Jaffari Community Centre

Friday Juma KhutbaJune 6th, 2025- Eid Mubarak was extended to all.- Surah al-Shams emphasizes divine signs and the human soul’s ability to know right from wrong.- Success lies in purifying the soul; failure comes from letting it be corrupted.- Tawbah cleanses the soul like water purifies the body.- Surah al-Aʿlā stresses reminders and the importance of charity and prayer.- True belief includes willingly giving to the needy, not just fulfilling obligations.- The message of purification and charity is found in all revealed scriptures.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Eid-ul-Adha 14469th Dhul Hijjah 1446June 6, 2025* Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrāhīm's (a) success in fully submitting to God's will, highlighting that Islam means the struggle to surrender.* Ibrāhīm faced two key challenges in his final test: internal (love for his son) and external (Shayṭān trying to deter him three times).* The three pillars stoned at Mina represent these diversions by Shayṭān; on a deeper level, they symbolize the internal and external obstacles to submission.* The first pillar represents the evil within (nafs ammārah), the second represents devils among jinn, and the third symbolizes satanic human influences.* Ibrāhīm was victorious over Shayṭān because he had already purified his soul, fulfilling the verse “successful is he who purifies it.”* Eid al-Adha teaches us, even outside of ḥajj, to be vigilant against internal and external satanic forces.* On the first day in Mina, only the first pillar is stoned before sacrifice—showing that defeating one's own nafs is necessary to sacrifice sincerely.* Pilgrims throw 49 pebbles total across the days, symbolizing the 49 major sins in Islamic teachings—each pebble representing a dimension of evil.* We should self-reflect and identify at least seven negative traits to begin the path of spiritual purification.* While we celebrate Eid, we must not forget oppressed Muslims like those in Gaza, and we pray for the reappearance of the Mahdī to establish true justice.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Shahadat of Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel (a)Thursday June 5th 20259th Dhul Hijjah 1446 AHDonate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Shahadat of 5th Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS)6th Dhul Hijjah 1446 AHJune 3rd, 2025* Imam Muḥammad al-Bāqir (a) was known for his depth of knowledge, as described by the Prophet (s): “he will dig out knowledge the way it should be.”* A narration highlights the Imām referencing the “Book of ʿAlī” as the most authentic source of knowledge, emphasizing divine revelation through Jibrāʾīl.* In a hadith, the Imām categorized actions into four groups: ladders of good deeds, penalties for sins, major sins, and elements of salvation.* Good deeds include initiating salām, feeding others (especially the needy), and praying at night when others are asleep.* Penalties that erase sins include doing wuḍūʾ in cold weather, walking to congregational prayers, and maintaining regular prayers.* Major sins include obeying greed, following one's desires, and self-conceit or arrogance—each warned against in the Qur’an.* Elements of salvation are fearing Allah in private and public, being moderate in wealth or poverty, and speaking justly in pleasure or anger.* Imam al-Bāqir (a) was poisoned in early Dhul Ḥijjah by the ruling powers who, after Karbala, resorted to covert assassination of the Imams.* As his wafāt neared, he asked that women recite marsiya for him in Mina for ten years, linking his memory to the tragedy of Karbala.* Imam al-Bāqir was five at Karbala and never forgot the trauma; he is buried beside his father in Baqīʿ, and his demolished shrine remains a cause of grief for believers.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night MajlisMay 29th 20251st Dhul Hijjah 1446Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis24th Dhul Qadah 1446 AHMay 22nd, 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Shahadat of 9th Imam Muhammad Al-Jawad (AS)29th Dhul Qadah 1446 AHMay 27th, 2025* Imam Muḥammad at-Taqi al-Jawād (a.s.) became Imam at a young age and was known for his deep taqwa despite his youth.* He lived during the rule of Ma’mun and Mu‘tasim and passed away at age 25 in Baghdad.* Du‘a (supplication) is a vital means of communication with Allah and a sign of humility and trust.* The Qur’an strongly encourages believers to call upon Allah, promising a response to sincere prayers.* Shi‘a Islam has a rich legacy of du‘a literature transmitted from the Prophet and Imams, covering various personal and spiritual needs.* Imam al-Jawād (a.s.) taught a famous du‘a to be recited after the Fajr prayer, beginning with "أفوض أمري إلى الله...".* Early sources attribute this du‘a directly to Imam al-Jawād (a.s.), stating it brings ease and acceptance of one's requests.* The du‘a incorporates verses from the Qur’an that emphasize reliance, repentance, and trust in Allah's protection and sufficiency.* Phrases in the du‘a reinforce that Allah alone is the ultimate Provider, Creator, and Protector—sufficient against all needs.* Imam al-Jawād (a.s.) also gifted his wife a document with ten du‘as for various life situations, showing the importance of supplication in all aspects of life.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaMay 23, 2025- Migration to North America has unintentionally promoted multiculturalism, evident in the diverse ethnic makeup of religious communities.- Shi‘a diversity has been noticeable in weekend school students since the late 1970s and 1980s.- As the community developed, full-time Islamic schools have emerged, reflecting similar ethnic diversity.- There are now 16 full-time Shi‘a Islamic schools across Canada, from Montreal and Ottawa to Toronto and Vancouver.- This growth has created a need for collaboration and networking among these schools.- In January 2024, the first global gathering of full-time Shi‘a schools was held in Karbala, with 60 schools from places like Indonesia and Australia represented.- On the sidelines, North American schools formed WISE CANADA (World Islamic Summit of Education, Canada) to promote cooperation in Canada and the US.- WISE CANADA will hold its first national meeting tomorrow at As-Sadiq Islamic School.- Networking helps schools share best practices, recognize challenges, and develop solutions.- Qur’anic verse 9:71 highlights the mutual support, righteousness, and obedience expected among believing men and women.- A call was made to embrace diversity and avoid isolation.- UN Secretary General highlighted the severe suffering in Gaza, with 80% designated as militarized or evacuation zones.- 160,000 pallets of aid (equivalent to nearly 9,000 trucks) are waiting to be delivered.- Canada, the UK, and France strongly condemned Israel’s military actions and settlement expansion in Gaza and the West Bank.- They warned of further actions if Israel does not stop military offensives and lift aid restrictions.- UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy halted free trade talks with Israel, calling its rhetoric and planned military actions extreme and unjustifiable.- Foreign ministers from multiple Western and allied countries, plus the EU, issued a joint statement urging Israel to restore humanitarian aid flows.- They criticized a proposed Israel–US aid system for bypassing the UN, arguing it politicizes and undermines humanitarian relief efforts.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday KhutbaMay 16, 2025- True righteousness is not merely turning towards the east or west but involves sound belief and ethical actions.- Imam Ali is known as Amīr al-Mu'minīn (chief of the believers) and Imam al-Muttaqīn (leader of the righteous), reflecting both faith and practice.- Surah Baqarah, Ayat 177 emphasizes that righteousness includes belief in Allah, the or Last Day, the angels, the book, and the prophets.- Commitment to faith must manifest in actions, not just verbal declarations.- The first action of righteousness mentioned is voluntary charity, given out of love for Allah to relatives, orphans, the needy, travelers, beggars, and those in bondage.- After charity, the verse emphasizes obligatory rituals like prayer and zakat, representing the rights of Allah and people.- Moral and ethical conduct includes fulfilling promises and being patient in financial distress, physical hardship, and during conflict.- True loyalty to Imam Ali involves embodying these principles of belief, charity, worship, and moral integrity.- The khutbah emphasizes that local community welfare must not be neglected despite international charitable efforts.- The importance of supporting local welfare programs and food banks is highlighted, especially given current economic challenges.- The ongoing suffering of Palestinians is addressed, drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the use of food as a political weapon.- Canada's Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, condemns the use of food as a political tool and urges a ceasefire and a two-state solution.- The speaker concludes with a supplication for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi and for global peace and justice.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis17th Dhul Qadah 1446 AHMay 15th, 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Wiladat of 8th Imam Ali Ar-Ridha (AS)11th Dhul Qadah 1446 AH May 9th, 2025 * Wilādat of Imām ‘Ali ar-Riḍā (a) on 11 Dhul Qa‘dah 1446 / 09 May 2025.* Racial tensions persist globally despite advancements, as seen in Europe’s far-right and US white supremacy.* Minorities once welcomed to strengthen economies are now marginalized as societies push for equality.* Identity is defined by faith (dīn), transcending family, ethnicity, and nationality (49:13).* Quran highlights diversity of language and color as signs of Allah’s power (30:22).* Mothers of Ahlul Bayt Imams came from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Persian, Berber, Maghrib, Nuba, and Sindh.* Imam al-Riḍā’s mother, Najmah, was a slave-girl from Maghrib, illustrating racial inclusivity.* Imam al-Jawad was referred to as “Al-Aswad” due to his dark complexion, but his divine status remained unaffected.* Imam al-Riḍā demonstrated humility by serving a soldier who insulted him in a bathhouse.* The Imam emphasized that true honor comes from taqwā, not lineage or skin color.* A dream involving the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a symbolic number of dates foreshadowed a significant encounter with Imam al-Riḍā. Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaMay 9th, 2025- Birth anniversary of Imām ‘Ali ibn Musa ar-Riḍā (a).- Importance of clear agreements on wages and work expectations between employers and employees.- Imām ar-Riḍā (a) reprimanded his workers for not agreeing on a specific wage with a laborer, emphasizing fairness in compensation.- Emphasis on paying agreed wages on time and rewarding additional effort appropriately.- Reflection on the common issue of unpaid workers within the community, highlighting the importance of ethical treatment in business dealings.- Reminder that only one-tenth of faith is ‘ibādāt (worship), while the rest is mu‘āmalāt (interactions with people).- Addressing respect for minorities: A case involving a Zoroastrian man’s charity being redirected to Muslim poor instead of Zoroastrian poor, which Imām ar-Riḍā (a) corrected, advocating for respecting the intentions of the donor.- Reflection on current societal issues- Recent US elections influenced by anti-immigration attitudes.- Reversal of civil rights progress through the elimination of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs.- Contrast between the treatment of African Americans and white South Africans in immigration policies.- Anecdote from the life of Imām ar-Riḍā (a): During a journey, he insisted on dining with all his servants, regardless of their race, emphasizing the unity of humanity and equal treatment.- Reflection on staying true to the teachings of Imām ar-Riḍā (a).Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night ProgramMay 8th, 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaMay 2nd, 2025- Israel is using starvation as a weapon against Palestinians by blocking food, fuel, and medicine from entering Gaza for two months.- This act violates international humanitarian laws, which Israel has repeatedly breached without facing consequences.- France, Germany, and the UK condemned the blockade, calling it “intolerable” and rejecting the use of aid as political leverage against Hamas.- The World Food Programme reports over 116,000 tonnes of food—sufficient for one million people for four months—are blocked at access points.- A humanitarian aid ship was attacked by drones in international waters.- During Ramadhān majālis, Maulana discussed the endowments of Imam ‘Ali bin Abi Ṭālib (a), including water well projects.- Imam ‘Ali’s efforts in digging wells in Medina, between Medina and Mecca, and in Iraq continue through Shi‘a charities today.- In the Battle of Ṣiffin (36 AH), Mu‘āwiyah's 85,000 troops reached the river first and blocked access to water from Imam ‘Ali’s 90,000 troops.- Imam ‘Ali sent Ṣa‘ṣa‘ah bin Ṣawḥān to negotiate, warning against the cowardice of water denial and expressing readiness for battle if needed.- Mu‘āwiyah viewed water control as a strategic victory, supported by Umayyid advisors who justified the tactic by referencing ‘Uthmān's siege.- One advisor, ‘Abdullāh bin Abi Saraḥ, claimed water denial would force ‘Ali’s army to retreat, equating retreat with defeat.- Ṣa‘ṣa‘ah rebuked this logic, cursing the advisor and pointing out the hypocrisy and propaganda in blaming Imam ‘Ali for ‘Uthmān's situation.- Imam ‘Ali had, in fact, ordered his sons to deliver food and water to ‘Uthmān during his siege, contrary to the claims against him.- This same propaganda was used to justify denying water to Imam Husayn and his family.- ‘Amr bin ‘Āṣ, an advisor to Mu‘āwiyah, opposed the water blockade, arguing Imam ‘Ali would not have done the same.- Mu‘āwiyah still refused access, stating: “No, by God, let them die of thirst as ‘Uthmān died.”- Imam ‘Ali responded by sending troops to force access to water.- After Mu‘āwiyah’s defeat, ‘Amr bin ‘Āṣ questioned the morality of their actions; Mu‘āwiyah conceded Imam ‘Ali would not retaliate the same way.- This illustrates the moral contrast between the leadership styles of Imam ‘Ali and Mu‘āwiyah.- Despite this, many Muslims today still elevate Mu‘āwiyah’s status over Imam ‘Ali, as seen in a recent Saudi documentary portraying Mu‘āwiyah favorably during Ramadhān.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night Majlis 3rd Dhul Qadah 1446 AH May 1st 2025 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Friday Juma KhutbaApril 25th, 2025- We marked the wafat of Imām Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq (a) and are nearing the federal elections. - Voting is essential for having a voice and shaping our future. - Imām aṣ-Ṣādiq (a)’s political stance varied based on context. - He supported Zayd ash-Shahid’s uprising but rejected the ‘Abbasid movement due to insincere motives. - He warned his relatives against joining the ‘Abbasids, who later betrayed them. - Yet, he allowed Shi‘as like Najjāshi and ibn Hubayrah to serve as governors. - His guidance was case-specific; we can't generalize one stance to all situations. - A hadith advising Sudayr to stay home was context-bound, not a blanket rule. - Imām emphasized understanding context and deeper meanings in ḥadith. - Marāji‘ stress voting as a duty; not voting lets others decide your future. - In the West, Muslims can join politics if it serves community interests. - Vote for the lesser evil—support justice, especially for minorities.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Shahadat of Imam Jaffer As-Sadiq (AS)25th Shawwal 1446 AHThursday, April 25th 2025- "Ja‘fari" refers to Shī‘ī fiqh based on Imam Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq. - Imam aṣ-Ṣādiq had a major role in shaping Shī‘ī identity. - Shī‘ī school is rooted in the Prophet’s ḥadīth of the Qur’ān and Ahlul Bayt. - Clear distinction formed between Shī‘a and Sunni (al-‘āmmah) schools. - Imam trained scholars to preserve and teach true beliefs. - Differences in ḥadīth due to unreliable or biased narrators. - Authenticity of ḥadīth must be verified, not dismissed. - Imam taught methods to resolve conflicting narrations. - Imam advocated opposing views of al-‘āmmah due to their historic opposition to Imam ‘Ali. - Imam ‘Ali recited “Bismillah” aloud in prayer; this was upheld by Imam aṣ-Ṣādiq. - Imam corrected Abū Ḥanīfah using Qur’anic references. - Jealousy against Ahlul Bayt mentioned in Qur’an (4:54). - Imam’s last will narrated by his wife, Hamida.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Reminder of the importance of taqwa (God-consciousness) - Emphasis on voting in the upcoming Canadian Federal election - Voting is a moral responsibility and ensures justice and good governance - Not voting weakens the Muslim community’s voice - Supporting a candidate does not mean endorsing all their actions - Be informed through resources like the Canadian Muslim Vote - Some politicians use fear tactics to silence communities - Conservative leader’s comments about deporting protestors are concerning - Quran commands justice even towards those you dislike - Justice must be upheld regardless of personal ties or wealth - Reminder that the Qur’an is the best source of guidance - Christian world observes Good Friday, believing in inherited sin and Jesus’ crucifixion as atonement - Islam teaches every human is born pure and responsible only for their own actions - No one bears the burden of another’s sin, as affirmed in multiple Quranic verses - Story of Mahmud Kishunga discussing faith with a Christian priest Friday Juma Khutba April 18th, 2025 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Thursday Night MajlisApril 17th 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

- Emphasizing reading and interacting with the Qur’ān. - “Interacting” means engaging deeply, as shown in Sermon 193 of Imām ‘Ali (a). - Hammām asked Imām to describe the pious; Imām eventually listed 105 qualities. - The pious live with constant awareness of Allāh, Paradise, and Hell. - They recite the Qur’ān thoughtfully, moved by verses of hope and fear. - Hammām was so affected he passed away; Imām noted the power of sincere advice. - Shi‘as are commemorating Jannatul Baqi‘, the cemetery of the Prophet’s family. - Wahhabis oppose ziyārat, calling it grave worship. - Qur’ān 9:84 forbids praying at a hypocrite’s grave, implying it’s allowed for believers.Friday Juma KhutbaApril 11th, 2025Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)