Wednesday 23 May 2012

Guyana- land of sweet memories

Sweet Guyana- too proud of you to forget!

You know you're from the land of many waters
When you remember days with aluminum buckets
Lining up at the dugout hydrant
Or someone selling you water on donkey cart or contraband items!

You know you came from the nation of many religions
When your nanny invited you to jhandi
Your auntie is having Quran shareef
And your mother sends over parsaud to Collins neighbour

This is the nation of Enmore martyrs
You proudly announce to your Canadian friends
Where Forbes, Rodney and Jagan
All attended the ceremony without mentioning elections

And only in Guyana you can find this
That you see races of four continents
Marrying, eating and playing ball together
One had to say good morning Uncle Herbie, even if he was not your Mammoo

Where else but the land of Kaieteur
You can find little boys paddling canoe
Going to school miles away
Clutching exercise book with the President logo; wearing Bata booths like education was all they know

And how come you never mention manners
If you misbehave down the street
Every house you fearfully pass by
You bound to get some fine ones before your Old Man take over with the finest bramble

This the United Nations model
Where colonial powers divide you to rule
But yet still deep down in every village
You see church, mandir and masjid, like they have one owner or contractor called Baaboo

You know you are proud of this place off the Atlantic
Where fresh fish comes to you and gets cleaned without an extra toonie
Where you tie hammock underneath bottom house
And every stranger is a friend right there in the fireside and cahary iron pot!

So praise the Most High
That with little resources and much courage
We have flew pass the Union Jack
Making our Land of Birth proud in every nation- Oh Land of Many Lifetimes!










Happiness: Naked Truths - An Inter-Spirituality Odyssey

http://www.soundvisioncanada.com/shop/pview.asp?Item=447-007

Mother's Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqrqBaq8GE8

Spiritual Wellness

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-7562171940262975238


In This DVD Imam Habeeb Alli gives a lectures on the importance of Spirituality in the Light of Quran and Sunnah and Other Faith Persuasions.

Ask Imam Habeeb

http://www.allexperts.com/ep/947-69836/Islam/Imam-Habeeb.htm

Shaikh Habeeb Alli

http://www.uia.ca/teachers.php?page=halli

Halal Sex! Just how close does al-Sharia come to declaring “Anything Goes!”?

http://www.muslimsofcalgary.ca/data.php?s=43&id=1182

WRITING INTERNATIONALLY

http://thecommongroundblog.com/2011/05/16/jews-extend-qur%E2%80%99an-to-muslims/

Habeeb Alli pens Intimacy and the Sacred in Muslim Communities

http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/1335446--author-at-book-signing-at-scarborough-chapters

What I feel-

http://www.habeeballi.blogspot.ca/2012/02/what-i-feel-poem.html

hat I feel- POEM

  • What I feel-
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  • A tribute to Syria
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  • What a wonderful morning
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  • Birds chirping
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  • Such a snow-less winter it is
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  • Soothing my lingering butterflies
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  • Why this ambivalence
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  • Where is my heart going is of essence
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  • Pounding like an engine when I see your name
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  • Dreaming of innocent images, all the same
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  • It’s not the kind that makes a smile
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  • Under the covers of unlighted rooms, desires stockpile
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  • Where sisters whisper naughtiness
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  • And false hopes are hatched in freshness
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  • But gone is the liking for anything pink
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  • Where from the anger of unfulfilled love I drink
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  • That kindles an inner world as large as Rome or Syria
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  • And words become helpless like un-controlled hysteria
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  • Inklings of poetry, lyrics, movies and e-books besides social media
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  • Knocking helplessly at the waves of control-mania
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  • They seem to become hapless victims of indescribability
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  • Even the encrypted gets cracked; not infallibility
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  • It’s like knowing you will not make it, even being a true fool
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  • Like a swan that swims gracefully while frenzies beneath rule
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  • I wandered the land, ghastly blue
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  • Until I laid my eyes on you
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  • So this isn’t a V-day tribute
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  • Rather to all those who are broken by unrequited truth
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  • Who fail to claim their birth-right without aggression.
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  • God made you perfect to receive affection
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  • To love and be loved is not a privilege or lucky strike
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  • It’s critical to civilization and any Mike
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  • Nations are at war, filling Hell’s fury with Super anarchy
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  • Angels are in prayers supplicating against such tyranny
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  • Tell me Just why- honestly why
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  • Sweet-harm enamored your thoughts daily
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  • Why the people’s constant mindfulness, fearfulness
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  • That you will not live up to this make-feel goodness
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  • Oh Land of Damascus
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  • Oh Nation of Prophets
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  • Where our sisters breathe divine breaths
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  • Have your brave hearts been buried in the princess of white minarets?
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  • I want to break loose like a snowflake in the wind
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  • And ever rescind
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  • Free from this occupy-lunacy
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  • Maybe like Rumi or even Gazzali- a heartland far from piracy!
 

Habeeb Alli reads The Canadian Experience

http://scarborougharts.com/?s=habeeb+alli&x=0&y=0

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Muslim and Jewish students debate Islamophobia and Anti Semitism


01/05/2012


Muslim and Jewish students debate Islamophobia and Anti Semitism by Habeeb Alli

Toronto, Canada –  ‘That would be hard to do,” was the reaction Habeeb Alli, Communication Coordinator at North American Muslim Foundation, received from many as he organised the 11th annual Speech competition.  The topic was Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia- do Jews and Muslims face the same challenges and have similar solutions?

However, last Sunday night history made itself when a packed audience applauded fifteen participants from various grades and types of schools as they candidly and without fear dealt with the topic at hand. Once an agreed upon date, topic and place is set, an announcement is sent to almost 100 private and public schools of all religious denominations. Students sign up to participate and begin preparing for the big day- April 29th 2012. Many Interfaith organisations were pleased with this initiative as it addressed a topic from a faith perspective and was planned to accommodate the Jewish community by having it on a Sunday.  The topic of Anti-Semitism was definitely meant to engage Muslims to think beyond themselves.

Among the organisations that supported this year’s event was the Abraham Festival, whose theme was Millennium Goals.  Every year this Festival brings Jews, Christians and Muslims together to celebrate and educate themselves about each other’s religion in Peterborough ON. Being the sole body of Faith leaders advocating for poverty reduction in Ontario, for the last 25 years, ISARC Executive Director, Michael Skaljin, a Buddhist himself, reached out to communities far out of Toronto to participate. Students came all the way from London, Oakville, Markham, Ajax, Scarborough, Vaughn, and beyond.

The approximately 350 audience members were not only treated to food  for thought, but a sumptuous dinner in celebration of the brave and talented youth of our Canadian mosaic- speaking out against Anti-Semitism as a Muslim and condemning Islamophobia as a Jew!

Mr. Farouk Khan, the Executive Director for NAMF, in his remarks noted that this competition has maintained its professionalism over the years. It is not prepared to compromise this value even if at times it’s a struggle to get the community on board. Much of the sponsorship came from local businesses that enabled the winners to receive gifts and trophies. The event was video-taped and placed online for public viewing. Among the sponsors was Emmanuel College that has pioneered the first Muslim Certificate Program and now a Graduate Islamic program at Canada’s first United Church seminary.
The panel of judges was deliberately chosen to reflect the diversity not only as academics but representing the three Abrahamic faiths. Dr Katherine Bullock is a Muslim Professor and author of Politics of the Veil was indeed impressed while Dr Mark Toulouse, a Christian Principal of Emmanuel College, agreed, “It was a splendid event, with exemplary speeches given by wonderfully composed young people!”
The third judge, Valerie Hyman, is a practising Jew, a member of Darchei Noam Synagogue  and a social justice Interfaith advocate. She said, “I was especially impressed at the young women, who were so confident, composed and articulate.”
Among the evening’s attendees was the co-chair of the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims, Dr Barbara Landau who had the honor of sitting on the panel briefly. She had this to say: “What most touched me was the educative and empathetic effect of young people learning about each other's history and experiences with discrimination and marginalization.”
DSCF1108

Inset from left Valerie Hyman, Barbara Landau and Katherine Bullock.

If anything, the turning point of this success, were Jewish members of Temple Sinai, Darchei Noam, Temple Sinai, the Narayever Synagogue, Temple Emanuel as well as Christians who sat with Muslims of all ethnicities and religious affiliations. Together they applauded and wished the best for these students as the Honourable John McCallum, MP Unionville, rightly said: “this model should be exported out of Canada!” The students were represented   in the Ontario Legislature by MPP Soo Wong Scarborough Agincourt and were reminded to stand up against bullying anywhere!
 
The topic of this year’s debate was chosen based on the work that the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding is doing in Twinning Mosques and Synagogues.  This initiative should be extended to twinning faith-based schools, with young articulate youths taking the message forward- we will not forget that racism to one is racism against the entire human race!

Quran 49:13 O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

*Habeeb Alli is a freelance writer for the Ambition, is on www.allexperts.com and author of twelve books on Islam.


Monday 7 May 2012

Just live and love

01/05/2012


Muslim and Jewish students debate Islamophobia and Anti Semitism by Habeeb Alli

Toronto, Canada –  ‘That would be hard to do,” was the reaction Habeeb Alli, Communication Coordinator at North American Muslim Foundation, received from many as he organised the 11th annual Speech competition.  The topic was Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia- do Jews and Muslims face the same challenges and have similar solutions?

However, last Sunday night history made itself when a packed audience applauded fifteen participants from various grades and types of schools as they candidly and without fear dealt with the topic at hand. Once an agreed upon date, topic and place is set, an announcement is sent to almost 100 private and public schools of all religious denominations. Students sign up to participate and begin preparing for the big day- April 29th 2012. Many Interfaith organisations were pleased with this initiative as it addressed a topic from a faith perspective and was planned to accommodate the Jewish community by having it on a Sunday.  The topic of Anti-Semitism was definitely meant to engage Muslims to think beyond themselves.

Among the organisations that supported this year’s event was the Abraham Festival, whose theme was Millennium Goals.  Every year this Festival brings Jews, Christians and Muslims together to celebrate and educate themselves about each other’s religion in Peterborough ON. Being the sole body of Faith leaders advocating for poverty reduction in Ontario, for the last 25 years, ISARC Executive Director, Michael Skaljin, a Buddhist himself, reached out to communities far out of Toronto to participate. Students came all the way from London, Oakville, Markham, Ajax, Scarborough, Vaughn, and beyond.

The approximately 350 audience members were not only treated to food  for thought, but a sumptuous dinner in celebration of the brave and talented youth of our Canadian mosaic- speaking out against Anti-Semitism as a Muslim and condemning Islamophobia as a Jew!

Mr. Farouk Khan, the Executive Director for NAMF, in his remarks noted that this competition has maintained its professionalism over the years. It is not prepared to compromise this value even if at times it’s a struggle to get the community on board. Much of the sponsorship came from local businesses that enabled the winners to receive gifts and trophies. The event was video-taped and placed online for public viewing. Among the sponsors was Emmanuel College that has pioneered the first Muslim Certificate Program and now a Graduate Islamic program at Canada’s first United Church seminary.
The panel of judges was deliberately chosen to reflect the diversity not only as academics but representing the three Abrahamic faiths. Dr Katherine Bullock is a Muslim Professor and author of Politics of the Veil was indeed impressed while Dr Mark Toulouse, a Christian Principal of Emmanuel College, agreed, “It was a splendid event, with exemplary speeches given by wonderfully composed young people!”
The third judge, Valerie Hyman, is a practising Jew, a member of Darchei Noam Synagogue  and a social justice Interfaith advocate. She said, “I was especially impressed at the young women, who were so confident, composed and articulate.”
Among the evening’s attendees was the co-chair of the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims, Dr Barbara Landau who had the honor of sitting on the panel briefly. She had this to say: “What most touched me was the educative and empathetic effect of young people learning about each other's history and experiences with discrimination and marginalization.”

Inset from left Valerie Hyman, Barbara Landau and Katherine Bullock.

If anything, the turning point of this success, were Jewish members of Temple Sinai, Darchei Noam, Temple Sinai, the Narayever Synagogue, Temple Emanuel as well as Christians who sat with Muslims of all ethnicities and religious affiliations. Together they applauded and wished the best for these students as the Honourable John McCallum, MP Unionville, rightly said: “this model should be exported out of Canada!” The students were represented   in the Ontario Legislature by MPP Soo Wong Scarborough Agincourt and were reminded to stand up against bullying anywhere!
 
The topic of this year’s debate was chosen based on the work that the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding is doing in Twinning Mosques and Synagogues.  This initiative should be extended to twinning faith-based schools, with young articulate youths taking the message forward- we will not forget that racism to one is racism against the entire human race!

Quran 49:13 O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

*Habeeb Alli is a freelance writer for the Ambition, is on www.allexperts.com and author of twelve books on Islam.


habeeballi.blogspot.com

ALLMY PREVIOUS POSTS.
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WHAT I FEEL!

CIOG – CENTRAL ISLAMIC ORGANISATION OF GUYANA

CIOG – CENTRAL ISLAMIC ORGANISATION OF GUYANA

You know its CIOG
When you see on the news
Children in need of help
And Muslims giving out hampers

You know you bet it’s CIOG
When you see Islam attacked on the media
And Scholars firing back in a news conference
You feel proud that our support is doing wonders

You feel the pulse of CIOG on your heart
That schools teaching Islam making CXC headlines
And students who were orphans getting scholarships
That since days of Anjuman and Hifaz the CIOG has not stopped

You know you can trust CIOG
When gossipers spread mistrust
And sacred people get caught in the web
But the programs have not failed nor your donations strayed

You are certain it’s CIOG
That the Muslim minority in Guyana is safe
In Non Government Commissions
Overseeing the powers to be, that justice prevails despite creed

The Iman in your heart grows
You hear lovely Qaseedas, children reciting Quran
That children is priority, like the amber alert in Canada
When a single child goes missing, it’s no joking business

And when your loved one dies in Guyana
You know CIOG will be there
Even if the hearse driver is in Canada
And most of her sons are faraway from Hajji Hyadar masdressa.



Enmore

Enmore Martyrs’ Pride - April24th 2012- Habeeb Alli, Blossom Scheme
You know you’re Enmorean
When you stop a hire car
And you see seventeen passengers crouching
You shout Enmore and get No More!

You can only come from Enmore
If you know what’s 1:30, 5:30 and 9:30 whistle
You’re living at Estate although your address is Enmore Newtown Village
And falling inside sideline, swimming in broadside and washing by black water trench is you.

Where else but Enmore
You can catch a fling for a bob
Not a friend by the name Bob or your cousin, Baapre baap
But with a ticket to Gem four o’clock Sunday matinee, slipping into balcony!

And if it’s not Enmore, where else
That you know somebody only by their false name
And at 9 o’clock Banarat Bell News make you know their real name
Cuttail is Mr. Persaud Husain and Baby Chips is Ms Bibi Mohamed Singh

You had to be an Enmore child, God knows!
If you had played cricket and salt in the pasture and not community centre
Carry your neighbor to outpost
Check Lalbachan for tabeej and curse Mr Sylvester for punt not running on time!

And if this isn’t Enmore, then I ain’t Wajid grandson
You taking an outing Saturday afternoon, not out of town
But after doll up, you riding out to Public road
Liming with your friends, seeing who going to town, and who selling black pudding!

Where in Guyana you get your own National Day but for Enmore Martyrs
The whole country comes to remember five sugar workers, even Forbes, Rodney and Jagan
But you‘re either grazing cows or selling at Friday market near this sacred ground
And when you want to threaten your neighbor you say I’m going to send you to Logwood like Lalbhaji!

Such is Enmore, EHP vinegar, sugar and brains
Where people fall in love under Big Tree and buy sweetie at Big Shop
Where you go to night school at Guruji, Sunday school at Brother‘s bottom house and learn Qaida at Uncle Hydar!
But your intention is another kind of parsaud, mambogh and sirney!

Only in Enmore you can sleep tight knowing vigilante and Barry waking up all night!
But it’s Enmore alone where you can find this
Fetching mould from Choo-cow and shavings from Bawan on your father’s Big ben
Catching water from the hydrant and not the tap.

And yes where else but unique Enmore
Vidyarthi, Bheem and Jenu
Beating, way before American idol, lyrics of Lata, Jim Reeves and Sparrow
All in one night, with Jhango dancing before Building whistle!