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Life is full of challenges and tests of faith.
Everyday we are braced with a new trial and this
is especially true when we try to follow the
straight path. Shaitan finds a way to decrease
our iman and distract us from doing good
deeds. For example, the recent controversy over
ISNA's audit staggered
and confused many of us. The report claimed that
our dear Ustazah, Dr. Farhat was sponsored by
ISNA to immigrate to
Canada.
Organizations often invite scholars and speakers
from all around the world to teach the local
community. This initiative is necessary to
support the continuation of multiculturalism in
society. Lectures and orators transmit cultural
and ethnic values, and foster bonding. Dr.
Farhat Hashmi is part of Canada's traditional
cultural mosaic.
It is true ISNA
sponsored Ustazah, but it was not for
immigration purposes. ISNA
invited her to deliver lectures and conduct
study programs in Canada for the Muslim
community, especially women and children. The
Muslim community is immensely thankful to
ISNA for requesting her
presence in Canada. Dr. Farhat is a renowned
scholar of Qur'an and Hadith, she holds a
doctorate from Glasgow university, Scotland. She
is also the founder of a welfare organization
that provides relief to poverty and disaster
stricken victims. Dr. Farhat has previously
taught in the UK, US and Australia. She did not
immigrate to any of the countries of her visit.
The Muslim community of Canada is privileged to
have the opportunity to learn from an
intellectual of her caliber.
The Star's libel against Dr. Farhat
Hashmi is disappointing, narrow and false. It
undermines Dr. Farhat's contributions to the
Muslim community and the Canadian society.
We personally feel that this a test from Allah. When
we are not grateful for the blessings of Allah, He
removes from us the light of knowledge through which
we can recognize and appreciate Him. Dr. Farhat is
one such source of light which illuminated many
numerous lives.
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