2020 will be defined by generations to come as the year when the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world. This global disaster so far has taken the lives of 2.2 million people worldwide and as the virus continues to mutate into more potent forms the pandemic will probably continue to spread at an alarming rate despite the fact that RNA vaccines have been developed in record time. Equally distressing is the fact that the lives of hundreds of millions of people have been impacted economically causing hardship for millions of families in both developed and third world countries. It is expected that the worldwide economy will shrink by 7% leaving millions of businesses bankrupt. This pandemic has been dubbed the 'great leveler' since it has revealed so many inequalities of our system especially how vividly it has exposed the socio-economic disparities in 'richer' countries.

Synergy and Collaboration

Despite the COVID-19 reality in which we found ourselves — that is lockdowns and the limited use of our mosques and Islamic centers for the most part of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — somehow Canadian Council of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah (CCAS), by finding synergies and collaborating with a number of community partners, has been able to turn the challenges thrown at us into opportunities to serve those in need of help and to offer relief in one way or another. The direction to serve can be seen as the realization of CCAS' vision, "Illuminate — Engage — Serve". Not only was CCAS involved in making a difference to those affected here in Canada but also elsewhere in the world with its international partners.

Human Rights Crisis in Kashmir and India

In fall 2019 we all learnt of the illegal abrogation of Kashmir's sovereignty when the Indian Government of Modi revoked the special status of autonomy, granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir. The effect of this turn of events was an ongoing heightening of atrocities against the people of Jammu and Kashmir. To this end the leadership of CCAS decided to join the people of Kashmir in their struggle to address these human rights violations. As a result and in consultation with local Kashmiri Canadians the human rights organization "Canadians Against Oppression and Persecution (CAOP)" was formed.

Since then CAOP has been engaged not only in the Kashmir crisis, but under the thoughtful leadership of Yousuf Syed, Jilani Wani and others, has been in the forefront of addressing the marginalization of religious minorities (Muslims, Christians and Dalits) in India by what has become a fascist non-secular authoritarian regime. CAOP has been active in social media warning political and religious leaders, and the public of the irreparable damage being done to India's democracy by organizing global Twitter storms to raise awareness of this troubling situation for India's minorities. In Feb 2020 it organized a seminar to address the issues of Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019 which has caused widespread protests across India.

CAOP is equally engaged and vocal on local human rights issues including the heavy-handed approach of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) police against BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of colour) communities. The brutal killing of Ejaz Choudary, a father of 4 young children with a known history of mental illness in his own home in June 2020 was a reminder of the unjustified use of force by the police once again.

CAOP also remained focused in its fight against Islamophobia in Canada. This work has been effective in identifying and exposing hate being spread by certain groups, particularly the assault on Muslims by a growing extremist Hindutva contingent within Canada.

Crescent Food Bank

Due to increased demand by Canadians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic for assistance, the federal government offered grants to local charities to support vulnerable members of our community. CCAS was awarded a grant to make an impact in our community. To meet this demand it moved from a weekend operation to a full-time (Mon–Fri) service under the newly founded Crescent Food Bank and assisted 500+ people living in Mississauga by delivering food hampers to their homes.

'Ilm Un Nur (Knowledge is Light)

CCAS strives to inspire the next generation to play a positive role in all aspects of life in Canada. The key to this is to empower young people with knowledge; both secular and religious. To this end the 'Ilm Un Nur knowledge platform was launched in 2018. It is a collaborative youth platform run by youths for youths in order to gather, enlighten and empower young people to pursue excellence (ihsan) in all walks of life, whether it is education, sport, career, spiritual, community, etc.

Ilm Un Nur (IUN) is a knowledge-based empowerment platform encouraging youths to embark on a holistic approach to life. This involves developing body, mind and soul by studying and implementing the Divine knowledge and ideas in the Holy Quran and the wisdom and beauty of the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet (PBUH).

Family and Wellness

CCAS' commitment to the preservation of the Muslim family is one of its most important focus, especially in this time when there are so many distractions pulling couples and families apart. This topic was dealt with in a two day webinar in Dec 2020. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental wellness of many of our citizens. To address this issue, particularly amongst our youths, CCAS has partnered with Naseeha, a well-known youth wellness organization, to deal with this growing concern.

Based on the therapeutic sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Salalaahu 'alahi wa Sallam to always have a cheerful disposition, smiling face and a good sense of humor — the "SmileZone" program was launched and incorporated into all of our initiatives (outreach, webinars, etc.) when dealing with the vulnerable in our community like lonely seniors and adolescents.

COVID-19 Relief in Rural India

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, millions of families in India were left without an income under the national lockdown. CCAS partnered with one of its international partners 'The Quran Foundation' (TQF) to supply ration kits to families in rural areas in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Kanpur (UP). Initially, this project was targeted to touch 1000 families but with the generosity of Canadians we were able to assist 6000+ families, al hamdulilaah.

IMO Mortuary / Ghusl Khanna

CCAS made a commitment to see the completion of the Morgue – Ghusl Khanna project at IMO mosque in Rexdale, Ontario. We see this as a much-needed facility for our community. The need to have a professionally run Muslim funeral home with a morgue and a place for washing of the mayyah is long overdue. CCAS has made a pledge to donate $20,000.00 towards this worthwhile cause.

Halal Standards Project

This initiative brings together scientists, Muslims scholars and Halal product manufacturers to work towards a national halal standards for Canada that satisfies the needs and concerns of all Muslims. Please join our Facebook group — Canada Halal Advocacy — to bring more awareness of the Halal Standards project.

United Muslim Action Group (UMAG)

UMAG is a grass-roots organization which is actively involved in encouraging Muslims to become involved in the political process in Canada. The idea is to organize ourselves to elect political representatives at all three levels; municipal, provincial and federal.

Obituaries / Isaal-e-Sawab

Shaykh Muhammad Kabeer Touray — 7 May, 2020. Famous Sufi Shaykh of the Tijanniyya Tariqah, of a noble Gambian family settled in Toronto. His humility and love for the Prophet Salalaahu alahi wa Sallam remain a good example for us all.

al-Haj Malik Rashid Ahmed — Jul 5, 2020. A well-known member of the Muslim community and a board member of CCAS, responsible for many Islamic and humanitarian projects in his home country Pakistan and in Canada.

Tahir Baig Mahmood — Sep 15, 2020 (Calgary). A true believer and an ardent lover of The Holy Prophet Salalaahu alahi wa Sallam.

We request everyone to send isaal-e-sawaab (transfer of blessings) to the souls of all our brothers and sisters who passed on to the Merciful One during this trying year. May Allah Forgive them for all of their shortcomings, have Mercy on their souls and Grant them the highest place in heaven. Al Fatiha.

CCAS' Community Partners

• Ibn Khaldun Foundation
• IMO Rexdale
• Naseeha
• Noor-e-Islam Society
• SANA
• Seva Food Bank
• The Quran Foundation
• Yaseen College

Your 2020 Donations

We wish to thank all members and supporters who made donations to the CCAS projects mentioned in this article. Jazakumullah khair.

For comments, inquiries and e-transfer donations please e-mail: ccas.ont@gmail.com

Canadian Council of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah (CCAS) 1450 Meyerside Dr. Suite #200, Mississauga, ON L5T 2N5, Canada

21 January, 2021 — 7 Jumada al-Akhirah 1442