In this special edition newsletter we will share highlights from our latest programs and initiatives over the last few weeks. We’ll start with a special message from our Board of Directors and our Imam, Shaykh Ismail.

Message from the Board – President Jalil Marhnouj

I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Eid, and ask Allah (swt) to accept our good deeds and help us keep the momentum in worship for the months to come.

On behalf of the Board, Imam and Administration, I would like to say jazakum Allahu khairan to our community members for their generosity and ongoing commitment in keeping this Centre a vibrant place.

As a community, we have undergone some struggles this past year, including the tornado that hit Ottawa in the fall and the recent floods that have impacted our communities. I had my own personal trials as well, as some of you may know, the past 7 months have been challenging in terms of my health. I am grateful for all of your warm messages, prayers, duaa’s and visits and for all of you who continue to support me as I continue on my road to recovery. I look forward to getting involved again this summer, as I get back on my feet, Insha Allah.

There were many activities and initiatives that we undertook, both as a Centre and in conjunction with other masjids, over the last few weeks which you’ll learn more about in this month’s community highlights.

We hosted numerous iftars for our community for thousands of people, continued with our assistance to flood victims in Constance Bay, and took part in the annual Doors Open Ottawa initiative where we welcomed our colleagues, friends and neighbours to our Masjid & Centre.

We were also honoured with an award by United Way for the work we did in providing support for the tornado relief campaign. Finally, we have videos from the winners of our Ramadan Adhan Competition.

As the summer is approaching and flowers are blooming, we are in full gear to offer our community members opportunities and activities throughout the summer. Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming announcements.

Message from Our Imam – Shaykh Ismail Albatnuni

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatu Allah,

My dear respected Muslim community in Ottawa – Eid Mubarak! It was a wonderful Ramadan. I really enjoyed this wonderful season of ibaadah (worship) and coming closer to Allah. Ramadan is a school for iman (faith), a school for building bonds with each other, a school for giving, a school for unity, a school for ibaadah. Our masjid was full of respected community members.

I was happy to be among my dear Muslim community in Ramadan, to witness our unity, standing in congregation in front of Allah in worship.

We enjoyed weekly iftars from different communities. We had opportunities to experience the cultures of each other, to come closer to one another, to sit down beside each other, to break our fast together after a long day, laughing and smiling with each other. Ramadan is a blessing. We truly felt the brotherhood and sisterhood.

My message is that Ramadan came to teach us many things. Can we keep what Ramadan taught us throughout the entire year? Ramadan came to show us that we are capable of great change. That we are capable of controlling ourselves. That we are capable of being nice to one another. That we can come closer to Allah. That we can spend our nights in prayer. That we can fast for an entire day. That we can read Qur’an.

However….

Can we keep the habits we formed this past Ramadan until the next Ramadan? Let us keep this message in our minds.

The Lord of Ramadan (SWT) is the Lord of Shawal, Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah and all other months of the year. He is the Lord of everything.

If we worship Allah in Ramadan, then we should continue the momentum throughout the year. If we changed ourselves in Ramadan then we should remain changed the whole year.

May Allah bless us to witness Ramadan next year in good health and iman.

Reflection on Winning United Way’s Community Builder of the Year Award

United Way Ottawa’s Community Builder of the Year Awards takes place once a year to honour and celebrate individuals and agencies who have made a difference in this community we call home.

The winners serve different causes across our City to thousands of people and… [continue reading]

The UMO-OG worked together to raise $36,320 to support the campaign after a devastating storm ripped through Ottawa last September. Here is a video from United Way to highlight the UMO-OG.

Community Highlight: Providing Assistance to the Flood Relief Campaign

In our May edition of this newsletter we shared how AMA volunteers worked alongside our partners in the community to deliver warm meals to families in Constance Bay who were affected by the Ottawa floods.

A few days before Eid ul-Fitr we sent more volunteers to deliver warm meals a second time to families in Constance Bay. The message below is from one of the community residents who shared her heartfelt appreciation for our support.

A Blessed Month – Looking Back on Ramadan

Throughout the month of Ramadan we organized iftar meals for the community every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hundreds of members from our congregation came together to break their fast, socialize, and enjoy good food.

This was taken during the 27th night of Ramadan. The main floors of the masjid were completely full and a third of the community hall was in use.

Highlights from our Annual Community Iftar

AMA hosted a special community iftar for elected officials, dignitaries, special guests, volunteers, and community members around the city. We had 200 guests in attendance who were delighted to… [continue reading]

Receiving Guests During Doors Open Ottawa 2019

This is the 3rd year that AMA has taken part in Doors Open Ottawa, an initiative in which 100+ buildings around the city open their doors to the public for guided tours.

On Saturday, June 1 we provided guided tours to 110 guests who came to visit our Masjid and Centre.

For many of them this was their first time stepping foot in a masjid.

Each guest received a gift bag as a token of our appreciation as they left our masjid.

Winners from our Adhan Competition

During the month of Ramadan we ran a special Adhan Competition for male youth aged 9 to 20 years old.  Contestants were tested on their voice, style & pronunciation.

The top 3 winners of the competition would earn the opportunity to make the adhan for Isha prayer during Ramadan. Below we have videos from our 3 winners.

Enjoy!

Br. Shahreer

Br. Zakaria

Br. Ahmed

Eid ul-Fitr Celebration

Our Eid celebration and prayers were attended by over 3,000 community members!

If you are a local business looking to advertise to AMA’s community then please contact us at info@mymasjid.ca.

Do You Have a Highlight to Share?

We are on the look for amazing stories from our AMA community members. These stories can be testimonials on how our programs and initiatives have impacted your life or the life of your family.

This past month we had an opportunity to interview a brother from Missasauga who was visiting our masjid for the very first time. He had positive things to say about us in the audio clip below:

If there is a highlight you want to show in our next newsletter then you can send it to info@mymasjid.ca

That brings us to the end of our community highlights for June. Stay tuned to our next newsletter for our regular upcoming events & programs.

Best regards,
The AMA Team