlers/throwers, and individuals suspected of desecrating the mosque,” it said. Israeli police attacked dozens of worshippers in the mosque’s compound before dawn in the wee hours of the day in what Israeli police said was a response to rioting. e incident sparked protests across the occupied West Bank and the Israeli military claimed nine rockets were red from Gaza toward Israel a er sirens blared in southern towns. Violence in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem has surged over the past year and there is concern that tensions could escalate this month, as the Muslim holy month of Ramazan coincides with Judaism’s Passover and Christian Easter.

e Palestinian Red Crescent said seven

Palestinians sustained wounds from rubber-tipped bullets and beatings in clashes with Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. It added that Israeli forces were preventing its medics from reaching the mosque. “I was sitting on a chair reciting (Quran),” an elderly woman told Reuters outside the mosque, struggling to catch her breath. “ ey hurled stun grenades, one of them hit my chest,” she said as she began to cry. Source: dawn.com

Somalia drought may have killed 43,000 in 2022, half under 5: UN

43,000 people last year, and half of them were children under the age of ve, according to a report released by the government and United Nations agencies.

A er ve consecutive failed rainy seasons, rate of fatalities could rise in rst half of 2023, research nds. Somalia’s ongoing record drought may have killed as many as

e research released on Monday marked the rst attempt to estimate countrywide deaths in a crisis that experts warn is more severe than the country’s last major drought in 2017 and 2018. Led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the study warned that the rate of fatalities could rise in the rst half of 2023 as it projected total deaths for this period from 18,100 to 34,200.

Source: aljazeera.com

Be Isme Rabbi

The Human Care BC Society

7867 124 A STREET, SURREY, B.C. V3W 8P1 778 878 7864

You may E-Transfer: humancarebcsociety@gmail.com

BRING THE JOY OF RAMADAN & EID TO THE LESS FORTUNATES

• YOUR $1 a day will support an orphan's livelihood

• $40 will buy basic groceries for a family for a month;

• $1,800 will provide a water well for numerous thirsty villagers --get a Water Well for eesal e thawab of your late relatives or for you own Sadaqa e Zaariya

PLEASE CALCULATE & SEND YOUR ZAKAAH TO REACH BEFORE RAMADHAN

ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICIALS WILL COLLECT

BR. ADAM BUKSH 604 596 7865

BR. HASSAN MALLAM 604 500 5821

BR. ABDUL JALIL 604 597 0321

SR. NAAZRA KHANUM 778 223 6197

BR. DAUD BUKSH 604 613 3959

BR. IMRAN ALI 604 597 7721

BR. IRSHAD MOHAMMED 604 593 5915

Your contribution will be transferred to the needy within 5 days, In Sha Allah

GIVE YOUR ZAKAH, LILLAH, SADAQA or DONATIONS TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE PAIN AND SUFFERINGS OF THE ORPHANS IN RAJASTHAN, INDIA. Yes, We Care !!!

Surrey donates almost $40,000 in iCnA Relief Canada’s Fundraiser for humanitarian causes

Event photographs at Pg 10

By: Abdul G. Gha ari

ICNA Relief Canada organized Fundraising I ar / dinner for the Turkiye & Syria Earthquake Relief and Pakistan FloodRelief. e event held at Re ections

Banquet

Hall Convention Center in Surrey on Sunday, March 26, attracted 300 participants who donated almost $40,000. Renowned scholar Sh Daood Butt, Director Islamic Center Milton, Ontario and Taha Mao, Director Domestic Programs, ICNA Relief Canada were keynote speakers.

e program started with a beautiful recitation, by Br Furqan Memon. Sheikh Daood Butt talked about the plight and su ering from earthquakes and oods in Turkiye,

Syria, and Pakistan. He urged the participants to earn the pleasure of Allah swt in the holy month of Ramadan and to generously donate for humanitarian causes.

He admired ICNA Relief for extending support to the su ering humanity through its volunteers e ectively on ground. Sheikh Daood said that we should put ourselves in the shoes of those undergoing through hardship to get the feeling and motivation to help them and should show compassion and empathy, instead of mere sympathy. He emphasized the Orphan Sponsorship program and said that by spending $720 per annum, or $60 per month you can take care of an orphan.

Director Domestic Programs, Taha Mao briefed about ICNA Relief programs and services spanning 22 countries since 1997.

ICNA Relief served more people and communities than ever before disbursing an amount of $22,857,810 in relief and humanitarian e orts. Spent $833500 on deserving 11241 families comprising of 44250 individuals through its 11 food banks across Canada and served 5000 hot meals to the homeless. Helped settle 92 refugee families in Canada so far. Provided $84000 to zakatdeserving. Donated quarter million dollars to three hospitals. ICNA Relief’s Orphan sponsorship program helped over 6000 orphan children who received support of about $2.5 million in 13 countries. Almost $500,000 was distributed in 14 countries before last Eid-ul-Fitr. Spent $160,000 for healthcare projects in India and Syria. Spent over $1.25 million in response to disaster and emergency relief. Disbursed over

$131,000 and served over 400,000 people with fresh meat. Spent about $500,000 ensuring quality education for tens of thousands of children. During 2021, management expenses were only 4.22%, while fundraising expenses were only 4.01%. More than 91.77% of donations were directly spent on programs and deserving people.

Ghulam Mustafa Sajid, Regional VP, ICNA, urged the participants to donate for the ICNA Resource Center Surrey Project. President ICNA Vancouver, Br Abdullah Javed also addressed the event. Donations can still be made online at icnareliefcanada.ca/donate OR by sending an e-transfer to VANCOUVER@ICNACANADA.CA.

Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah did fundraising for its under construction project

Event photographs at Pg 10

On April 1st, the fundraising for the construction of Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah, Surrey, BC at the I ar dinner in Grand Taj Park Banquet Hall Surrey was hosted under the Islamic Association of Western Canada. Alhamdulillah, in a very well-attended community raised almost  $150, 000 in donations and Qardh-e-Hasanah. May Allah bless and reward everyone

who donated or gave Qardh-e-Hasanah. Mr. Hadier khan was the master of the ceremony, and Br, Saad Rasool did the recitation of the Holy Quran and Nasheed also Br, Muzamil, and Br, A.R.Salis recited beautiful Naat e Rasool e Maqbool (saw). Allama Mohammed Ayyub Ashra and Imam Syed Soharwardy motivated the community with references to the Quran verses and Sunnah to more participation with the contribution of materials and donations to pay the over-

due Masjid construction invoices of around $600, 000. Brother Asad Gondal (President of BCMA), Br, Syed Asif, Br, Sajid Hameed, and Br, Muhammad Arjumand Tahir also contributed to raising funds. Mr. Haroon Raza presented the latest Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah’s construction presentation. Ghulam Hussain (Vice Council General of Pakistan, Vancouver BC), many prominent community members, CMMC Media directors, and religious leaders came to this event to show

their support. Alhamdulillah, once again, the program proved that the entire Muslim community is united to complete the construction of the Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah and gave generous donations. May Allah bless the entire management team, all the volunteers, donors, supporters, and sponsors, for their time and donations, for making this fundraising event successful.

Bilal Cheema and islamic Relief Host a community iftar in Surrey

Event photographs at Pg 10

Bilal Cheema and Islamic Relief Canada hosted a Community I ar in the heart of Surrey, at the Surrey Arts Center that re ected the diversity of the beautiful city. e Community I ar was an opportunity to bring together community representation from all faiths and community groups to mark the beginning of the blessed Islamic month of Ramadan. Leadership and community representation from Indigenous, Sikh, Hindu and Christian groups joined member of the Muslim community to learn about the signi cance

of this month and the teachings and values that guide Muslims during the holy month.

Imam Sadique Pathan and Shaykh Sheryar Bashir shared the fundamental principles, teachings and customs of the month.

Participants at the event walked away with a better understanding and appreciation of Ramadan. Participants were welcomed by a young Sister Fatima Qureshi, volunteer with Islamic Relief Canada.

e event also featured a welcome by Indigenous Councillor David Kenworthy from Katzie First Nation.

Bilal invited Indigenous participation to ensure we are reminded on whose ancestral

lands the gathering took place. Councillor Kenworthy stayed for the evening and thanked the organizers for the inclusive nature of the event.

Members of Surrey City Council, Member s of the Provincial Legislature and Members of Parliament also graced the event and had an opportunity to meet and engage with participants. Madame Mayor Brenda Locke reiterated the Islamic greeting she heard earlier that evening with “Peace Be Upon You” and thanked the organizers for welcoming community participation as we build our growing city.

Host Bilal Cheema spoke about community,

suggesting the month of Ramadan is an exercise of community building through the pursuit of purposeful and meaningful community engagement. He elaborated on the sacri ce from worldly a airs and the pursuit of familial, community, spiritual connection made by Muslims during the month of Ramadan. He highlighted the generosity and kindness that propel Muslims to help and support one another during the month and the focus on sharing and charity that is displayed from mosque to mosque; home to home.

e evening was concluded with a delicious dinner that was enjoyed by all.

National Zakat Foundation’s 10 Year Anniversary Grand Iftar Fundraising Gala

Event photographs at Pg 10

On March 25th, the National Zakat Foundation (NZF) hosted its rst ever Grand I ar Fundraising Gala in British Columbia, at Taste of Lahore’s Hall. e event was sponsored by Islamic Relief Canada and e Cookie Cutter, with approximately 100 people in attendance. During the Grand Iftar, guests were given a warm welcome by National Zakat Foundation’s Regional Development Manager of BC - Husna Hussain, as well as NZF’s Program Director - Zaid Mirza, and Head of Outreach and Development - Adil Siddiqui who were attending

from Mississauga, Ontario. National Zakat Foundation’s Fundraising Gala focused on the importance of Zakat and giving Zakat locally to Muslims living in Canada especially during these times of in ation, economic crisis, and high unemployment rates. e evening consisted of keynote speeches from NZF’s Shariah Advisory Board; Imam Taha Masood and Imam Nabil Khan. Imam Taha Masood spoke on the Sunnah and Prophetic teachings regarding the 3rd Pillar, emphasizing the requirement on every Muslim to pay Zakat not only as a religious obligation, but as an honorable duty and opportunity to seek re-

wards from Allah Subhan Wa Ta’ala. Imam Nabil Khan led the fundraising segment of the event and discussed how the Sahabas in Islam even waged war to establish the Pillar of Zakat, further emphasizing the seriousness of Zakat education, collection and distribution among Canada’s Muslim community. National Zakat Foundation’s Regional Manager of BC, Husna Hussain, also spoke of her heartbreaking experiences in dealing with cases and calls she had received across the province that impacted her, as well as the fact NZF’s team ran out of giving Zakat funds to the community nationally on March 13th, 2023.

British Columbia Muslim Association’s (BCMA) Vice President Iltaf Sahib, British Columbia Muslim Schools’ (BCMS) Principal Syed Imran Ahmed, Nisa Homes, AlIhsan Institute and Islamic Relief Canada’s respective teams were also in attendance, bringing together BC’s largest Muslim organizations for the sake of collecting and giving Zakat locally during this blessed month of Ramadan.

e event concluded with an I ar, and dinner provided by Taste of Lahore Restaurant, and Salat-al-Maghrib.

Allhumdulilla The Miracle Media is proud that the Miracle is the only one in the BC Muslim Print Media market which is non-stop a bi-weekly publication during the Pandemic 2019-2022 and after the Covid crisis till this day.

Its availability at Website. miraclenews.com, Facebook (the Miracle Newspaper), Twitter, (https://twitter.com/Miraclenews1), and at two other digital printing service providers, “Press Reader” at https://www.pressreader.com/canada/the-miracle/latest and “Magzter “ at https://www.magzter.com/CA/ Miracle-Media-Group-Inc in all over the world.

Surrey donates almost $40,000 in iCnA Relief Canada’s Fundraiser for humanitarian causes

Jamia Masjid Aulia Allah did fundraising for its under construction project

Bilal Cheema and islamic Relief Host a community iftar in Surrey Arts Centre

National Zakat Foundation’s 10 Year Anniversary Grand Iftar Fundraising Gala

Event

Event Report at Pg 9

Event Report at Pg 9

Event Report at Pg 9

A RAMADAN OF rELIEf

˹The righteous˺ give food, out of love for Him, to the poor, the orphan and the captive, ˹saying˺ we feed you, for God’s pleasure only, we desire from you neither reward nor thanks – Qur 76:5-9

Image a Ramadan witht hunger

Where the call of the adhan brings food to the plates of families in Somalia and Palestine.

Image a Ramadan witht thirst

Where orphans in Syria and Turkey can sleep knowing they are cared for and remembered.

Image a Ramadan witht sufferg

Where families in Pakistan and Yemen can earn an income so they no longer sacrifice food for medical care.

We don’t need to imagine. Your Zakat or Sadaqah can make this a reality.

This Ramadan, be the relief. We invite you to give from your table to theirs and show the healing power of our global community.

DONATE TODAY $150 can feed a family for the month

$250 can provide urgent emergency relief

$500 can provide dignified livelihoods

$90 /month

sponsors an orphan in need

This is how Canadians would spend the proposed grocery rebate

been avoiding at the grocery store lately, due to rising costs. “I’ve been so hungry for watermelon and some fresh fruits,” Chartrand told CTVNews.ca in a telephone interview on March 30. If eligible for the rebate, she may receive as much as $225.

“I’ve been so hungry for watermelon and some fresh fruits,” Chartrand told CTVNews.ca in a telephone interview on March 30. If eligible for the rebate, she may receive as much as $225.

cery rebate has yet to be implemented, Elise Chartrand from Embrun, Ont., already knows what she would do with the extra money. e 76-year-old said she plans to treat herself to some of the food items she’s

“I haven’t bought fresh sh in so long, it’ll be so nice to get a big piece of halibut … at should take care of the money rebate real quick.” While Canada’s recently announced grocery rebate has yet to be implemented, Elise Chartrand from Embrun, Ont., already knows what she would do with the extra money. e 76-year-old said she plans to treat herself to some of the food items she’s been avoiding at the grocery store lately, due to rising costs.

“I haven’t bought fresh sh in so long, it’ll be so nice to get a big piece of halibut … at should take care of the money rebate real quick.”Included in this year’s federal budget, which was tabled on March 28, the grocery rebate is a one-time payment aimed at helping Canadians deal with the rising cost of living. Once a bill implementing the measure passes in Parliament, the rebate will be o ered through Canada’s GST/ HST tax credit system and those with low or modest incomes will be eligible to receive

it. Although recent data shows that Canada’s annual in ation rate dropped from 5.9 per cent in January to 5.2 per cent in February, grocery prices remain high across the country. According to data from Statistics Canada, food prices increased 10.6 per cent year-over-year in February.

Chartrand is one of dozens of Canadians who wrote to CTVNews.ca about the rising cost of food and how they would bene t from the proposed grocery rebate. Food in ation remains a growing concern among Canadian consumers, with food prices hitting their highest levels in decades, according to data from Statistics Canada.

Source:ctvnews.ca

19 Canadians detained in northeastern Syria on their way back to Canada: sources

News Coninued from Page 1

mothers and their children for the past week. According to a source familiar with the plans, the Canadians are bound for Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal. But the repatriation group is smaller than anticipated. It is unclear if a 38-year-old Quebec woman and her six children are among the Canadians leaving the camp. She lives in another part of the camp away from most of

the other Canadians.

Last week, Global A airs advised the French-Canadian that her children were eligible for repatriation but she could not accompany them because her security assessment was incomplete. e woman, who says she has been at the camp since 2018, initially agreed to allow her children to leave the camp without her, but according to her lawyer has since changed her mind. In an email Tuesday night, Lawrence Greenspon

wrote that “Ms.J wants her six children to be repatriated and that she wants to come home to Québec with them.”

“I have asked GAC to take the necessary urgent steps so that Mom can come home with her children,” Greenspon added in the email. Greenspon calls GAC’s inability to complete the assessment in four months “incredible.” e woman was given written notice of her eligibility for assessment on Nov. 24, 2022.

In an interview on Wednesday, Greenspon said he’s been in touch with Canadian family members of those who are on route and they were “over the moon excited” to have their loved ones coming home.

“It’s been more than three years that we’ve been trying to get the Canadian government to repatriate these Canadian citizens, and they’re on their way home,” Greenspon said.

Source: ctvnews.ca

israeli police storm Al-Aqsa Mosque, raising fears of wider fighting

News Coninued from Page 1

said the Palestinian Authority was in contact with o cials in Egypt, Jordan, the United States and the United Nations to de-escalate tensions. e Palestinian Red Crescent said that 50 people were injured. Separately, the

Israeli military said one soldier was shot in the occupied West Bank. Crowds of Palestinians gathered around a police station in Jerusalem on Wednesday, waiting anxiously for their loved ones — many of them wearing blood-stained shirts and limping on band-

aged legs — to trickle out of detention. People leaving detention said police used batons, chairs, ri es and whatever else they could nd to strike Palestinians, including women and children, who responded by setting o recrackers and hurling stones.

Outside the mosque’s gate, police dispersed crowds of young men with stun grenades and rubber bullets. Israeli police said they were not immediately able to con rm the reports and videos showing o cers beating Palestinians... Source: nbcnews.com

Supporters will take to streets if SC ruling blocked: Imran

Mr. Ihsan Malik received the award from Wilson Miao Member Of Parliament

LAHORE: PTI Chairman Imran Khan said on Wednesday that people would take to the streets if the ruling alliance attempted to block the implementation of the court ruling that directed polls in Punjab on May 14. The former prime minister was speaking during a televised address to mark Yaumi-Tashakkur (gratitude day) celebrations following the top court’s judgement that directed for general elections in Punjab. The speech was broadcasted from his Zaman Park residence through a satellite link on mega screens installed at 75 locations across the country, including in 13 cities of Punjab.However, the main gathering of the event was held at the Liberty roundabout in Lahore where PTI supporters gathered despite the rain. They were holding party a s ile s me t em ere earin PTI-themed headbands and scarves. Addressing his supporters, the former prime minister said, “The nation should wait for my call to ensure that the incumbent rulers could not run away from holding elections; otherwise, neither the history nor the future generations will pardon this generation for not waging jihad against the forces undermining the rule of law.” He said “the

icilian ma a as n stan in against the decision of the Supreme Court, which had earlier decided in their favour and overturned PTI’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly after opening courts at midnight.The former premier said ‘absconder’ Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari were sitting in London and Dubai, respectively, and taking decisions about the fate of Pakistan. He said the incumbent rulers were also trying to divide the Supreme Court while also working to create a rift between the PTI and the establishment which “might repeat events of 1971”.

Asking what kind of economic and security stability can be ensured by October for holding elections, Mr Khan said that only elections would be the way out to take Pakistan out of the blind alley where it was fast heading. “I will complete interviews and selection of candidates in 10 days,” he said and added that the nation would not let the incumbent rulers run away from elections. In an interview with Al Jazeera before the speech, the PTI chairman alleged the ruling PDM could violate the Constitution to prevent national elections due later this year. “They are just scared of the elections and are even willing to violate the Constitution,” Mr Khan claimed.

“By not accepting the SC’s verdict, the government would violate the Constitution”. In such a situation, he said, the SC could slap contempt of court on them. Mr Khan disclosed he had held two meetings with former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and wanted to work out how to hold elections.

Source: dawn.com/pakistan

March to Freedom:The

Aftermath

The event was held on April 01, 2023 at Thompson Community Richmond B.C Wilson Miao Member Of Parliament distribte t e a ar s an certi cates t the recipients.It was well attended Richmond centre residents.

Mr. Ihsan Ullah Malik and he have been a dedicated citizen of Canada living in Richmond since 1973.

He honored and humbled to have received this nomination. He have had the great pleasure to have worked for the community in Richmond for many ears in se eral ifferent ca acities. Some of these roles include serving as president of the Metro Vancouver Cross Cultural seniors network in which many projects such as the Elder abuse awareness to action program was launched for the southeast Asian community and another for the Vietnamese community. The society subsequently received a prestigious innovative program award from SFU. He was also involved in a study that highlighted the impact of covid-19 on isolated Latin-American seniors and many more that i li t is r ein a erce a cate for the Richmond Seniors community. He worked with multi-cultural and multi-faith groups and he have been on many advisory committees for the Richmond Municipality. At present he is on the Richmond Seniors Advisory committee. As a retired Air Canada employee , he also gives back to his career el an as n t e anc er er

nautical noise management committee for 2 years. Being a Proud Pakistani-Canadian, he gave back to his own community for the last 50 years by serving as President and now an executive member and also spear-headed many si ni cant r jects s c as e el ment a community center and Mosque. In addition , he volunteered for the Richmond Multicultural society and served as a Vice President. He also served for 4 years as a member of c ncil a is rs in t e ce seni rs advocate of British Columbia. His moto that motivates him to give back is “ Your life and mine should be valued not by what we take but by what we give”.

of the Khaksar Murders on March 19th, 1940

Continue from March 24th Edition

By Nasim Yousaf

In the aftermath of the massacre, men and women Khaksars launched a campaign of civil disobedience...Despite this heartbreaking tragedy and suggestions by Muslim Leaguers, M.A. Jinnah did not postpone the All-India Muslim League’s (AIML) upcoming session, which was scheduled for March 22-24, 1940. When the session started, it was marked by widespread protests due to the Khaksar murder and the arrests of Mashriqi and others. It is said that e le c e t t e en e t e AIML Session. The voice of the public echoed with slogans such as “The blood of the martyrs will not go waste,” “We will take revenge for the martyrs,” “Allama Mashriqi Zindabad,” and “Khaksar Zindabad.” They demanded that the AIML seek compensation for the martyred and injured Khaksars, release Mashriqi, his sons, and the Khaksars, remove restrictions on Khaksar activities, and shun Punjab Prime Minister Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan from the membership of the Central Working Committee of the AIML. The question at hand is why

did Jinnah decide to proceed with the session despite suggestions from Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan and others to postpone it? Sir Sikander wanted to delay the meeting due to the deadly public sentiment against him. People held him responsible for the killing of the Khaksars and the arrest of Mashriqi, his sons, and Khaksars. Jinnah, meanwhile, recognized the tragedy as an opportunity and chose to move forward with the session to take advantage of the situation.

Prior to the session, Jinnah's All India Muslim League (AIML) had no standing in the Punjab Province, where Sir Sikander's Unionist Party held sway. However, the tragedy presented Jinnah with a chance to undermine Sir Sikander's position. To gain Khaksar and public sympathies, Jinnah took several steps. He visited the injured Khaksars at Mayo Hospital soon after arriving on March 21st. He also had banners in support of the Khaksars hung throughout the AIML venue at the opening of the session. On March 24th, 1940, the AIML adopted the Khaksar Resolution alongside the Pakistan Resolution. Through these actions, Jinnah not only managed to control the 100,000 attend-

ees, who had come to seek redress for the grievances mentioned earlier, but also gained popularity. On the other hand, Sir Sikander's political career came to an end. After Jinnah achieved his objectives, he did not make an eff rts t el t e Khaksars or secure Mashriqi's release. In fact, he wanted Mashriqi to remain in jail so that the political arena would remain open for him. With the support of the government, Jinnah strengthened his political position.

In the meantime, soon after his arrest, pressure was exerted on Mashriqi to disband the Khaksar Tehrik. Mashriqi's properties and bank accounts were seized, and his pension was withheld.

As a result, Mashriqi’s family was left to starve, and they had no money to provide proper treatment to Mashriqi’s son (Aslam), who was severely injured from the police raid at the Khaksar headquarters. Consequently, Aslam died on May 31, 1940. Mashriqi, who was still imprisoned at the time, was not allowed to attend his beloved son's funeral. Furthermore, to avoid a public reaction, controls were placed on public gatherings near Mashriqi's residence, leaving Aslam's young siblings alone in the house with no experience in handling the tragedy.

News of Aslam’s death spread like wildre an m re t an e le atten e Aslam's funeral, which was led in a military style by the Khaksars. After the fu-

neral ra ers a n sal te as re t honor Aslam. The funeral was considered to be the largest of any teenager in the Indian subcontinent, and the tragedy of Aslam and the Khaksars greatly fueled demand for independence.

Meanwhile, in prison, Mashriqi was subjected to physical and mental torture, and derogatory language was hurled at him to weaken his determination and spirits. He was kept in a dingy, dark cell in solitary c n nement it r sanitati n an e to the lack of fresh air and poor-quality food, he became sick. Furthermore, it was reported that Mashriqi had been given poisonous food and/or medicine, which would result in his slow death. When this news was revealed, the Khaksars were highly perturbed, and they decided to seek his forcible release. The Khaksar Tehrik, had already been banned in the Punjab province, was subsequently banned throughout the entire Indian subcontinent. Mashriqi was asked to disband the movement or c ntin e t s ffer In res nse as ri i wrote back, “Khaksar Movement was not my property that I could do with it whatever I liked, nor can it be discontinued.” Mashriqi decided to lay his life and started a fast unto death. In the meantime, British authorities responded with a heavy-handed crackdown on Khaksars.

According to Khaksar veteran Hakim Ahmed Hussain in his Urdu book “19 March 1940 Kay Khaksar Shudha” (meaning Khaksar Martyrs of March 19th, 1940), “over 10,000 Khaksars were shoved in various jails of the [Punjab] province” (page s s al cial res ere misleading and did not state a number above 2,000...

To be continued in April 21st Edition