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- The Prophet (s) introduced his Ahlul Bayt using examples from past nations, including comparing them to the Ark of Nūḥ and the Door of Forgiveness in the story of Prophet Mūsa and Bani Isrā’il. - The hadith about the Door of Forgiveness states: *“The likeness of my Ahlul Bayt is the simile of the Door of Forgiveness of Bani Isrā’il: whoever enters it, his sins will be forgiven.”* - The authenticity of this hadith is established by multiple sources, including Ibn Ḥajar al-Makki, who mentions its transmission through numerous routes that strengthen each other. - In the Qur’ān, Allah commanded Bani Isrā’il to enter the gate of a town with humility, seek forgiveness, and promised them forgiveness and increased blessings if they complied. - The Prophet (s) equated the Ahlul Bayt to this Door of Forgiveness, indicating that they are a means to Allah’s mercy and blessings. - Two conditions are required: showing humility toward the Ahlul Bayt and seeking forgiveness through them. - This simile implies the infallibility of the Ahlul Bayt, as only those pure from sins can be a means of purification for others. - The Prophet (s) described Imam ‘Ali as the Door of Forgiveness, emphasizing that entering it signifies faith, while leaving it signifies disbelief. - Love, guidance, and following Imam ‘Ali are keys to forgiveness, blessings, and salvation. - Fāṭimah is not only a part of the Ahlul Bayt but is their central figure, as highlighted in the incident of kisā. - Fāṭimah is also likened to the Door of Forgiveness and Allah’s bounties. - The unjust among Bani Isrā’il altered Allah’s commands and faced divine punishment. A similar prediction applies to some Muslims who wronged the Ahlul Bayt. - Despite the symbolic reverence, some Muslims disrespected even the physical door of Fāṭimah.

-Verse Hud 11:41: Prophet Nūḥ calls to embark in Allah’s name, connecting to guidance and salvation. -Prophet Muhammad (s) introduced the Ahlul Bayt using past prophets as examples to show their importance. -Verse 33:33 identifies the Ahlul Bayt as purified, with Fāṭimah (a) at its heart. -Hadith: "The Ahlul Bayt are like Noah’s Ark; whoever boards it is saved, and whoever abandons it perishes." -Hadith has strong authenticity, cited by 92 Sunni scholars from 8 companions. -Simile emphasizes the Ahlul Bayt’s role as a means to salvation. -The Ark was built by Prophet Nūḥ under divine guidance, just as the Ahlul Bayt were nurtured by the --Prophet and under Allah’s care. -Embracing the Ahlul Bayt brings guidance and protection, just as boarding the Ark brought salvation. -Like Nūḥ’s son who perished by separating from the Ark, those who abandon the Ahlul Bayt risk losing guidance. -Nūḥ started the Ark’s journey with Allah’s name and protection; similarly, the Ahlul Bayt guide under divine command. -Example of Prophet Mūsa’s Door of Forgiveness: The Ahlul Bayt as a path to Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. Fatimiyya Program - Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi November 14th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Wiladat of Bibi Zaynab (SA) - Sheikh Jaffer H Jaffer November 7th, 2024 | 5th Jamadal Awal 1446 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Today marks the birth anniversary of Zaynab bint ‘Ali wa Fatimah (a), known as the Lady of Courage. - Islam emerged in a society where Arabs saw female children as a disgrace, often hiding or rejecting their daughters, as described in Qur’an 16:58-59. - Allah granted Prophet Muhammad children, but his sons didn’t survive; this highlighted that his lineage would continue through his daughter, Fatimah, despite ridicule from the Arabs. - In the modern era, when Muslim men mistreat women, Islam is often blamed, while misbehavior in other faiths is not attributed to their religions. - The twisting of Islamic teachings and the Qur'an can be replicated in other religions too, such as in certain Biblical teachings, like in Ecclesiasticus, which refers to the birth of a daughter as a “loss.” - Imam aṣ-Ṣādiq (a) emphasized daughters as good deeds and sons as blessings, showing the value Islam places on daughters. - The Prophet’s treatment of his daughter, Fatimah, was revolutionary, referring to her as “the mother of her father.” - Zaynab, daughter of ‘Ali and Fatimah, was named for her father’s pride in her, with both daughters named Zaynab, “al-kubra” and “aṣ-ṣughra.” - The blame on faith for followers' actions is seen in other contexts too, such as the U.S. elections where societal and gender biases are highlighted, yet rarely attributed to religion. - Some verses in Christian scriptures reflect restrictive views on women, which appear in social patterns, as in the presidential runs of Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris. - In contrast, Zaynab’s role in Islam was one of high esteem, trusted with significant matters by her family, reflecting the honor Islam grants to strong women in its legacy.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Friday Juma Khutba November 8th, 2024 Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Recognizing historical bias; Euro-centric views often overlook contributions from other civilizations. - Term "Dark Ages" specifically applies to Europe (500-1500 AD) after the fall of the Roman Empire, not the entire world. - During Europe’s Dark Ages, the Muslim world led in science and knowledge, with significant contributions under Muslim rule in Spain. - Cordoba and Sicily were major centers of learning; rulers promoted science, funded libraries, and opened academies. - Medicine in Muslim Spain was advanced, attracting European nobles for treatment, and Arabic texts were translated, influencing European civilization. - Recent political statements, such as Netanyahu’s, claim a "war of civilizations"; Macron criticized this view, suggesting such framing may itself sow "barbarism." - Muslim civilization’s decline attributed to two causes: stagnation from arrogance and a detachment from spiritual guidance (Qur’an and Ahlul Bayt). - Historical neglect of true sources of wisdom, as shown by disregard for figures who offered profound knowledge, reflects the decline. - Imam Ali’s Sermon number 203 urges focus on the hereafter over worldly life, advising that the world is a temporary passage to prepare for the afterlife. - Reflecting on life, Imam Ali emphasizes: do not sin, purify the heart, and prioritize actions for the afterlife over material legacies. - Angels question deeds for the hereafter, contrasting worldly concerns about inheritance. - Charitable acts should be viewed and encouraged as spiritual investments for the hereafter. Friday Juma Khutba October 25th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Program October 24th, 2024 | 20th Rabi Thani 1446 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- War often distorts the truth, especially in media and historical accounts, so viewers should be cautious. - Media owners can influence narratives based on their personal biases, as seen with Israel Asper, a pro-Zionist founder of CanWest Global Communications. - Honest Reporting Canada (HRC) seeks to shape Canadian media to support Israeli perspectives, often pressuring outlets to modify or withdraw certain language or headlines. - HRC uses its network to protest perceived negative portrayals of Israel, such as changing terms in headlines related to Palestinian detainees. - Journalists in conflict areas have faced direct attacks; Israel has been accused of targeting media workers to suppress critical coverage, even those marked as press. - HRC promotes a narrative that excuses such incidents, suggesting some journalists may have ties to Hamas. - The 2022 killing of Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh led to Israel's use of a “deny and deflect” strategy, which TIME analyzed as Israel’s approach to dealing with high-profile deaths. - Deflection tactics include blaming Palestinian militants, claiming accidental deaths, or alleging victim involvement in attacks on Israelis. - Readers should remain aware of potential media biases, as advised in the Qur’ān, which promotes verifying information. - The “deny & deflect” strategy is not new and can be traced back to historical conflicts, such as between Imam Ali (a) and Mu‘āwiyah. - During the Battle of Ṣiffīn, Mu‘āwiyah’s forces used a similar tactic, with historical references showing attempts to shift blame for killings onto opponents. - This tactic was criticized, with Imam ‘Ali (a) drawing a parallel to the flawed logic of blaming the Prophet for the death of Hamzah at Uḥud. Friday Juma Khutba November 11th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- The Golden Rule is shared across religions, including the Prophet’s saying: “Love for the people what you love for yourself.” - The issue is racism and greed, not ignorance, as seen in conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s long-standing occupation of Palestine. - Israel, backed by the West, violates international laws but is still seen as a democracy. - High civilian casualties in Gaza have sparked global protests and exposed Western governmental racism. - Despite Biden's claims to limit regional conflict, the U.S. continues to send military aid to Israel, totaling $22.7 billion. - Netanyahu repeatedly undermines Biden, yet U.S. policy seems shaped by Israel. - The UK is considering sanctions on Israeli ministers for inflammatory comments, reflecting global public pressure. - Imām Ḥasan al-‘Askari’s letter advises on taqwā, ṣalāt, zakāt, and practicing good character, along with social responsibilities like enjoining good and avoiding indecency. - Emphasis is placed on the importance of night prayers and following these teachings. Friday Juma Khutba October 18th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Terrorism applies to both state and non-state entities, including governments and occupying powers, which can engage in terrorism. - Occupation is considered the worst form of terrorism in global circles. - In 2006, Edward Peck, a former U.S. diplomat, explained that while working on a definition of terrorism in 1985, the U.S. rejected several definitions because they implicated the U.S. itself, in such acts. - U.S. Code Title 18, Section 2331 defines "international terrorism" as actions aimed at influencing government conduct through mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. - Peck highlighted that countries like the U.S. and Israel have engaged in activities that could fit the definition of terrorism, emphasizing the subjective nature of the label "terrorist." - Western governments often label groups or governments as "terrorist" based on "selective morality," which is not universally accepted. - Highlighting the lack of Western attention to civilian victims in Gaza and Lebanon, questioning why they are not recognized as human beings. - True honor and dignity come from God, as mentioned in Islamic teachings, and not from mankind. - When God grants honor, even enemies are forced to acknowledge it, as seen in the respect shown to Grand Ayatullah Sistani, a pious religious leader. - The Pope visited Ayatullah Sistani to express gratitude for his compassion towards minorities in Iraq. - Israeli Channel 14 displayed Ayatullah Sistani as a potential assassination target, which was condemned by the Shi‘a community and the Iraqi government. - The story of Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (a) is shared, highlighting that true honor is granted by God, not by worldly recognition. Friday Juma Khutba October 11th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- The term "terrorism" originally referred to state violence during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. - Modern history expanded the term to include armed uprisings against foreign rule, such as the IRA and Nelson Mandela's ANC. - Western governments selectively apply "terrorism" to non-state groups but often avoid using it for state violence. - UN resolutions do not differentiate between state and non-state terrorism, emphasizing impartial condemnation. - The U.S. and Israel rejected a key UN resolution that supported the right of peoples to self-determination and condemned occupation. - Western nations are often hypocritical in labeling terrorism, condemning certain groups while excusing allies' actions. - Israeli leaders like Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir were involved in terrorist acts before becoming politicians. - The Qur'an criticizes hypocrites who cause corruption while claiming to promote order. - Shi‘as are often labeled as radicals or terrorists when standing up for their rights, despite their contributions to resistance and protection of oppressed people. - Ayatullah Sistani praised the role of the Shi‘a community in Lebanon and their sacrifices in defending their land and holy sites. - Despite challenges, the Shi‘a faith endures, and believers find solace in prayer for divine support and justice. - A statement from Ayatullah Sistani’s office expressed sorrow over the countless lives lost October 4th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis October 3rd 2024 29th Rabi Ul Awwal 1446 AH Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis 22nd Rabi Ul Awwal 1446 AH September 26th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- The Middle East situation is worsening, with the UN Secretary-General describing Lebanon as descending into chaos. - Israel is conducting indiscriminate attacks on civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, killing women, children, and non-combatants. - An elderly Canadian couple was killed while fleeing southern Lebanon, sparking condemnation from Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly. - Over 600 people have been killed, including 50 children, with thousands wounded and 90,000 displaced. - The U.S. has been criticized for its hypocrisy, calling for a ceasefire while supplying $8.7 billion in military aid to Israel. - Despite a temporary pause, U.S. weapons, including 2,000-pound bombs, continue to be shipped to Israel. - Grand Ayatullāh Sistāni condemned the aggression and called for efforts to protect the Lebanese people and provide humanitarian aid. - The ISIJ has responded by sending $100,000 in humanitarian relief to Lebanon. - Locally, many Friday khutbas focus on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, observed annually on September 30. - This day reflects on the genocide and injustice faced by Indigenous people since European colonization 500 years ago. - Indigenous scholars emphasize "settler colonialism," which displaces Indigenous inhabitants and creates unequal societies, similar to the situation in Palestine. - The use of "settler colonialism" helps link the struggles of Indigenous people in North America with the Palestinian cause. Friday Juma Khutba September 27th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- The birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad brings blessings for all Muslims; he is described as "the mercy for the universe." - The Prophet’s mercy is evident in the guidance given to Muslim soldiers, as reported by Imām Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq, whose birth anniversary coincides with the Prophet’s. - Prophet Muhammad instructed his soldiers to avoid deceit, mutilation, killing non-combatants, and harming the environment. - Soldiers were prohibited from killing the elderly, children, women, cutting trees unless necessary, and destroying fruit-bearing trees. - These instructions, given 1400 years ago, precede the Geneva Convention’s humanitarian principles from 1864, such as protecting wounded soldiers and civilians. - Muslims often discuss humanitarian values but may overlook how their faith and Prophet set these standards long before modern conventions. - Expressing hope that Muslims would adhere to the ideals presented by the Prophet and Imams of Ahlul Bayt. - Recent events in Lebanon saw high-tech warfare by Israel, leading to the explosion of pagers and walkie-talkies, killing 37 people and injuring thousands. - In Gaza, hospitals are targeted, with most casualties being civilians, including women and children. - Western views on civilian casualties vary, with more concern shown for "our" civilians versus "the other," particularly Muslims. - The case of Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State, highlights this hypocrisy when she justified the deaths of 500,000 Iraqi children during sanctions, stating the price was "worth it." Friday Juma Khutba September 20th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Shi‘as express happiness with the happiness of Ahlul Bayt and sadness with their sorrow. Eid-e Zahrā’ is celebrated as the day the family of ‘Ali and Fāṭimah rejoiced after the criminals responsible for Karbala were brought to justice by Mukhtār. - Shi‘a Islām is rooted in the principles of love and hate (ḥubb and bughdh): love for Allah, the Prophet, the Ahlul Bayt, their followers, and values, and rejection of their enemies, known as tawalla and tabarra. - Devotion to Ahlul Bayt is often expressed through speech, writings, and poetry, such as qaṣidah (praise) or marthiya/nawḥa (eulogy). - Sayyid Murtaza and Sayyid Riza were prominent Shi‘a scholars from Baghdad in the 4th century, descendants of Imam Musa al-Kāzim. Their teacher, Shaykh Mufid, had a vision of Bibi Fāṭimah asking him to teach them Islamic jurisprudence. Both brothers became influential scholars—Sayyid Riza compiled Nahjul Balāghah, while Sayyid Murtaza specialized in theology and fiqh. - Ibnul Ḥajjāj al-Baghdādi, a poet of the 4th century, composed a famous qaṣidah praising Imam ‘Ali. His poem, inscribed on the shrine of Imam ‘Ali in Najaf, highlights the significance of tawalla and tabarra. - The qaṣidah praises Imam ‘Ali as the source of shafā (healing) and divine guidance. It describes the blessings received by those who visit his grave and intercession sought through him. - When Ibnul Ḥajjāj recited his poem in the presence of Sayyid Murtaza, he included lines of tabarra (condemnation of enemies), which Murtaza initially stopped. However, Imam ‘Ali appeared in a dream to Ibnul Ḥajjāj, instructing him to recite the poem in its entirety. - Sayyid Murtaza had a dream where the Prophet and the Imams showed displeasure because he had stopped the poet. He was instructed to apologize to Ibnul Ḥajjāj, which he did, and then the poet was honored by the ruler. 9th Rabbi Awwal 1446 13th September 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Imām Ḥasan al-‘Askari (a) quotes Imām Ja‘far as-Sādiq (a.s.) condemning people who follow corrupt religious leaders. - He advises people to follow only jurists who control their desires, protect their religion, and obey their Master, emphasizing that such qualities are found in only some jurists. - The ḥadith, although from Imām aṣ-Ṣādiq (a), reached the community through Imām Ḥasan al-‘Askari (a), indicating preparation for the ghaybat of Imam al-Mahdi (a). - Taqlid is not a new concept; Shaykh al-Mufid of the fourth century clarified that a partially knowledgeable person cannot decide on religious differences and must refer to a learned person. - Muslim engagement with the Canadian political system is important, even though the Liberal government doesn't align with Islamic values. - This week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Canada reinforced the arms export ban to Israel, suspended permits, and blocked a major ammunition deal, influenced by Muslim organizations like NCCM. - Canadian Muslims can play a role in supporting the oppressed (mazlumin) against oppressors (zalim). - Today is the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal, also known as Eid-e Zahra (a), which commemorates Mukhtar bin ‘Ubaydullāh ath-Thaqafi’s fight against the oppressors responsible for the massacre of Karbala. - The senior officers of Yazid's army were punished, and five years after Karbala, Umar ibn Sa‘d was killed on 9th Rabi al-Awwal by Mukhtar’s forces. Friday Juma Khutba September 13th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

6th Rabi Al Awwal 1446 AH Tuesday, September 10th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

8th Rabi Ul Awwal 1446 AH Wednesday, September 11th 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

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- The month of Rabi al-Awwal marks the Prophet Muhammad's (a) migration from Mecca to Medina, an important event in Islamic history. - 'Ali (a) played a significant role during the hijrah when he took the Prophet’s place in bed to protect him from assassins. - The night 'Ali slept in the Prophet's bed is known as "laylatul mabit," and Allah revealed a verse praising his sacrifice (Qur'an 2:207). - Mu'awiyah attempted to suppress 'Ali's virtues in Islamic teachings by bribing narrators to distort the meaning of the Qur'anic verse related to laylatul mabit. - Mu'awiyah offered increasing sums to Sumarah bin Jundub to fabricate a false narrative, but despite eventual success, this attempt did not gain much traction. - The verse "They wish to blow off the light of Allāh with their mouths, but Allāh protects His light" (Qur'an) emphasizes the divine protection of truth. - The first Muslim migration was to Abyssinia, a Christian country, where the Prophet recommended migration due to the just ruler. - Muslims today should seek societies where justice prevails, with Western democracies often providing fairness and rights to citizens, despite foreign policy biases. - The example of the International Criminal Court shows how justice is often compromised in international affairs, particularly in relation to powerful nations like the US and UK. - Muslims in the West should engage legally and meaningfully to hold governments accountable for justice on a global scale. Friday Juma Khutba September 6th, 2024 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)