Omar Alghabra’s Messages on Twitter Regarding Justin Trudeau’s Presence at the RIS 2012 Islamist Convention

Omar Alghabra is a key organizer for Justin Trudeau’s campaign for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. He has been identified as such by the National Post.

Michael Den Tandt (National Post – October 6, 2012): Justin’s army of youthful over-achievers set sights on generational change

Omar Alghabra‏@OmarAlghabra
RT @gmbutts Backstage with justintrudeau, @zaib_shaikh and @OmarAlghabra at the RIS Conference. http://instagr.am/p/Tj6hIzpNj9/
10:17 PM - 22 Dec 12

Omar Alghabra‏@OmarAlghabra
Trudeau defies critics in Muslim conference speech http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/12/22/pol-trudeau-muslim-speech.html …
6:05 AM - 23 Dec 12

Omar Alghabra‏@OmarAlghabra
RT @sakhtar360 Awesome speech by @JustinTrudeau at #RIS2012. OUR history, OUR future. Thnx for standing up against the politics of division
9:24 AM - 23 Dec 1

Omar Alghabra‏@OmarAlghabra
High-five! @JustinTrudeau pic.twitter.com/wj2Y8wuv
8:35 PM - 23 Dec 12

Omar Alghabra‏@OmarAlghabra
Thx! RT @telfordk Nice pic Omar. RT @OmarAlghabra: With @Zaib_Shaikh & @JustinTrudeau http://bit.ly/Rf5EMm #lpcldr #cdnpoli #lpc
10:44 AM - 24 Dec 12

Omar Alghabra‏@OmarAlghabra
RT @gulesheikh So proud to have someone like him rise above in this time of need. @JustinTrudeau's speech at RIS http://youtu.be/cMRj0JfhDnA
8:42 PM - 24 Dec 12

Omar Alghabra‏@OmarAlghabra
RT @Shanfaraa @JustinTrudeau speaks at RIS Convention http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMRj0JfhDnA&feature=youtu.be … … #Canada #multiculturalism #RIS2012 #islamophobia
11:06 AM - 25 Dec 12

CAIR-CAN reacts to CSIS’ report warning about Islamist radicalization

Original address: http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/01/08/amira-elghawaby-putting-radicalization-in-context/

Author: Amira Elghawaby, CAIR-CAN Human rights officer
Source: National Post, January 8, 2013

Original title: Putting ‘radicalization’ in context

In a January 3 news item, the National Post profiled a Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) report released under the Access to Information Act. The report concludes that Islamist extremists are radicalizing Canadians at “a large number of venues.” The heavily redacted document offers a few general examples of “non-traditional venues” where this radicalization allegedly is happening — including prisons, and within families.

However, what we do not find is any evidence to justify these sweeping statements, nor are we privy to any of the research that has led to such conclusions. There may be context in the unredacted CSIS report. But more than half of the document was blacked out before release, so we have no way of knowing.

Unfortunately, one of the effects is to engender fear and suspicion toward Canadian Muslims. The message is that anywhere Muslims gather — even when at home with their families — there is a possibility they may be transformed into hateful, violent radicals bent on destroying Canada. One web site commenter, for instance, opined: “Hey, we allowed [these people] in. Now [we’re] paying the price. I often wonder whether the guy working out next to me in the gym is saying to himself ‘Buddy, soon enough you’ll be bowing to me and calling me master.’”

Remember that the mass killings perpetrated by Norway’s Anders Breivik in 2011 were not the work of a Muslim, but rather an anti-Muslim radical who was convinced that Islam was a threat to Western civilization. Recent incidents in the United States also show us where fear-mongering can lead — including the murder of an innocent Hindu man, Sunando Sen, by a woman on a subway platform who said she hated Hindus and Muslims because of 9/11. Or the Indiana man who said he set fire to an Ohio mosque after watching coverage of wounded soldiers overseas (authorities said he’d carried a gun into the mosque, but no one was inside at the time).

Canadians are not immune to this. Reports of vandalized mosques, and threatening behaviour toward Muslim men and women on the streets and at workplaces continue across the country.

The Ministry of Public Safety writes on its website that “citizens need to be informed of the threat in an honest, straightforward manner.” Indeed. However, the release of this latest CSIS report and its ensuing coverage is not “straightforward.” Rather, it speaks more to the saying that “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

There have been countless studies that offer context and background to our understanding of radicalization. Demos, a UK-based think tank, produced an in-depth study in 2010 based on interviews with British and Canadian convicted terrorists and religious radicals. One of the study’s conclusions pointed out that holding radical ideas did not necessarily lead to violence, and that in fact “religious radicals” are distinct from terrorists, and can even be key allies in the fight against those who would promote the use of violence.

The U.S. Department of Defense released a study in 2010 that concluded: “Identifying potentially dangerous people before they act is difficult. Examinations after the fact show that people who commit violence usually have one or more risk factors for violence. Few people in the population who have risk factors, however, actually [commit violent acts].”

Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security and National Counterterrorism Centre has indicated that “while Islam can be used to justify acts of terrorism, radicalization is not caused by Islam” (as chronicled by academic Deepa Kumar, in her book Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire).

In other words, context is key. In a world fraught with fragmented information, we need it now more than ever to safeguard against violent radicalization of any kind.

Original address: http://hamiltonmuslims.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/janazah-for-dr-yaser-haddaras-mother/

Date: April 20, 2012

Original title: Janazah for Dr. Yaser Haddara’s Mother

Assalamu Alaikum,

Verily, unto God do we belong and, verily, unto Him we shall return,

It is with sorrow and a heavy heart that I convey to all of you, our dear community members, the passing away of our beloved Umm Yaser Fayza Haddara (Rahmatuallahi 3layha).

The wife of Dr. Mahmoud Haddara and mother of Dr. Wael Haddara – two close friends, teachers and leaders of the London Muslim Community – she will be missed by us all.

Salat al-Janazah will be held at the London Muslim Mosque (151 Oxford Street – http://g.co/maps/mx7en) after second Juma Prayer.

Juma Starts: 1:30 pm
Junaza Prayer: Approx. 2:30 pm

The burial will be held afterwards at the Muslim Cemetery (6100 White Oaks Rd – http://g.co/maps/t2t2y).

In addition to attending the Janazah and passing this along to your friends and family, I ask that each and every one of you to please make time to make duah for Umm Yaser and the Haddara family.

For as many of you know from my own personal ordeal, I can testify what you already know: there is nothing more powerful or valuable as sincere duah from believing men and women.

Fi Imanillah,

- Belal

Further reading

Islamic Dictionary.com: Meaning of the word Umm

Profils / Profiles

 –

Articles / Point de Bascule

–

Références / References

– waelhaddara.com (December 29, 2011): Wael Haddara criticizes Canada’s foreign policy and endorses Saudi Arabia 

– CAIR-CAN (April 3, 2012): Wael Haddara resigns from CAIR-CAN Board of directors

– hamiltonmuslims.wordpress.com (April 20, 2012): Confirmed family links between Mahmoud, Yaser and Wael Haddara

Wael Haddara resigns from CAIR-CAN Board of directors

Original address: http://www.caircan.ca/ann_more.php?id=3153_0_9_0_C

Original title: CAIR-CAN Announces Board Changes

Tuesday, April 03, 2012 1:32 pm

The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN) announces changes to its Board of Directors effective today.

Due to his desire to pursue other community work and professional commitments, CAIR-CAN regretfully announces the resignation of Dr. Wael Haddara from the Board of Directors of the organization and wishes him all the very best in his future endeavours.

Abdul-Basit Khan resigns as CAIR-CAN Chair and Selma Djukic becomes Acting Chair

Original address: http://www.caircan.ca/itn_more.php?id=P3088_0_2_0_C

Original title: CAIR-CAN Announces Board Changes

Wednesday, September 15, 2010 12:18 pm

- For Immediate Release -

(Ottawa, Canada – September 15, 2010) The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN) announces changes to its Board of Directors effective today.

Due to personal and work related commitments, CAIR-CAN Chair Abdul-Basit Khan notified the Board of his resignation from the organization on June 15, 2010. Board Member and Vice-Chair Selma Djukic has since taken on and been fulfilling the duties of Acting Chair.

"It is with mixed emotions of regret and tremendous gratitude for his extended and exemplary record of contribution to CAIR-CAN that we accept Abdul-Basit’s resignation," said Selma Djukic, CAIR-CAN's Acting Board Chair. "We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours."

"The opportunity to serve all Canadians first as a volunteer with, and then as a Board Member of CAIR-CAN, and most recently as its Chair, has been a great privilege and an honour. I remain committed to the organization’s founding principles of establishing an effective voice for Canadian Muslims. I bid a fond farewell to my fellow Board Members and I am confident that the new leadership will build on the successes of the organization," said Abdul-Basit Khan.

"As a vibrant, dynamic and open organization, we welcome our constituents to contact current Board Members to provide their suggestions and ideas on how to help the organization grow from strength to strength," added Djukic.

Contact: Ihsaan Gardee, CAIR-CAN Executive Director, 613.254.9704 or 613.853.4111 or info(@)caircan(.)ca

Selma Djukic, CAIR-CAN Acting Chair, 613.254.9704 or info(@)caircan(.)ca

- 30 -

Kashif Ahmed becomes CAIR-CAN’s new Board Chair and Khalid Elgazzar, the new Vice-Chair

Original address: http://www.caircan.ca/itn_more.php?id=A3156_0_2_0_M

Web Archive: http://web.archive.org/web/20121129202952/http://www.caircan.ca/itn_more.php?id=A3156_0_2_0_M

Original title: CAIR-CAN Announces New Board Chair, Vice-Chair

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 4:14 pm

- For Immediate Release -

(Ottawa – May 15, 2012) The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN), a national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced the appointment of a new National Board Chair and Vice-Chair.

Due to personal commitments CAIR-CAN Acting Chair, Selma Djukic, notified the Board of her desire to step down after assuming the position and its duties on June 15, 2010. Ms. Djukic remains on the CAIR-CAN National Board of Directors where she continues to make important contributions to the organization.

Effective May 12, 2012, Kashif Ahmed, J.D. is CAIR-CAN’s new Board Chair and Khalid Elgazzar, LL.B. is the new Vice-Chair. Mr. Ahmed has served on CAIR-CAN’s Board since 2007 and Mr. Elgazzar since 2008. Both currently practice law in British Columbia and Ontario, respectively.

“The CAIR-CAN team is extremely grateful to Selma for her exemplary service as Chair and for her unique skill set in organizational management that CAIR-CAN has come to rely upon,” said CAIR-CAN Board Chair Kashif Ahmed, J.D. “We are equally thrilled that Selma will continue to serve on the National Board as CAIR-CAN grows from strength to strength and launches new initiatives.”

CAIR-CAN is a national, non-profit, grassroots organization striving to be a leading voice that enriches Canadian society through Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.

CONTACT:
Ihsaan Gardee, CAIR-CAN Executive Director, 613.254.9704 or 613.853.4111

-30-

 

Kathy Malas du FMC participe à un débat sur le voile au Collège Letendre de Laval

Adresse originale: http://www.collegeletendre.qc.ca/web/infolettre.cfm?info_id=74&abo_id=15571

Courriel d’invitation au débat sur le voile envoyé par le Collège Letendre

Titre original: PORT DU VOILE ISLAMIQUE À L’ÉCOLE, LAÏCITÉ ET ÉGALITÉ : réflexions

INFO-LETENDRE - 16 janvier 2013

Invitation aux parents des élèves du Collège Letendre

PORT DU VOILE ISLAMIQUE À L’ÉCOLE, LAÏCITÉ ET ÉGALITÉ : réflexions

Depuis quelques années, le Collège Letendre, comme toutes les écoles d’ailleurs, est confronté à un questionnement en lien avec l’affichage des symboles religieux à l’école laïque. Le Collège a dû présenter sa position à la Commission des droits de la personne du Québec l’an dernier à la suite d’un différend sur le sujet. Lors du règlement, nous nous étions engagés à tenir une soirée d’information en présentant différents points de vue pas toujours faciles à réconcilier.

UNE SOIRÉE RICHE EN INFORMATION

Cette soirée aura lieu le jeudi 17 janvier prochain à 19 h, à la cafétéria secteur nord du Collège. L’entrée se fait par la porte 15 du côté du stationnement à l’arrière du Collège.

Comme il s’agit d’un sujet d’actualité avec lequel nous devrons composer à nouveau à l’avenir, nous croyons que vous devriez, comme parents d’élèves au collège, être très nombreux à assister à cet événement. Deux invités de grande qualité interviendront sur le sujet et répondront à nos questions : Madame Kathy Malas, vice-présidente du forum canadien musulman et Madame Djemila Benhabib, auteure de trois ouvrages sur les risques du pouvoir religieux dans l’espace public laïc.

Kathy Malas

Mme Kathy Malas est vice-présidente du Forum Musulman Canadien. Elle abordera lors de cette soirée le thème suivant :

- Comment peut-on être féministe et porter le voile?
- Dans un Québec laïc, quelle approche adoptée envers les symboles religieux dans les milieux publics

Mme Malas prévoit faire un exposé d’environ une quinzaine de minutes et par la suite, elle répondra aux questions des parents du Collège.

Djemila Benhabib

Pour Madame Djemila Benhabib, l’avènement du pouvoir religieux islamique dans son Algérie natale a marqué le début d’une réflexion profonde sur le voile islamique et la place des femmes dans les sociétés musulmanes. Elle tente aujourd’hui de répondre à la question : peut-on accepter qu'un petit groupe, en porte-à-faux avec les valeurs de l'égalité et de la laïcité, menace les fondements mêmes de notre société sous prétexte d'ouverture, de tolérance et de respect des cultures et des religions?

"Le voile est un instrument de contrôle social qui identifie la femme comme appartenant exclusivement à la communauté des croyants. », écrit l’essayiste dans Ma vie à contre-Coran (VLB), son premier ouvrage publié en 2009. Comment remédier à cette situation? Quel rôle doit jouer l’école? Ce sera l’objet de son intervention auprès des parents du Collège Letendre.

L’entrée est libre. Nous vous attendons en grand nombre pour réfléchir avec nous sur cet important sujet. Merci de demander à votre enfant de rapporter à son directeur votre coupon de réponse pour confirmer votre présence.

Yves Legault, directeur général

The Muslim Council of Britain, Hizb ut-Tahrir and other UK-based Islamist organizations state that women must wear the veil

Original article: http://www.mcb.org.uk/uploads/Joint%20Statement.pdf

Web Archive: http://web.archive.org/web/20120629121929/http://www.mcb.org.uk/uploads/Joint%20Statement.pdf

Date: October 17, 2006

Original title: Joint statement about the veil from Muslim groups, scholars and leaders

All praise is due to Allah and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all his Companions.

In light of the ongoing debate over the veil and the comments made by Jack Straw

and others, we the undersigned would like to present the following important advice

to the Muslim community here in the UK, irrespective of school of thought, sect or

organisation.

1. The Muslim community should remain united regardless of its differences and

opinions about the veil. This request is in response to the countless number of

Quranic and Prophetic traditions that command Muslims to be united. Among these

is the Quranic verse that says, ‘Hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah and do not

be disunited.’ [translation of 3:103]

2. We strongly condemn any attempt by any individual or organisation to create

disunity in the Muslim community. We see such a move as an attempt to create

friction and disruption in the whole society through indirect discrimination. It is the

nature of modern pluralistic societies to be constituted from different communities

coexisting peacefully as a single political entity. It is completely irrational, when trying

to achieve community cohesion, to instigate disunity and racial tension.

3. The veil, irrespective of its specific juristic rulings, is an Islamic practice and not

a cultural or a customary one as is agreed by the consensus of Muslim scholars; it is

not open to debate. We advise all Muslims to exercise extreme caution in this issue,

since denying any part of Islam may lead to disbelief. Not practicing something

enjoined by Allah and His Messenger (Salla-Allahu alaihi wa sallam) - regardless its

legal status (i.e., whether obligatory, recommended or praiseworthy) - is a

shortcoming; denying it is much more serious. Allah says in the Qur’an: ‘It is not for a

believer, man or woman, that they should have any option in their decision when

Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter. And whoever disobeys Allah and

His Messenger has indeed strayed in a plain error.’ [translation of 33:36]

4. We recognise the fact that Muslims hold different views regarding the veil, but

we urge all members of the Muslim community to keep this debate within the realms

of scholarly discussion amongst the people of knowledge and authority in the Muslim

community. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘When there comes to them news of some

matter touching (public) safety or fear, they spread it (among the people); if only they

had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the

proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly).’ [translation of

4:83] In another Quranic verse, we read the following instruction, ‘So ask those who

know if you know not.’ [translation of 16:43 and 21:7]

5. Furthermore, we warn Muslim individuals and organisations to avoid seeking

to capitalise on this debate in order to further political or personal interests. Such

despicable tactics are judged by Islam as working against the interests of our faith

and the Muslim community, and are, accordingly, a matter condemned in the

strongest possible terms. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘The believers, men and women,

are Awliya' (allies, helpers, friends, protectors) of one another.’ [translation of 9:71]

The Prophet (Salla-Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘A Muslim is the brother of a

Muslim; he does not oppress him, betray him, mislead or fail him.’

6. We would like to call upon all members of the Muslim community to show

solidarity against criticising the veil or any other Islamic practice as this might prove

to be a stepping-stone towards further restrictions. Today the veil, tomorrow it could

be the beard, jilbab and thereafter the headscarf! Such a strategy, unfortunately, has

been widely used by many European countries. Similarly, we feel that this campaign

may be employed to gauge the response of the Muslim community. Therefore, our

reply should be firm, sending a clear and powerful message to those who are trying

to promote the banning of the veil or any other common Islamic practice. We, the

Muslim community, will not tolerate such attitudes nor will we compromise on our

values and common customs. All Muslim women, especially those who wear the veil,

should play a major role in this response since their voice will be the most effective.

7. We understand the viewpoint of those who may find the veil a barrier to

communication. However, we believe that the level of discomfort caused is

insignificant, particularly when compared to the discomfort and problems that result

from other common and less widely condemned practices such as sexual

promiscuity, nudity and alcohol consumption by other segments of society. Moreover,

we feel that it is against the interests of the whole society to single out a significant

part of it, such as the Muslim community, or to put them under the spotlight and

abuse them for their practices, as is now an oft- recurring theme in the media.

8. The unexpected and ruthless reaction of the media over the past few weeks on

this issue gives an indication that there is a political agenda behind this campaign. It

is very disappointing that the media and many politicians dealt with this issue as if it

is the greatest national concern. This becomes more apparent when observing the

already tense climate facing Muslims, which is contributing towards creating hostility

in the wider society against the Muslim community. Therefore, Muslims should take

this matter seriously and defend the veil with all their ability. This could be a battle of

“to be or not to be” for Muslims in the UK. We urge all brothers and sisters to strive in

countering these attacks by utilising the various avenues open to them including

sending letters to the relevant authorities, their MPs, human rights activists, and so

on. The most important guideline to observe is to react in a wise, sensible and

responsible manner and avoid any action that might be used as an excuse for

furthering any unfavourable agenda.

9. We would like to advise the sisters who observe the veil/niqab in the work-place

or in educational premises to avoid making it a matter of dispute between them and

their employers or school authority. Such disputes will attract more unnecessary

media attention, and thus may cause various negative consequences including the

imposition of certain dress codes in work places, and in turn, used as justification to

legislate further restrictions on wearing it in other areas.

10. Finally, let it be noted that we appreciate the noticeable level of

understanding and tolerance shown by considerable parts of the wider society

towards many Islamic practices. However, we ask all society to deal with the Muslim

community without prejudice, and to exercise genuine openness and tolerance

towards Islamic practices, even those they may not like, as this is the real test of

tolerance to others. Furthermore, we urge people to be supportive for a woman’s

right to wear the veil as on one hand, this complies with the values upon which

western civilization was founded - the protection of human and religious rights; and

on the other hand, these practices aim to promote values of modesty, decency and

good-manners all of which should be the aspiration of any peaceful society.

We conclude by asking Almighty Allah to guide us to that which is better and to make

truth and justice prevail in British society as a whole.

25th Ramadan 1427, 17 October 2006

Signed (in alphabetical order):

1. Dr Daud Abdullah
Deputy Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)

2. Khurram Bashir Amin
Trustee and Editor, Monthly Dawn, Central Mosque, Birmingham

3. Munir Ashi
Chairman, Dar ul-Isra Islamic Centre, Cardiff

4. Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari
Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)

5. Shakeel Begg
Imam, Lewisham Mosque, London

6. Mufti Mohammed Zubair Butt
Sharia Adviser, Institute of Islamic Jurisprudence, Bradford

7. Moulana Ilyas Dalal
Head teacher, Ilaahi Masjid, Dewsbury

8. Dr. Khalid Fekry
Imam, al-Taqwa Organization, London

9. Sulaiman Gani
Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Tooting Islamic Centre, London

10. Moosa Gora
Islamic Scholar, Jame Mosque Batley, West Yorkshire

11. Shaykh Haitham Al-Haddad
Director of Muslim Research and Development Foundation (MRDF), London

12. Dr. Suhaib Hasan
Secretary, Islamic Sharia Council U.K. & Ireland; Chairman, Masjid and Madrasa Al-Tawhid Trust, London

13. Muhammad ibn Ismail
Imam, Al-Medinah Masjid, Brighton

14. Hafeezullah Khan
Editor-in-chief, Sirat-e-Mustaqeem, Monthly Magazine, Birmingham

15. Dr Khalid Khan
Imam, Lambeth Islamic Cultural Centre, London

16. Wakkas Khan
President, Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS)

17. Shaykh Amjad Mohammed
Head Teacher of Olive Secondary School, Bradford

18. Shaykh Ashraf Osmani
Imam, Markazi Masjid Northampton (MMN), Northampton

19. Ismail Patel
Chairman, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Leicester

20. S. M. Abdul Qayum
Head Imam and Khateeb, East London Mosque, London

21. Abdul Fattah Saad
Director of al-Muntada al-Islami Trust, London

22. Qari Zakaullah Saleem
Imam, Green Lane Mosque, Birmingham.

23. Massoud Shadjareh
Chair, Islamic Human Rights Commission

24. Mohammad Sawalha
President, British Muslim Initiative (BMI), London

25. Shaykh Haytham Tamim
Chairman of Utrujj Foundation, Educational, Training and Research Institute, London

26. Mawlana Abdul Hadi Umri
President - Islamic Judiciary Board, Birmingham

27. Dr Imran Waheed
Representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain, London

MAC Edmonton’s chairman Issam Saleh threatens to sue critics of the Muslim Brotherhood

In this interview given to the Edmonton Sun in 2010, Issam Saleh made three important assertions:

THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE BELOW THE PICTURE.

Author: Andrew Hanon
Source: Edmonton Sun, August 20, 2010

Original title: Islamophobia here?

Author: Andrew Hanon
Source: Edmonton Sun, August 20, 2010

Original title: Islamophobia here?

A letter to the editor in a west-end newspaper suggesting a local Muslim association has ties to extremists could be the final straw in an increasingly shrill campaign against a proposed Islamic school in Lessard.

The chairman of the Muslim Association of Canada's (MAC) Edmonton chapter says the organization is considering suing a tiny handful of "people exhibiting Islamophobia" who are spreading distortions and outright falsehoods about the organization.

"Very much so," said Issam Saleh. "Our lawyers are compiling a case and we're considering legal action."

He said last month an opponent of MAC's plan told the media that the group might be funding terrorism.

MAC plans to turn a vacant, rundown strip mall in the tony west-end neighbourhood into a mosque, community centre and Islamic primary school.

Saleh says that while most of the neighbours have welcomed them -- especially the four churches and two synagogues in the area -- a small group is "promoting misconceptions" to turn public support against them.

In this month's issue of the West End News, a letter to the editor signed only by "concerned residents of Lessard/Gariepy Community" warns of "MAC's affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood."

"The Muslim Brotherhood is a political group, who calls for an Islamic political and social system and opposes western political and cultural influences," the letter says. "Given the above, we would like to know what the new centre will be preaching."

Safwat Girgis, vice-president of the Lessard Community League and one of the people behind the letter, said he and his group were initially opposed to MAC's plan because they feared it would bring too much traffic to the area and cause parking problems.

But when they discovered its "ties" to the Muslim Brotherhood, "it added a different dimension."

The brotherhood "has a bit more of a radical view of Islam," Girgis said, "and that's something to be concerned about."

But Saleh calls that a complete distortion.

MAC's national website says it traces its roots to "the Islamic revival of the early 20th century, culminating in the movement of the Muslim Brotherhood."

What that means, he said, is that they follow the spiritual teachings of Imam Hassan al-Banna, who taught his followers such virtues as understanding, perseverance, personal sacrifice, and service to the whole community.

In some parts of the Islamic world, the brotherhood became politicized, but that's not the case here in Canada.

"We get no funds from overseas, and we don't send any funds out of the country," Saleh said. "We want to be part of the social fabric of Canadian society. We want to integrate."

One of MAC's biggest programs is the Educational Muslim Achievement Awards Night, where students are honoured for their success. This year 280 local Muslim students from elementary school to university were given trophies and scholarships.

"This is what we're trying to do in the community, things like promoting education," said Saleh.

MAC has applied to the city to rezone part of its building for a school. He said they plan to begin with a preschool and slowly work up to Grade 3.

The organization eventually wants to have a K-9 school somewhere in the west end, but not at that location, he said.

"They're using scare tactics, (suggesting links to) terrorism and things like that," Saleh said.

"On the basis of goodwill and building the community, we haven't responded in a legal way to this, but they're pushing it to the point that we have no choice but to respond by taking legal action."

Muslim Council of Britain: women cannot debate wearing veil

Original address: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8455955/Muslim-Council-women-cannot-debate-wearing-veil.html

Web Archive: http://web.archive.org/web/20120809122748/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8455955/Muslim-Council-women-cannot-debate-wearing-veil.html

A transcript of the original article is available HERE.

This Telegraph’s article is based on a document signed by MCB and other UK-based Islamist organizations available HERE.

Muslim Council of Britain: women cannot debate wearing veil

Original address: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8455955/Muslim-Council-women-cannot-debate-wearing-veil.html

Web Archive: http://web.archive.org/web/20120809122748/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8455955/Muslim-Council-women-cannot-debate-wearing-veil.html

A copy of the original article is available HERE.

This Telegraph’s article is based on a document signed by MCB and other UK-based Islamist organizations available HERE.

Author: Andrew Gilligan
Source: The Telegraph, April 16, 2011

Original title: Muslim Council: women cannot debate wearing veil

The body which claims to be the voice of Britain's Muslims has told women that wearing the veil is "not open to debate".

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said that not covering the face is a "shortcoming" and suggested that any Muslims who advocate being uncovered could be guilty of rejecting Islam.

In a statement published on its website the MCB, warns: "We advise all Muslims to exercise extreme caution on this issue, since denying any part of Islam may lead to disbelief.

"Not practising (sic) something enjoined by Allah and his Messenger… is a shortcoming. Denying it is much more serious."

The statement quotes from the Koran: "It is not for a believer, man or woman, that they should have any option in their decision when Allah and his Messenger have decreed a matter."

The statement will add to controversy about the veil after France earlier this week banned the full-face covering.

"There is no case for a French-style ban in the UK and virtually no serious person supports it," said Haras Rafiq, of the moderate Muslim think-tank, Centri.

"But by this statement, effectively suggesting that the veil is an obligation, the MCB have put themselves at the opposite extreme of the spectrum."

The statement is signed by the MCB's then secretary-general, Mohammad Abdul Bari, and his deputy, Daud Abdullah. It was published in the wake of an earlier controversy about the niqab but passed without notice.

It remains available on the MCB website as a statement of policy.

Other signatories of the statement include Imran Waheed, spokesman of the extremist group Hizb ut Tahrir and several other extremists including Haitham al-Haddad, who has denounced music as a "prohibited and fake message of love and peace". All 27 signatories, who describe themselves as "Islamic groups and scholars," are male.

Dr Bari stepped down as secretary-general of the MCB last year, but remains chairman of the hardline East London Mosque, whose chief imam, Abdul Qayum, also signed the statement.

Dr Bari is also a former president of the fundamentalist Islamic Forum of Europe, which controls the mosque and which advocates a sharia state in Europe.

The MCB received significant funding under the previous government and was seen as the main representative voice of Britain's estimated 2.8 million Muslims but has not received any official money since February 2010.

The MCB did not respond to enquiries.

Le leader de la principale organisation islamique malienne loue l’intervention de la France et dénonce Youssef Qaradawi

Adresse originale: http://www.rtl.be/info/monde/international/974985/mali-l-intervention-francaise-n-est-pas-une-agression-contre-l-islam

Date : 22 janvier 2013

Titre original : Mali: l'intervention française "n'est pas une agression contre l'islam"

L'intervention de l'armée française au Mali, en appui à l'armée malienne contre des groupes jihadistes armés, "n'est pas une agression contre l'islam", a affirmé mardi le président du Haut Conseil islamique du Mali (HCIM), réfutant des allégations "de certains pays musulmans".

Le HCIM, principale organisation islamique d'un pays à 90% musulman, "dénonce avec vigueur la campagne de dénigrement émanant de certains pays musulmans, de certains leaders religieux influents dans le monde musulman, qualifiant l'intervention militaire française aux côtés des troupes maliennes comme une agression contre l'islam", a déclaré Mahmoud Dicko lors d'une conférence de presse à Bamako. Interrogé sur ces pays, M. Dicko a répondu: "Je pense à des pays comme le Qatar, parce que la personnalité la plus influente du monde musulman qui a dénoncé cette intervention se trouve aujourd'hui au Qatar". Rompant avec la quasi-unanimité de la communauté internationale qui prévalait jusque-là, le président égyptien Mohamed Morsi s'était également prononcé lundi contre l'intervention au Mali. "C'est la France qui a volé au secours d'un peuple en détresse, qui a été abandonné par tous ces pays musulmans à son propre sort", a affirmé Mahmoud Dicko. Depuis que le nord du Mali est devenu, en 2012, le sanctuaire de groupes islamistes armés liés à Al-Qaïda, le HCIM a tenté une médiation entre ces mouvements et Bamako, sans succès. Ces derniers jours, il a multiplié les appels aux jihadistes, les exhortant à "déposer les armes, cesser les hostilités" et accepter le dialogue. (DGO)

Profils / Profiles

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Articles / Point de Bascule

– Point de Bascule (January 23, 2013): The leader of the main Muslim organization in Mali praises the French intervention in his country and denounces Youssef Qaradawi

Références / References

– RTL.be (22 janvier 2013) : Le leader de la principale organisation islamique malienne loue l’intervention de la France et dénonce Youssef Qaradawi

Wael Haddara – Professional profile from the University of Western Ontario

Original address: https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/ceri/wael-haddara/files/Unfiled/WAEL%20bio%20page.pdf

Note from PdeB: This document mentions that Wael Haddara was born in Egypt and raised in Kuwait.

Undated document

Original title: Wael Haddara, MD FRCPC – Education Research Fellow

There is something about intercultural experience that often lends the curious traveller to ask questions about how societies, their traditions, and their cultural myths arise. Wael, being born in Egypt and raised in Kuwait, has become engaged in a research program that epitomizes the benefits of experiencing a wide range of cultural norms. Just as a curious global citizen might, as a medical education researcher Wael has brought a profound curiosity to bear on the fundamental cultural conceptions of medicine.

Wael began his career as a researcher in the biological sciences and then as a practicing pharmacist. After honing his craft in the pharmaceutical sciences, Wael found himself being pulled toward medicine and its broader concerns in both physiology and in the human experience.

While completing medical school, residency, and fellowship, Wael found himself doing an increasing amount of teaching. The challenges of teaching, and the creativity required for it to be done well, had a lasting influence on the shape of Wael’s career. These early teaching experiences flung open the conceptual doors that Wael had discovered during his multicultural childhood. Through education research, he discovered a framework for exploring the words and ideas that are the most fundamental to our culture’s understanding of the purpose and work of medicine.

As a medical education researcher, Wael examines the writings of clinicians and researchers as a way of explaining their behavior and thoughts. In doing this work, Wael understands his duty as a researcher to be one who empowers educators to intimately know the internal lives of their students and the effect their teachings will have. In his work on interprofessional collaboration, for instance, he uncovers how two mutually exclusive notions—utilitarianism and emancipation—may complicate our ability to integrate IPC during a student’s education. Teasing out the inner logic behind fundamental concepts is at the core of Wael’s research; his new project on the rhetoric of altruism and professionalism will continue in this vein. Through his discourse analysis‐based program of research, medical educators will have a better understanding of the foundation upon which competency‐based education is to be built. Without this knowledge, contemporary medical educators risk witnessing the growth of competency‐based curricula without purpose and grounding.

On December 12, 2012, MAC issued a press release announcing that Wael Haddara “has stepped down from the Board of Directors of the organization and resigned from his role as President.” He is replaced by Yasser Mohammed (Mohamed), a professor of civil engineering at the University of Alberta (Edmonton).

Profils / Profiles

– Point de Bascule (6 décembre 2011) : Leadership du Bloc : la candidate Maria Mourani entre l’incompétence et la complaisance à l’égard des islamistes

Articles / Point de Bascule

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Références / References

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Profils / Profiles

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Articles / Point de Bascule

– Point de Bascule (21 novembre 2011) : Philippe Couillard : conseiller de l’Arabie saoudite et membre du comité de surveillance du SCRS

– Point de Bascule (23 novembre 2011) : Canada - Arabie saoudite : Deux exemples de situations qui rendent inappropriée la participation du Dr. Philippe Couillard à la surveillance du SCRS

Références / References

– Point de Bascule (15 janvier 2013) : Lise Ravary et Patrick Lagacé commentent sur la complaisance de Philippe Couillard à l’égard de l’Arabie saoudite

– Lysiane Gagnon (La Presse – 29 janvier 2013) : Lysiane Gagnon réagit aux liens de Philippe Couillard avec l’Arabie saoudite

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Articles / Point de Bascule

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Références / References

– IQNA (2007) : Une agence iranienne officielle annonce l’ouverture de la première école musulmane à Québec

– Canada Don (15 mars 2012) : Page du site CanadaDon identifiant l’École de l’Excellence sous son nom véritable d’École Al Farabi

Profils / Profiles

 – École JMC (4 février 2013) : Conseil d’administration

Articles / Point de Bascule

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Références / References

– CanLII (20 février 2009) : Layla Sawaf se porte garante d’Adil Charkaoui en Cour fédérale

– Registre des lobbyistes / ministère de la Justice du Québec (2010) : Jacques Marois, un lobbyiste de l’École Jeunes Musulmans Canadiens