Perspectives - Dialogue Discovery Development

01/21/2025

Time. - by Sr. Rakiun Baksh

My father (رحمه الله) often reminded me, “Time wasted is time we cannot retrieve.” This simple yet profound truth stayed with me. In a world filled with distractions, his words resonate even more today.

Time is one of the greatest blessings Allah (SWT) has given us, yet it is also one of the most neglected. Every passing moment slips away, leaving us no chance to reclaim it. Whether scrolling endlessly through social media, binge-watching shows, or procrastinating on important tasks, these seemingly harmless habits can add up to significant loss. This reality compels us to reflect on how we spend our time, as it shapes not only our worldly success but also our destiny in the hereafter.

Allah (SWT) highlights the value of time in Surah Al-Asr:
“By time, indeed mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience” (Quran, 103:1-3).

This powerful oath serves as a reminder that time is a trust. Neglecting it for distractions or fleeting pleasures leads to loss—not just in this life but in the eternal life to come.

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned us about the fleeting nature of time:
“The two blessings most people waste are health and free time.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6412)

Take a moment to reflect: How often do we delay our prayers, tell ourselves "I'll start tomorrow," or lose hours scrolling through our phones with nothing to show for it? Life is unpredictable, and every wasted moment is a missed opportunity to seek Allah’s pleasure, improve ourselves, or serve others.

Ibn Al-Qayyim (RA) described this waste poignantly:
“Time wasting corrupts the heart. The wasted moment is a piece of life you will never regain.”

Relatable Examples for Today
1. Social Media & Technology: While these tools have their benefits, they often become black holes of wasted hours. A quick check of notifications can turn into hours lost in meaningless scrolling.
2. Procrastination: Whether delaying our prayers, putting off charity, or neglecting self-improvement, procrastination is a thief of barakah (blessings).
3. Mindless Entertainment: Binge-watching series or excessive gaming may feel relaxing in the moment, but it often leaves us with regret over time we could have used productively.

How to Reclaim Time
1. Set Intentions Daily: Start each day with a purpose. Even small acts like making dua, helping a neighbor, or remembering Allah can transform your day into one filled with blessings.
2. Control Distractions: Limit time on social media and entertainment. Use tools like screen time trackers to hold yourself accountable.
3. Prioritize Worship: Allocate time for salah, Quran, and dhikr. These are investments in your hereafter and bring peace to your heart.
4. Reflect & Repent: If you’ve wasted time in the past, turn to Allah in sincere repentance. Ask Him for guidance to make the most of the days ahead.

Once time is gone, it is gone forever. Life is unpredictable, and none of us knows how much time we have left. Every heartbeat brings us closer to the Day of Judgment, where we will be asked how we used the blessings of life, health, and free time.

Let’s make today a day of purpose. Use your time to build a legacy of good deeds that will outlast you and prepare for the eternal home.

This is a reminder to me first.

May Allah (SWT) guide us to value our time and use it wisely in His service. Ameen.

01/15/2025

The mother of one of our founding members of the Muslim Perspectives Magazine has passed away. She was a supporter of the Islamic work in Guyana and a participant in the very first Liqaat for sisters in Skeldon with Shaikh Daud, Sr. Amina and Sr. Halima. Please keep her in your duas.

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ‎

It is with deep sadness but with contentment with the decree of Allah that I announce the passing of our beloved mother Jaiboon Nesa Nabibaksh, also known as Etlen - originally from Skeldon, Guyana, and in Toronto, Canada for the past 34 years. She was 89.

She was the wife of the late Mohamed Khadim Nabibaksh (Ustadh Eik), mother of Ramzan (Hafeeza); Zaika (Roshan); Nauza (Javed); Zaleena; Ofira (Haseeb); Farhad (Fareeda); Kameeza (Muqeem) and Fizaal (Tammy).

She was the grandmother of 20 and great grandmother of more than 27.

May Allah forgive her, multiply her good deeds and grant her a lofty place in Jannah.

Wake and Janaazah:

Gathering (wake) of family and community:
Wednesday, January 15th
6:00 PM at Talimul Islam Centre,
86 Rivalda Rd., North York, Ontario

Janaazah:
Thursday, January 16th
After Salaatul Dhuhr (12:35 PM)
Talimul Islam Centre
86 Rivalda Rd.

Burial after the Janaazah:
Brampton Funeral Home and Cemetery Chinguacousy and Bovaird
10061 Chinguacousy Rd, Brampton, ON L7A 0H6

If our mom has offended or wronged any of you, please forgive her.

May Allah forgive her, have mercy on her and unite us all in His eternal garden of paradise.

01/10/2025

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ‎

It is with great sadness that we announce that Br. Meer Ahmad Khan passed away peacefully on January 8th, 2024 at home. Br. Meer was born on October 28, 1932 in Clonbrook, Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana. Since immigrating to Canada in 1973, Br. Meer has lived in North York. He was an active and proud member of the Jami Mosque Toronto community in High Park.

Br. Meer was the husband of Bibi Acklimma Khan;
Father of Sheik Ahmad Khan, Mobeena Khan (d), Noraini Khan (d), Shazeela Ali, and Fernaz Khan;
Father in-law of Bibi Shariema Khan and Tufail Ahmad Ali;
Grandfather of Tasneem, Riyad, Ridhwan, Yusuf, Hafsah, and Sulaiman; and,
Great grandfather of Asiyah, Musab and Ihsan.

Family Gathering (Wake) will be held at: Islamic Muslim Organization (IMO) on Thursday, January 9th, 2024 at 6:30pm

Janazaah will be held at: International Muslims Organization (IMO) on Friday, January 10th, 2024 after Jummah at 12:30pm followed by burial at Meadowvale Cemetery - 7732 Mavis Road, Brampton, ON, L6Y 5L5. Family Gathering (Post Burial) will be held on Friday January 10th, 2024 at International Muslims Organization (IMO).

We ask Allah to forgive him, multiply his good deeds and grant him a place in Jannatul Firdaws. We pray that Allah inspire the family with patience and strength at this time of grief.

We ask Allah to grant the family patience and comfort at this time of grief.

Note from IIT:

On behalf of the scholars, Board of Directors and our community at large, we extend deepest condolences on the passing of Br. Meer Khan. Br. Meer was an early pioneer of Islamic work in Toronto, and has been a supporter of the Islamic Institute of Toronto and its scholars over the past many years.

May Allah grant him forgiveness and a lofty abode in Jannatul Firdaus.

01/06/2025

*Home* - By Imam Naseeb Khan

Our homes are special because we seek comfort in them. We buy items and artifacts that are pleasing to our eyes to decorate our houses, to turn them into homes. We labor hard to get it right so that when we sit on a chair in our living room and look around us, we become happy at the beauty and harmony we have created. It is the place of refuge we rush towards, to recuperate and de-stress ourselves after the world beats us up each day.

So, make your homes places where calm and tranquility permeate. The sights, smells and sounds in your homes should be designed to soothe and relax you. It is the place where you and your loved ones reside. It is the place where dreams are originated, designed and manifested. It is where experiences are enjoyed, memories are created and love is the glue holding it all together. It is where we eat, laugh, cry, argue, fight, play and make up. It is the theater where the drama of our life is played out in full. It is also the place where we pray to our Creator.

So, make your homes a sanctuary of peace and serenity, even if it is the size of a small box. Cherish it and recognize it as a gracious gift and a special oasis given to you in a time when the homeless population is growing at an ever-alarming rate.

If given a choice, they would exchange places with you in a heartbeat, so never take your home for granted.

01/03/2025

Posted on Rajab 3, 1446 AH

The Night of Spiritual Revelation

The night of Israa and Me’raaj was not merely a journey through space and time but a transformative spiritual experience. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) witnessed the vastness of Allah’s dominion and the intricate balance of creation. Among the profound visions was the sight of Jannah (Paradise) and Jahannam (Hellfire), offering a glimpse into the eternal outcomes of human deeds. These visions were a testament to the realities of the Hereafter and a powerful reminder of the moral and spiritual accountability that underpin human existence.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT muslimperspectives.com

01/03/2025

The Night of Spiritual Revelation
The night of Israa and Me’raaj was not merely a journey through space and time but a transformative spiritual experience. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) witnessed the vastness of Allah’s dominion and the intricate balance of creation. Among the profound visions was the sight of Jannah (Paradise) and Jahannam (Hellfire), offering a glimpse into the eternal outcomes of human deeds. These visions were a testament to the realities of the Hereafter and a powerful reminder of the moral and spiritual accountability that underpin human existence. (Read the full article at Muslimperspectives.com

12/31/2024

We have just published the latest article on muslimperspectives.com

Here’s an excerpt:
“There is much to be learned from the Sunnah as it relates to sleep time and Circadian Rhythm (CD). The Prophet (s.a.w.) advised his followers to not be neglectful of sleep. He (s.a.w.) said “Offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you”. Once the Prophet (s.a.w.) entered the mosque and saw a rope hanging in between its two pillars. He (s.a.w.) asked, “What is this rope?” The people said, “This rope is for Zainab, who, when she feels tired, holds it (to keep standing for the prayer)”. In response, the noble Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Don’t use it. Remove the rope. You should pray as long as you feel active, and when you get tired, sleep”. Our beloved Prophet (s.a.w.) also advised his followers on sleeping early after the night prayer, and waking up early.”

https://www.muslimperspectives.com/the-sleep-cycle-and-the-sunnah/

12/30/2024

Learn | Earn | Return
by Imam Naseeb Khan

*Live your best one*

Life, like a fruit tree, has seasons. Not every phase of life is the same. When we miss our season, then our lives become difficult and imbalanced. There are three phases in our lives.

* Learn

This is the youth who seeks to acquire knowledge, talents, purpose, identity and cultivating relationships. It does not matter when this occurs but it is recommended that we do so by our twenties. During this period, we are fascinated with shiny stuff and we actually define ourselves by the things we own. We are fascinated with cars, houses, phones, clothes, etc and can’t wait to acquire them fast enough. We take joy in having the latest gadget.

* Earn

This is when you practice your profession and craft. Establish yourself and contribute in meaningful ways. This should occur ideally in our thirties, forties and fifties. This is the time we actually do acquire stuff such as houses, cars, jewelry etc.

* Return

In our fifties and beyond, we suddenly realize that what is important is not the stuff we have but actually other things. Things such as love, truth, justice, dignity, a walk in the park, smelling a beautiful flower and a warm smile. We begin to actually get rid of the stuff we have. As our attachment to them diminishes, we slowly begin to give them away. Amazingly our youthful fascination for them slowly fades. A warm bath, a well brewed cup of tea, a good book and a quiet fireplace seem to be more valuable and inviting than anything else.

Life is such a strange conundrum but you cannot get out of it alive. So, live your best one!

12/23/2024

“Muslim Youth - Tomorrow’s Future by Br. Wazir Baksh at muslimperspectives.com

“The dominant metaphysical question is—”Who are we?” “What kind of universe do we inhabit?” “What is ultimately important?”—will profoundly reshape institutions and social structures. Central to this transformation will be the exploration of values, as society transitions from scientific materialism toward a more integrative worldview. Muslims must approach this shift as an opportunity to foster a renewed, vibrant Islamic identity.

The life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provide a timeless framework for addressing such challenges. His approach was revolutionary, empowering individuals regardless of age or status. Examples such as Mus’ab ibn Umayr, Usama ibn Zaid, and Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) illustrate how the Prophet entrusted significant responsibilities to the youth, enabling them to lead and grow.”

12/22/2024

“The institution of fasting has become a clinic where the believers can have their yearly check-up. A whole month to detox. An opportunity to regain control of the Nafs and have a complete tune-up” - Shaikh Daud Haqq
Full article:
https://www.muslimperspectives.com/the-role-of-fasting-in-the-ummah-past-present-future/

Ramadan Countdown - 70 Days.

12/16/2024

Today the world mourns the brutal killing of a gentle soul, our dear brother Khaled Nabhan - the grandfather of Reem who, upon her murder by Israeli airstrikes said that she was the “soul of his soul” - a phrase that was so heart wrenching yet beautiful that it has been repeated on the tongues of millions. This is what the oppressors do not get - that even in our death there is victory - the victory of martyrdom that leads to an everlasting life of peace and happiness. May the martyrs like Khaled find peace and serenity and be reunited with their loved ones.

11/29/2024

Black Friday - Imam Naseeb Khan

Today is known as Black Friday. This day represents the start of the Christmas season and it is considered one of America's biggest shopping days of the year. It is the beginning for businesses to move from the loss column (usually written in red ink) to the gain column (written in black ink). This day will see many stores offering up sales and bargains that are so incredible as to motivate shoppers to line up from the night before in front of them. Some stores even open from midnight. It is even earlier for online shopping.

When a store with great bargain opens, the mass stampede of buyers is so severe as to have been the cause of death for several fellow shoppers. The irony of the whole exercise is incredible. One day we give thanks for what we have been given and the next day we kill each other to get more. The day of seeming contentment and gratitude is followed by a day of apparent insatiable greed.

It is important not to allow yourself to become so worked up that you have to buy something because it is on sale. Instead recognize that each item you own comes with a responsibility. Acquire only what you need and when it has outlived its usefulness, part freely with it. Do not let yourself be defined by the stuff you own. Yes, shop and get your bargain but only if it is for something that you really need and can be thankful for having.

Understand as well that for Native Americans, this occasion is not a thanksgiving event but a day of remembrance and reflection for the massacres, genocide and oppression they suffered at the hands of the Pilgrims and European settlers.

So remember them as well when we give thanks!

Naseeb Khan, Imam and Community Leader

11/12/2024

10/28/2024

Proud of our Guyanese people and their stand for justice for Palestine!

10/16/2024

A poem by - one of the founders of Muslim Perspectives Silence and a Scream
A poem for the people of the tent.

I am frozen
Encased
In a block
Of Ice
Eyes wide
Staring
As flames
Engulf fleeing
Bodies
And muffled
Cries reach
Beyond thick walls
To
Pierce my heart
And blood
Courses through
My veins
And a scream
Escapes my lips
And shatters
The silence
Around me

~Farhad

10/14/2024

Fall’s first look. The diversity of colors in creation is a manifestation of Allah’s power and a reflection of His beauty. May our hearts be alive with His remembrance!

10/10/2024

“As we mark the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack and the beginning of Israel's asymmetrical response, we have to recognize Western countries' hypocrisy on the issue. Apparently, no amount of Israeli violence justifies any Palestinian response, but any Palestinian violence justifies even a brutal and unlawful response by one of the world's most powerful armies.”

As we mark the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack and the beginning of Israel's asymmetrical response, we have to recognize Western countries' hypocrisy.