Assalamualaikum Warahamatulahe Wabarakatu,
My dear brothers and sisters, the last three months have been a very difficult time for all of us. A new phenomenon of staying home, being safe and washing hands on an hourly basis or as need arises and practicing social distance. Yes,” we are all in it together” as the slogan goes. Can you imagine when Prophet Noah was asked by Allah Subhanwatala to build the biggest ARCK put species of each animal, plants, people etc. and prepare for the biggest flood. This Pandemic seems like that. We are all in it together.
As Muslims, it is our duty to help those who are most vulnerable. Many have lost their daily jobs which fed their families. Many industries have shut down and may not reopen. Families have been devasted and there is little hope in sight for sometime.
Our Governments from all levels from coast to coast to coast have come to the aid of its citizens. Digging deep to support each and every citizen, especially those who have been highly affected. Billions of dollars are being spent on its subjects for their livelihood. Employers and businesses have come forward to help where ever they are able to. The life we lived in December 2019 and January 2020 will not return. The fear of getting infected until an effective vaccine has been found which is almost 18 to 24 months away, or sooner, Inshallah. The only comfort we can have as Muslims is our HOPE in Allah Subhanwatala who will look after us and protect all of us, inshallah.
With this Pandemic at its heights, there are individuals who never give up in stepping out to help feed the homeless and those in dire need.
The current chair of the Muslim Business Council Br Bob Ibrahim and Br Aseem Khan Director of the Fiji Islamic Centre always stand out when there is a need. Collecting donations to cook food and sell in a timely manner to raise funds for the Food Bank and Masjid Al Salam for the iftar project is commendable. These are small steps to take to do bigger things to make a difference. I am wondering loudly as to where are the larger organizations who have the resources to do much more on a larger scale. Feeding the hungry is one of our first duties. Sharing of bread is a duty upon all Muslims.
During these extraordinary times, it is more important than ever to mobilize our collective efforts to make a meaningful difference. Our sisters can be asked to help in making Masks, cooking, baking, packaging, collecting good clothes and supporting the frontline volunteers who are doing what needs to be done to make a difference. This needs leadership and organization.
I am calling upon all Muslim Organizations in British Columbia to become engaged and support the small efforts that are being made by many volunteers not only to help our own community but to engage in supporting the efforts of all those who are contributing to the welfare of our larger society. This is a prime time to organize our young men and women when we are all at home and can fill out times with meaningful contribution.
I take this opportunity to thank all the Doctors, Nurses, all hospital workers, truckers for transporting food and essentials, store keepers and their frontline employees, for all they are doing to supply foods and essentials.
Our appreciation should also be given to the Government of British Columbia and Premier John Hogan for supporting its citizens and a very big thank you to our chief medical officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and the Minister of Health Adrian Dix, for their composure and advice that they have been dishing out every day to educate all of us the importance of being calm, practicing social distance and washing our hands and staying home.
The Muslim Community salutes you Dr Bonnie Henry, you have made a huge difference in the lives of all British Columbians.
Feroz Dean
Advisor- Muslim Business Council.
