Highlights From our Community
[Summer Edition]
In this special edition newsletter we will share highlights from our latest programs and initiatives during the summer months of July & August. We'll start with a special message from our Board of Directors and our Imam, Shaykh Ismail.
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Message from the Board - Vice President Mohamed Hagi-Aden
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Assalamu alaykum,
The summer months are now behind us and we are a few weeks into the new school year.
In this message I’d like to share with you some of the responsibilities that AMA Board of Directors undertake on your behalf and on behalf of our valued community and congregation members.
Under the Charitable Act we have a fiduciary responsibility to carry out the charitable purpose of AMA. In diligently fulfilling our role, we carry out the following:
While we continue to provide direction for all of the programs and services we provide to our community, we also strive to ensure that they are aligned to our values, mandate, and mission.
We have a responsibility to keep adequate books and records. This includes having strong internal controls for finances and submitting our audited financial statements to the CRA every year.
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We have a responsibility to apply standard of care. This requires us to take the appropriate steps to ensure we make objective decisions. The government defines it as the following: "exercise at least the level of care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances."
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We have a responsibility to avoid conflict of interest, act with honesty and in good faith. We continue to act according to the best interests of AMA's mandate.
We have a responsibility to you to listen to your constructive criticism. Many of the improvements you have seen from us in recent years are a result of the valuable feedback you provided to us.
Finally, our Board of Directors reports to not only the CRA, but it also reports to other important stakeholders including you. We have an obligation to be stewards of servant leadership in guiding AMA to meet the growing needs of our community.
Let me conclude my remarks by thanking our congregation members and our volunteers and recognizing their unwavering support. Without their support, AMA would not be able to carry out its mandate and provide responsive services.
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Message from Our Imam - Shaykh Ismail Albatnuni
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Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatu Allah,
My message this month is a very special one. It's a private one for the delight of our eyes: our daughters and sons.
Our beloved ones have returned back to school so I want to take this chance to remind them about the noble act they are doing throughout the year which is seeking knowledge.
As you know, seeking knowledge is one of the deeds that Allah loves the most. It's enough for us to know that the first word revealed to our Prophet (peace be upon him) was "Iqraa" (read).
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"Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists)," [Chapter 96, Verse 1]
In another verse we are told that those who seek knowledge are in a category of their own.
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Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" [Chapter 39, Verse 9]
Allah tells us that those who have knowledge and those who do not are not the same. He also tells us in another verse that only those who have knowledge fear Allah.
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My dear beloved ones, the more knowledge you have in different subjects such as science, mathematics, biology, and others; these fields of knowledge should bring you closer to Allah because he told us:
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"We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves," [Surah Fussilat, verse 43].
The knowledge you are seeking should bring you closer to Allah.
I really recommend you renew your intentions that the knowledge you are seeking throughout the year in school is going to be for the sake of Allah. Because if you do so, every single day when you leave your home you will be rewarded by Allah.
With every single step you take to go to school, Allah and the angels will make dua for you. Our Prophet told us that even the fish, whales and other animals will make istighfar (seek forgiveness for you) for the one who is seeking knowledge.
Seeking knowledge is one of the most beloved deeds to Allah but you need to have a good intention.
When you wake up in the morning to get ready to head to class, set your intentions and you will taste the sweetness in your heart that you are doing this for the sake of Allah and you will be rewarded.
Imagine becoming successful in this dunya by getting your degree, receiving a strong education, and getting the reward from Allah all at the same time.
I encourage you to aspire to reach new heights in your education and become a great benefit for our community.
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Community Highlight - Supporting the CHEO Telethon
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AMA is proud to have supported this year’s CHEO telethon along with many of our partners. We worked with the UMO-OG to contribute $42,000 to this year’s campaign.
We take great pride in supporting the telethon for many years now... [continue reading]
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Community Highlight: A Look Back on Our Summer Camps
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With both our 3-day camp and our 2-week camp, our campers learned what it meant to work together as a team, form new bonds with people from different backgrounds, and receive mentorship from our wonderful counselors.
Our camp activities offered a perfect mix of fun, friendly competition, and immersive learning indoors and outdoors... [continue reading]
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Congrats to the Winners of our Annual Qur'an Competition
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This year we had over 200 participants in our annual Qur'an competition.
Each year AMA runs the competition to connect our community with the Qur’an and encourage everyone to learn it.
We congratulate all 200+ attendees and we ask Allah to bless their hard work.
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How to Develop Proactive Thinking by Playing Soccer
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Our free weekly soccer program over the summer was a big hit with up to 60 players attending each week.
We provided an opportunity for youth to enjoy competitive recreation and receive weekly lessons on personal development delivered by our Youth Committee mentors... [continue reading]
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Community Highlight - Social Retreat for our Volunteers
Without the incredible sacrifices made by our volunteers AMA would not be where it is today.
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Each year we hold a social retreat for our volunteers where brothers, sisters, and their children enjoy a fun day outside together. This year's social event took place at Vincent Massey Park.
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Seeking Pearls of Wisdom with Shaykh Musleh Khan
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Earlier in the summer we were honoured to host Shaykh Musleh Khan in our masjid. He offered an in-depth tafsir study of the 31st chapter of the Qur'an - Surah Luqman in a special weekend course. We had 100+ students attend this incredible program.
Students who participated gave raving reviews of the course and many are eagerly awaiting our next program.
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Our Eid celebration and prayers were attended by over 3,000 community members! This year we brought new attractions for children to enjoy including a train ride. Have a look at our video below!
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Watch as dozens of children ride on the train!
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If you are a local business looking to advertise to AMA's community then please contact us at info@mymasjid.ca.
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Do You Have a Highlight to Share?
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We are on the look for amazing stories from our AMA community members. These stories can be testimonials on how our programs and initiatives have impacted your life or the life of your family.
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If there is a highlight you want to show in our next newsletter then you can send it to info@mymasjid.ca
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That brings us to the end of our community highlights for the summer months. Stay tuned to our next newsletter for our regular upcoming events & programs.
Best regards,
The AMA Team
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