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Domestic violence is definitely a very sensitive topic. On June 13th, 2015, the IISC organized a workshop with Sh. Navaid Aziz and Muslim social worker Nadia Ramadan from the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association. The workshop was held at the Sheraton Cavalier from 12pm to 2pm. Sh. Navaid's focus was on developing a correct understanding of verse 4:34, which is often used to justify violence against women. He further elaborated on the different types of abuse that may take place in a relationship and how they too are prohibited. Lastly, the Quranic perspective of the husband and wife relationship, and how the Prophet (SAW) perfectly represented it with his beautiful character. Sr. Nadia focused on what are some of the signs of being in a violent relationship, as well as what can be done to help those that we are worried about. She discussed various resources that are available for those that are in troubling relationships, and how everyone's needs can be catered to. She discussed the various court injunctions that are in play to protect women who are in abusive relationships. During the question and answer session it was clear that the people in attendance believed that domestic violence is indeed a reality that is often kept quiet about, Everyone knows someone who is some how effected by domestic violence. The aim of the workshop was to educate people so that when they encounter someone effected by domestic violence they will at the very least know what resources are available and where to direct them. We may not always be able to measure success but at the end of the day if one person walks away with information needed to save their own life or someone else's, that is success. Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim] The IISC plans to hold another workshop on domestic violence in the future, and will continue to address issues that are often not discussed in the community, insha Allah! Sr Nadia can be reached at Calgary Immigrant Women's Association 200, 138 - 4th Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 4Z6 403-263-4414 x 172 nadiar@ciwa-online.com For further reading: http://cdn.muslimmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/The-End-to-Hitting-Wome-2-2.pdf

On June 13th, 2015, the IISC gathered approximately twenty-five volunteers to go and visit the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre. Eight volunteers were in the kitchen doing some basic prep work, while the remaining stayed on the floor to serve food. A meat stew with bread, and a side salad were served to over a thousand people that evening, al hamdulillah! The volunteers were also gifted with IISC branded volunteer t-shirts, as a token of appreciation for their time and efforts. If you would like to get involved in the Drop-In Centre initiative or other volunteer opportunities please send an email to Sh. Navaid Aziz at navaid@iisc.ca

On Saturday May 9th, 2015, the IISC recruited over 20 volunteers to come and donate blood at Canada Blood Services. The blood that is collected is used for research and saving lives. With each donation saving up to 4 lives, insha Allah. Allah says: "And whoever saves one life it is as if he had saved mankind" (5:32) We pray that Allah accepts from all of those that donated. Ameen. If you would like to be notified the next time there is a blood drive, or be enrolled on the IISC volunteer list please send an email to navaid@iisc.ca

"Over 7000 people have died, and tens of thousands have been displaced by the earth quakes in Nepal. On May 1st, the IISC partnered up with Human Concern International and donated $6500, from its Friday collections, which will be matched by the government of Canada in helping the people of Nepal in their time of need. We ask Allah to grant them peace and safety, and to make things easy for them after their time of difficulty. Ameen. " On Saturday May 9th, 2015, the IISC recruited over 20 volunteers to come and donate blood at Canada Blood Services. The blood that is collected is used for research and saving lives. With each donation saving up to 4 lives, insha Allah. Allah says: "And whoever saves one life it is as if he had saved mankind" (5:32) We pray that Allah accepts from all of those that donated. Ameen. If you would like to be notified the next time there is a blood drive, or be enrolled on the IISC volunteer list please send an email to navaid@iisc.ca

Allhumduillah our wonderful volunteers were acknowledged by being added to the DI Wall of Fame for being Difference Makers. Masha Allah!

On Sunday May 3rd, The IISC participated in the 48th Annual City of Calgary Pathway and River Cleanup. We were assigned to the Saddleridge/Taradale Green area which is just off 68th st and 64 Ave NE. We had around 50 volunteers gather about 500lbs of garbage collectively for close to three hours. The total clean up across the city of Calgary covered about 200KM of pathways and river banks, and had over 2800 people registered as volunteers. As Muslims we have a responsibility towards our planet and community, and if we cannot benefit them then the very least we can do is to try to remove the harm. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him said), “Every small bone of everyone has upon it a charitable act for everyday upon which the sun rises. Bringing about justice between two is an act of charity. Helping a man get on his mount, lifting him onto it or helping him put his belongings onto it, is a charitable act. A good word is a charitable act. Every step you take toward the prayer is a charitable act. And removing a harmful thing from the path is a charitable act.” (Recorded in al-Bukhari and Muslim). The city of Calgary website states: "The purpose of the Pathway and River Cleanup is to remove litter that has accumulated over the winter months along our pathways and river banks, but the event is about more than just picking up garbage. It’s about working together to keep our parks, pathways and shared spaces free of materials that could harm us, our environment and our city’s wildlife. It is also about sustainability, knowing our efforts today in keeping Calgary litter free will have a lasting effect on the health of our environment and the vibrancy of our city for many years to come." If you would like to be a part of this initiative next year or a part of any of the other activities of the IISC please send an email to navaid@iisc.ca and we will contact you for our next event, insha Allah.

On April 6th, 2015 the IISC sponsored dinner for over eleven hundred people at the Calgary Drop In and Rehab Center. Dinner consisted of roast beef, corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, and a brownie. Under the supervision of Sh. Navaid Aziz there were 22 volunteers from all across the city consisting of brothers and sisters, young and old, and all ethnicities. In fact of our youngest volunteer that day was just 10 years old! The IISC usually volunteers at the Calgary Drop in and Rehab facility on the first Sunday of every month. If you’re interested in gaining a meaningful experience, learning to be grateful, or just to get to know likeminded Muslims please drop an email to navaid@iisc.ca to reserve your spot. May Allah accept from us all. Ameen!

When the Prophet –Salla Allahu ‘alaihi wa sallam- entered Madinah the very first sermon he gave the people was: “Feed the people, spread the salam, and pray while the people are asleep, and you will enter paradise in peace.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari) In wanting to follow this tradition, the Islamic Information Society of Calgary (IISC) started up a volunteer initiative to feed the poor and homeless at the Calgary Drop-In Centre. The first batch of twenty five volunteers went on January 29th, 2015 where they served dinner and were able to get a tour of the facility. On February 1st, 2015 the IISC sponsored the dinner and had twenty five more people volunteer with the serving and clean up. Over the two days close to two thousand people were given a warm and nutritious meal, alhamdulillah! The IISC will be continuing to volunteer on the first weekend of every month, insha Allah. If you’re interested in volunteering, or would like mo re information, please contact Sh. Navaid Aziz at navaid@iisc.ca.