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How body and soul guide faithful to fast |
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COLIN O'CONNOR/TORONTO STAR
Toronto teacher Jeewan Chanicka reads the Qur'an, readying himself for Islam holy month.
Aug 31, 2008 04:30 AM
Noor Javed
STAFF REPORTER
If even a tiny sliver of the moon is seen tonight, either by the unaided human eye or the precise eye of a telescope, tomorrow will mark the first day of the lunar month of Ramadan.
For the next month, Muslims across the GTA will spend their days fasting, and nights in worship. This year, with most of Ramadan falling before the fall equinox, the first few fasts will extend to nearly a 15-hour period, testing the faith and resolve of many – especially those in need of their daily caffeine fix and sugar high. But when the hunger pains hit, what is it that motivates the faithful to stay away from food and water all day? And when the mind and soul are appeased, is the body in agreement?
We offer a spiritual and physical breakdown of a fast, from the perspective of Jeewan Chanicka, who begins fasting this week, and from Dr. Iva Lloyd, a naturopathic doctor, to find out when the two states agree and when they don't.
5 a.m. – HOUR ONE
In the wee hours of the morning, before the sun even begins to appear in the horizon, Jeewan Chanicka will be awake, fuelling up for the first fast. While one would expect gorging, Chanicka is unable to, filling up only on a few pieces of toast, vitamins and water.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 August 2009 )
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From Deep Within – my quest for truth, power and purpose. |
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Reflecting on the power that comes from understanding our purpose in this world. Jeewan Chanicka's Final Essay.
Have you ever walked out into a summer’s night, no lights and just
stared into the heavens? You see millions of stars piercing the sky and
you realize your insignificance in the universe. Then, you stop and
think that each star on its own may be insignificant, but each one has
shined on a life, in fact many lives. Some of them do so for numerous
years and others- they die after a short length of time. But the truth
of the matter is, they shined. They left their print on the universe
and they have changed the way that someone saw the world around them.
At that time, you realize the power that emanates when each one
fulfills its purpose.
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Letters to the Editor
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As a teacher, I must agree with Jse-Che Lam, that Multiculturalism must not be used as a vehicle to exclude Christmas in any manner. It is a celebration that is observed, perhaps by the dominant culture of our society.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 August 2009 )
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Letters to the Editor
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It is abhorrent and extremely crude that you would choose to make fun of two criminals by linking them to the faith of over one billion people.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 August 2009 )
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Racial Profiling in the School System |
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At the heels of a recent report by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Ontario Education Minister Kennedy has taken the courageous step to explore the issue of discrimination within the school system especially as it relates to “Zero-Tolerance” policies. It is critical that he explores this issue and tries to deal with the systemic manner in which schools marginalise already marginalised students. It is a problem that not only plagues Ontario but occurs right across our great nation.
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In Response to Progressive Muslims |
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I find it interesting that Ibish, in his critique of Safi, resorts to playful images in order to deconstruct Safi's arguments. I have been having problems digesting the "egalitarian" cries of the progressive Muslims. Perhaps I am a Muslim Fundamentalist of the worst sorts then?
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Where are the Women? Part 2 - Breaking Down the Barriers |
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Recently there was a big uproar about a Muslim woman who decided to lead the Juma prayer in New York City and another who later followed suit in Toronto. It has become a fad for many of the progressive folks among us to show that they can measure up to western notions of equality. Many talked about how “progressive” this was, others lamented about the problems of living in the West while others cursed and reviled them both.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 August 2009 )
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From the pulpit to the preachers, many often proclaim Islam’s liberation of women 1400 years ago. After all Islam did recognize that women possessed souls – this acknowledged only over the past 100 years in Christianity and Islam did give women the right to vote – yet another relatively recent phenomena in Western society.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 August 2009 )
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Who will Inherit the Muslim Community? |
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Ever been to the mosque, or a talk, and listened to the speaker saying that hope for a better future lies with youth? Orators and khateebs who wow the crowds tell gripping stories of Abdullah ibn Omar, Muadh ibn Jabal, Fatima bint Muhammad, Aisha bint Abi Bakr. These great youth were able to take the words and legacy of Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the message of the Qur'an and transform the world.
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United States Hit by Another Terrorist Attack |
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Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge has elevated the threat level to fluorescent pink today, the highest it has been since the program has been implemented. Citing FBI and US Immigration reports, Ridge claimed that Hurricane Isabel was really a Moslem fundamentalist who was carrying out part of Al Qaeda’s “secret” plan to attack the United States.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 07 February 2008 )
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Recently in Canada, Toronto was shaken by the violent and brutal murder of 10 year-old Holly Jones. The youngster, who left her home to ensure that a friend safely returned home, never made it to the safety of her own home and family.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 07 February 2008 )
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Toroped (Musings post-Sept 11th) |
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Letters to the Editor
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I’ve been typing to write this since Sept. 11th but the words seem to escape me. A horrible tragedy, one like no other, on this side of the planet. I have struggled with the pain of misplaced guilt and blame focused against my family and I and the entire Muslim and Arab community.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 August 2009 )
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I am A Muslim Fundamentalist |
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Letters to the Editor
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I am A Muslim Fundamentalist.
I believe in Islam’s teachings and I have studied in the Middle East.
I did not come here. Home grown- I was born here in the heart of Canada.
I became a Muslim many years ago.
I went to university here.
I have many issues with US Foreign Policy.
I think that it is, in many cases, unjust and unfair.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 August 2009 )
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Responding to Stereotypes |
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Letters to the Editor
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As a Canadian Muslim, I have to say that Canada, a country that prides itself as being “multicultural” actually exhibits quite racist attitudes towards Islam and Muslims. This is usually seen at both the institutional level and the media.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 August 2009 )
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