| |
 Print
Welcoming Syrian Rufegees defines who we are as Canadians
12-16-2015
Canadians believe that Stephen Harper’s Conservatives are the supposed flag bearer of right-wing, pro-Christian ideology in Canada. Ironically, since October 19, 2015, as in past, it is the Center-Left, supposedly the secular Liberals have proven, time and again, that it is they, who are the true flag-bearers of Christian ideology and fundamentals of compassion, mercy, generosity, and open-heartedness. Especially, when it comes to the relationship between Islam and Christianity. In Fact, the two Abrahamic Monotheistic faiths have so much in common that the difference between the two was drawn with a line in sand, more than 1400 years ago by a Christian King, Negus of Abyssina, the very first refuge for persecuted Muslims in Arabia.
In the earliest days of Islam, Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon Him) followers were being persecuted in Makkah. He advised his followers to migrate to Abyssinia. He suggested to them to leave Makkah and to seek sanctuary in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) which was then ruled by a Christian king, well-known for being a just and God-fearing man. Although Prophet Mohammed had never met the Christian king, nor had he ever visited his land. Yet, his advice to his followers was indeed prophetic.
The Makkans sent emissaries to the king, describing Muslims as hooligans, and trouble makers, and requested the king to hand them over to them. King Negus gave fair opportunities to the Muslims to narrate their side of the story. Inquiring, what does Prophet Mohammed PBUH has to say about Jesus and Mary. The Muslims recited the verses from chapter 19 (Mary) from the Quran. King Negus rose from his throne, took a straw from the ground and said, “By God, Jesus, son of Mary, does not exceed what you have said by the length of this straw.” He told Makkan’s to returned back, and refused to hand over Muslims to them, and extended complete freedom and security to Muslims in his land.
Similarly, when Muslims, under the second Caliph, Omar Bin Khattab conquered Jerusalem, peacefully, the Christians asked him to pray in their church but he declined. He said he was afraid that in the future Muslims could use this as an excuse to take over the Church to build a Masjid.
The Christians gave the key of the Church of Resurrection to Muslims to be responsible for its safety. This key is still with the Muslims today as a sign and symbol of the mutual trust.
In the 11th century Sultan Salah el Deen Ayyubi (Saladin) liberated Jerusalem from them in 1187. His arrival brought relief for the local Christian population, who helped him, after the oppression they suffered at the hands of their co-religionists, the Crusaders. Not only did Saladin treat the Crusaders with kindness, he ensured that Muslims and non-Muslims lived in peace and harmony with each other. He ordered restorations of Churches and Synagogues, starting with the Church of Nativity, birth place of Jesus, (Peace be upon Him)
When we reflect back at those historical events of the past. The love, peace and harmony between the followers of two Abrahamic faiths. It is indeed comforting to see Canada’s response to the Syrian Refugee Crises, under Honourable, Prime Minister Trudeau, has once again made Canada a safe sanctuary for persecuted Muslims, half way around the world. This is something Mr. Trudeau had promised during the election campaign and he not only delivered it. Remarkably enough he made himself personally available as first load of refugees arrived at the Toronto Airport.
This compare to the previous Harper government is a difference of day and night. Harper government, contrary to Christian teachings, was too busy stalling the refugee process, and was selective in allowing Christian refugees from Syria and was more focus on bombing Syria, rather than assisting Syrians.
Indeed, Liberal’s government decision has sparked a debate in Canada, which is healthy for democracy. However, it has also sparked a row of hatred towards Muslims – Islamophobia. Canadians have witnessed graffiti on public transit in Calgary. Simultaneously, seminars are being held across the country at universities, from UBC to U of R, clarifying government’s position, and that not all refugees arriving in Canada are Muslims. There are thousands of Christian Syrians who are also affected by the war in Syria. Overall, as people become more educated on this sensitive topic the good is winning over evil.
The most heart warming aspect of this phase which Canada is going through. It is bringing Canadians closer to each other. British Columbia’s leading Sunni Muslim organization, The BCMA, held a fundraising dinner to sponsor Syrian Refugees, and they will do so regardless of the family religious background. BCMA has come forward in providing Arabic language assistance to refugees arriving to BC. At the same dinner, the United Church of Canada donated $27K to sponsor one family. As Liberal MP. Mr. Randeep Sarai, speaking at the dinner summed it up that the Syrian refugees arriving will not only be just Sunni Muslims, there will be Christians as well as Shia Muslims, but as Canadians we welcome them all. This is Canada is all about.
The Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikhs, and many other communities across Canada have banded together to assist Syrian refugees arriving to Canada. This is what makes Canada unique in the world. Standing shoulder to shoulder together for one cause are silencing a small minority, who are spreading hate. But loud voices of love, compassion, generosity, are silencing the voices of hatred and contempt.
There are knitting circles formed throughout Canada, knitting toques to ensure the arriving refugees are given a warm welcome and ensuring the refugees are protected against the real enemy in Canada – Cold!
There is not a single town or city in Canada where businesses, labour congresses, chamber of commerce, individuals and businesses who are not donating clothes, furniture, housing, to help settle these refugees.
At the end as Canadian Muslims reflect at what is happening around them they realize. A Christian land was the first sanctuary for the persecuted Muslims of Makkah, and over centuries, they continue to migrate to Christian land to seek refuge. In return, the Muslims have always had the highest respect for the Christians. As Prophet Mohammed said, all prophets, from Adam until Mohammed (Peace be upon them all) are one fellowship, and in this fellowship, the closest to me is Jesus, the son of Mary.
Footnotes:
|