The believer is harder than a mountain, for the mountain - The World ...

Mosaic Group Interfaith EventToronto, CanadaOn 22 February 2009, the Tabligh Board of thethe Jaffari Islamic community of Toronto hostedthe Mosaic Group interfaith event. This initiativeis an opportunity for diverse communities tonetowork with one another in the Greater Torontoarea. Community members shared their strengthand history to understand justice and patience intoday’s society.In Islam, one’s spiritual growth involves workingtogether with acceptance of social responsibilitiesand collaboration. Moreover, sharing knowledgeabout Islam is a responsibility of all Muslims.The strength of all Shias is established from thesacrifices of Imam Husayn (AS) and his family.While sharing our religious history, the speakersdefined the true Islamic teachings on jihad andsacrifice. The group had the opportunity to networkto find similarities in religious teachings, andshared insight in the potency of Islamic beliefs.Several guests saw the advertisement in the localnewspaper and were drawn to come to the ISIJmosque for the first time.A thought provoking presentation by MaulanaSayyid Muhammad Rizvi provided an insightand reflection to the events of Kerbala and thesacrifices of Imam Husayn (AS), his family and hiscompanions.The Mosaic Group has been in existence foralmost 30 years and is actively involved inpromoting ‘understanding’ among various faithsin Canada, especially in Ontario. The organisationwas originally initiated by a Christian group;later, the Jewish Temple Har Zion and the JaffariIslamic Centre began participating in an activeway. Currently, there are several organisationsrepresenting Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism,Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism whopaint the complete picture of this Mosaic.Several people from the Zion Temple, the UnitedChurch and other places of worship attended thisevent.Many individuals commented, ‘We need to knowmore of Imam Husayn (AS) as a leader, man andhis stand on social justice.’While reflecting on the historical sacrifices thatestablished social justice some 1400 years ago,there was a consensus among the participantsthat in today’s society we all need connections toachieve peace and harmony.8Insight Jamaadi al Ula 1431 / May 2010