IMPACT REPORT 2013-14

IMPACT
REPORT
2013-14
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
LETTER
FROM THE
CHAPLAIN
Assalamu ‘alaykum,
Being a young Muslim in today’s world isn’t easy. Widespread misconceptions about Islam can be confusing for a Muslim student who’s
attempting to shape an authentic identity rooted in their faith.
That’s what the Muslim Chaplaincy is here for. We help students make
sense of their faith and role in the world. We strive to embody the
Prophetic qualities of mercy and guidance for Muslim students in a
modern campus context. We provide consistent support for their
emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs through personal
counseling sessions, educational programs, and religious services.
In the last year alone, we’ve had over a hundred personal counseling
sessions, five dynamic weekly classes, and almost 300 congregants
regularly attend Jum‘ah Prayers on campus.
OUR MISSION
The Muslim Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto engages
Muslim youth by providing an inclusive space for them to
foster a meaningful Muslim identity, enriched and supported
by quality educational and counseling services.
So why is this work important? University campuses are vibrant
centres of intellectual and cultural creation that play a pivotal role in
shaping our society. As the upcoming generation of Muslims engage
with these institutions, it’s absolutely essential that we have support
systems like the Muslim Chaplaincy assisting them through
the process.
With your continued support, we intend to establish an institution
firmly rooted in the Prophetic Way of knowledge, service, and
excellence. And there is no power nor ability except by Allah.
Wassalamu ‘alaykum,
Amjad Tarsin
Chaplain and Executive Director
WHO WE ARE
amjad tarsin
Chaplain
ruqayyah ahdab
Outgoing Managing
Director
shaheryar gilani
Managing Director
rameez mahmood
Outgoing Managing
Director
DEDICATED
VOLUNTEERS
muhammad sadick
Outreach Coordinator
zerzar bukhari
Strategy Coordinator
qurrat ansari
Photographer
zahra maamir
Hospitality
Coordinator
fiqri ramli
Designer
over 100
personal counseling sessions
3 weekly classes
each Semester
15,ooo listens
on soundcloud
WHAT
WE’VE
DONE
300 congregants
weekly at Friday Prayer
PROGRAMS
Your support goes towards counseling, which is a critical
service for students seeking faith-based advice in a safe
and non-judgmental environment. Your support also goes
towards providing relevant educational and spiritual
services such as classes, discussions, and film screenings.
counseling
One of the most important objectives of the Muslim Chaplaincy is to provide
faith-based counseling and positive mentorship. Within the last year, Amjad has held
over 100 confidential counseling sessions, ranging from questions of faith to ways of
dealing with school stress. This is a critical service for students looking for a safe
space to ask questions, seek spiritual guidance, and connect with an experienced
counselor.
knowing the one
soulfood
University is a place where one’s faith is often challenged. Knowing the One, taught by Sh. Ramzy
Ajem, was an interactive series that sought to provide a foundational theological framework within
which students could achieve a deeper understanding of our faith and connection to God.
Our souls, like our bodies, need nourishment in
order to survive. SoulFood, a weekly discussion
circle, seeks to create a safe space where students
can connect and reflect communally on spiritual
well-being and the lived experience of Islam.
being muslim
the sacred trust
Being Muslim was a series that covered the essential aspects of Islam in a fresh and innovative way.
This series covered the basics of faith, practice, and
spirituality in a way that was both accessible and
relevant to university students.
Reflecting upon the Qur'an and statements of the
Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, this series
taught about the principles of outreach within
Islam. By studying the character of the noble
Prophet Muhammad and contextualizing his teachings, students were taught to embody his example
so that they too could become beacons of goodness and guidance for others.
embodied light
This year-long series taught at UTM focused on the
most noble qualities and praiseworthy characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and mercy
be upon him. The purpose of this series was to
inspire students to increase in love of the Prophet,
emulate his qualities, and become more refined
believers.
toronto premiere of
unmosqued
The Muslim Chaplaincy hosted the premiere screening of UnMosqued, a documentary film which aims
to engage a group of people who have been
disconnected from their local mosques and explore
the various reasons that have led to this sentiment.
About 250 people were in attendance for the
screening, and the film was followed by a Q&A with
the director and our chaplain.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
shabina hassan,
mother:
farhia farah:
I was heavily involved with the Muslim Students'
Association and alhamdulilah as an organization,
we were able to offer many services. But with the
creation of the Muslim Chaplaincy at University of
Toronto meant that there would be someone—Amjad—who would be able to help out
students and fulfil that need that surely existed.
Even as a student executive, having a trusted
person to ask for counsel was priceless because
we didn’t always know the answers and needed
mentoring ourselves. The MSA also benefited as
most of our classes and religious matters are now
in collaborations with the Chaplaincy.
As for myself, the Chaplaincy has helped me grow
as a Muslim—in practice, knowledge, and spirituality—and it has inspired me to pursue a similar road
in my future insha Allah. This is a realization that I
would not have had if I had not seen the Chaplaincy operate at UofT, for I have been able to see
firsthand its immense impact. The Chaplaincy
offers various services to the community but the
most valuable and lasting one for me is the
creation of a safe Muslim space within the GTA
where one will always find benefit and achieve
growth.
When my son first told me U of T and
UTM was going to be getting a Muslim
Chaplaincy, my reaction was that of
indifference, and out loud I merely said
“Oh that will be nice.” I had not realized
the depth of how having a Muslim Chaplain on campus would influence both of
my sons’ undergrad years. University
life would never be the same for them
and so many other Muslim sons and
daughters studying at the university.
In his role as Chaplain, Br. Amjad has
been an excellent teacher and source of
guidance for my sons and certainly for
so many of their friends as well. His firm
background in studying sacred knowledge, and his awareness of the issues
faced by our youth today, combined
with his ability to relate to young people
makes him the ideal person to be in this
position.
MashaAllah Br. Amjad is such a great
role model for my sons. He has built
friendships with them, he’s their mentor,
advisor and confidant, and I hope and
pray, their friendship will be a lifelong
one, InshaAllah. As a parent, I’m so
grateful firstly, to Allah SWT for providing my sons with such an amazing circle
to be surrounded by and involved in.
Secondly, to Br. Amjad for being present, actively involved and such a positive influence in their lives Alhamdulillah!
As a parent, in my opinion, it is vital that
the Muslim Chaplaincy at U of T continue. We must all support this amazing
initiative for the future of the next
generation of Muslim professionals
living and working in Canada.
omar alsayyed:
The Muslim Chaplaincy couldn't have come at a
better time – a time of transition – and The Muslim
Chaplaincy was the gear in the machinations of
change and Ihsan. I felt an immediate attachment
to Ustadh Amjad, the discussion circles, and the
classes that he leads. I longed for such company
and spiritual satisfaction, for a teacher without
the commercial classroom.
Classes like Embodied Light and The Blessed
Circle made positive contributions to my life and
gave me direction. They brought me closer to the
Sultan of Hearts (peace be upon him), and to
those in his life. They gave me a sense of brotherhood and a sense of belonging to a spiritually
uplifting gathering where the blessings are abundant, both on us and the Prophet (peace be upon
him). More importantly, The Muslim Chaplaincy
reprogrammed my taste and disposition in a way
that allowed me to consume and enjoy Islamic
material. Now, I'm always looking for a new book
to read.
BUILDING
FOR THE
FUTURE
Assalamu ‘alaykum!
Imagine a bustling community of thousands of young Muslims. This community has no religious or spiritual mentor. Who do they go to in times of
need? Who helps them work through complex emotional or spiritual
challenges? Who is qualified enough to assist them when peer counseling
is not enough? I think we can agree that this situation seems far from
ideal, right? Well, that was our campus community before Amjad came.
experience the journey
of these 30 lives
Each one of these 30 lives shares the story of how
the Muslim Chaplaincy helped make a positive
change for them. If their stories touch you, commit
to making the Chaplaincy permanent with a
continuous contribution.
We appreciate the continuous support of our
generous donors over the last year. However we
have only reached 60% of our goal.
Help make the Muslim Chaplaincy sustainable by
becoming a monthly donor today.
find out more at:
mcuoft.com/30lives
When Amjad was chosen as our chaplain two years ago, I was serving as
UTM MSA’s President. I was able to witness first-hand the effect the
Muslim Chaplaincy had on the student experience. Although I was excited at the prospect of having a Muslim Chaplain on campus, I only fully
understood the value after seeing the work in action.
The service that surprised me most the most was counseling. The overwhelming amount of students who felt the need to speak to someone in
a safe, nonjudgmental environment about their complex struggles was
truly astonishing. It was obvious that there was a serious need there that
wasn’t being addressed before.
I believe in the Muslim Chaplaincy. I believe it can make a difference in the
lives of countless students coming through University. I believe we can
build an institution to serve Muslim students across Canada. And, with
Allah’s assistance, I am committed to realizing the full potential of the
Muslim Chaplaincy.
But we can’t move forward without your continued support. We all
recognize the need to support Muslim youth, but we need more people
to stand behind the institutions that provide these services. The Muslim
Chaplaincy is one such institution, and we are committed to moving
forward with vibrancy, purpose, and excellence. Let’s build the future
together. Become a supporter today.
Shaheryar Gilani
Managing Director
Emmanuel College Room 016
75 Queen's Park Crescent E
Toronto ON M5S 1K7
(416) 813-4099
@mcuoft
/mcuoft
www.mcuoft.com