NASIMCO Post
A Fortnightly Newsletter February 15th, 2010
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In This Issue
*Ya Sakina Appeal
*Qum Summer Camp 2010
*NASIMCO Protests Karachi Bombings
*Obituary: Marhoom Nisar Sheraly
*Election Results - Africa Federation
 
FEATURED CHARITIES
 
Donate towards the Haiti Relief Fund 
 
Donate towards the Al-Qaim Sponsor Our Seniors Appeal
 
  Make a Donation 
 
DISCOVERING ISLAM
 
Muslim Inventions That Shaped the Modern World
 
"
Think of the origins of that staple of modern life, the cup of coffee, and Italy often springs to mind. But in fact, Yemen is where the ubiquitous brew has its true origins.
 
Along with the first university, and even the toothbrush, it is among surprising Muslim inventions that have shaped the world we live in today...
 
...Here Hassani shares his top 10 outstanding Muslim inventions:
 
1. Surgery
2. Coffee
3. Flying Machine
4. University
5. Algebra
6. Optics
7. Music
8. Toothbrush
9. The Crank
10. Hospitals"
 
To read more, click here.
 
ISLAM IN THE NEWS 
 
Signs of Shia Courage
 
"The horrific bomb blasts of late January and early February in Baghdad and Karbala, which killed dozens and wounded hundreds, illustrate the dangers facing Shias living in Iraq, and the insecurity that continues to plague parts of the country after the war. So it is striking to see so many people -- young and old, Iraqis and foreigners -- making the dangerous journey to Karbala.

...Just looking at the crowds leaves you breathless. What adds to the peculiarity of the phenomenon is that, as the security conditions get worse, even more people are motivated, it seems, to challenge the terrorist threats and march in defiance to Karbala."
 
To read more, click here.
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Salaam Alaykum!

As part of its vision and mission, the NASIMCO Post serves as a tool by which to bind our community together and promote a united and caring environment for all. If you have anything you would like to include in this newsletter, contact us at [email protected].
 
 
 

Ya Sakina Breath of Life Appeal

The 'Ya Sakina Breath of Life Appeal' was launched at the start of Muharram. The aim of this Appeal by The World Federation was to raise funds to buy 1,000 nebulizers for the children of Iraq. In 2009, over 3,000 children in Iraq died from complications caused by the lack of treatment for asthma, when most of these deaths could have been prevented.

NASIMCO would like to thank all those who contributed to this cause. In North America, NASIMCO received contributions directly from donors; the total amount raised was: $6,400.00 (CAD) and $2,800.00 (USD). In addition, member Jamaats that assisted with the Appeal reported the following contributions to date:
 
- Anjuman-e-Asghari, Minnesota: $25.00 (USD)
- Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre, Vancouver: $425.00 (CAD)      
- Islamic Jaffaria Association, Miami: $2050 (USD) 
 
The World Federation Relief team through Imamia Medics Inc. is working deligently with suppliers of the equipment to ship the much needed nebulizers to Iraq as soon as possible. Please note that the Ya Sakina Breath of Life Appeal is now closed.
Qum Summer Camp 2010

There are 12 Pre-Registration spots now available for the Bab al-Ilm and Madinah al-Ilm Camps in Qum this summer. The two age groups are 14-17 and 18-24 respectively. Both courses consist of an academic aspect and a cultural aspect, giving participants a holistic experience of Hawza studies and life in Iran while facilitating a spiritual journey of self-discovery. Anyone interested can book their Pre-Registration spots NOW by placing a $100.00 deposit. 

Qum Camp

In the past, residents of the USA wishing to partake in either of these Summer Camps have faced problems getting visas for Iran. This year, however, NASIMCO will be assisting in getting the visas to Iran for both Canadian and USA participants.
NASIMCO Protests Karachi Bombings
NASIMCO strongly condemns the attacks on innocent Shias in Pakistan who were targeted repeatedly while commemorating the sacrifice of Imam Hussein (AS) in Karbala. 
 
After the bombings that took place in Karachi on the day of Ashura, and more recently, on the day of Arbaeen, NASIMCO has taken the initiative and written to the High Commissioner for Pakistan to Canada, the Ambassador of Pakistan to the USA and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to protest the lack of security provided to the Shias in Pakistan on both of these holy occasions. Copies of the letters for your reference can be read here: Ashura & Arbaeen.
Obituary: Marhoom Nisar Sheraly
It was with immense sadness that the news of Marhoom Nisar Sheraly's demise was received on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010.
 
Marhoom contributed in numerous ways to the community and in particular, to NASIMCO IEB.  The Madressah Teacher Training Institute (MTTI), a program set up by Marhoom with NASIMCO IEB , provided teacher training sessions to Madaris around the world in an attempt to enhance the quality of teaching. His efforts also took the teacher training project online where podcasts were available to teachers as part of this scheme. Marhoom served as the principal of the MTTI and As-Sadiq Islamic School of Toronto for a number of years. He was a great writer, playwright, educator and community leader. His loss will be felt throughout the Khoja Shia community.

Nisar Sheraly 

May Allah (SWT) accept Marhoom's good deeds and place him in near proximity to his beloved 14 Masumeen (AS). Ameen.
Election Results - Africa Federation
On February 5th, 2010, Alhaj Anverali Rajabali Dharamsi was declared as Chairman elect of Africa Federation, subsequent to the withdrawal of Alhaj Mustafa Panju from the Electoral Running for the term 2010 - 2013.
 
NASIMCO would like to extend its heartiest congratulations to Alhaj Anverali Rajabali Dharamsi on being acclaimed to this new post. May Allah (SWT) grant him the tawfeeq to continue serving the community in Africa.