Asalamu alaikum / Peace be upon you,
Today, as we reach the end of these blessed ten days, most Muslims in this country enjoy the right and freedom to gather in their masajid, community centres, and even outdoors, for the Eid al-Adha khutbah and salaat. But as we have witnessed in recent years, these rights and freedoms are not guaranteed. Right now in Quebec, around 400,000 Muslims cannot pray Eid in outdoor public spaces. They can’t pray in these outdoor spaces at all in groups. In Quebec public institutions like universities, there are also no longer real prayer spaces for jumaas and daily salaat to take place. This is a new reality in Canada’s second-largest province that threatens to break the core of Canadian democracy itself, starting with our religious freedoms. You already know the uphill battle we are fighting in Quebec. It’s the clearest example of how our rights must be guarded against Islamophobic populism and political expediency. This isn’t just about one or two communities, or even just the good of our children going forward. It is about the democratic integrity of this country and our fight for principles that matter to us all. We do it all for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Let us reflect on the need to persevere through these hardships this Arafah. "O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy. Vie in such perseverance, strengthen each other, and be pious, that you may prosper." [3:200] We will never give up or stop moving forward, but this battle is impossible without you. Your leadership and your steadfastness allow us to keep going, so don’t stop now. On this day of Arafah, help us build A Better Tomorrow.
Wassalam
Stephen Brown CEO, National Council of Canadian Muslims |
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