Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Sarnia Muslim's still say Islam is a religion of Peace....


The Sarnia Muslim Association strongly condemns the tragic and senseless attacks which recently took place in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec and in Ottawa.
These acts of violence, which took the lives of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, have deeply troubled Muslims here in Sarnia, and across Canada, and like our fellow citizens, we have felt horror, shock and sadness about the loss of innocent lives.
We also unequivocally condemn these and all other acts of terror, on Canadian soil and abroad, and want to make very clear that such acts have no place in religion and go completely against Islam and all of its teachings.
We join with numerous other Islamic groups, leaders and mosques in wholeheartedly condemning these recent events and stand in solidarity with our fellow Canadians.
We send our condolences to the victims of these attacks and our thoughts and prayers are with Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and their loved ones in this very difficult time.
Aruba Mahmud
Outreach and education secretary
Sarnia Muslim Association​
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Islam a religion of peace and goodwill

Wednesday, Oct. 22 is a day none of us, Canadians, will ever forget.
As many others, I have watched the news all day long with an increased anxiety and feeling of terror that engulfed my household. My daughter is a U-Ottawa student and works as a part-time staffer in one of the MP offices right in the middle of the Parliament complex. While, luckily, it was not a work day for her but most of her colleagues and friends were there. She had served the past year as a page in the House of Commons and was there day in and day out. While there, she got to work with and know most of the House staff, security personal as well as politicians.
As a family, we visited the Parliament during March break 2014 with my visiting parents. I vividly remember my parents walking down the Hall of Honour and taking photos next to all the great monuments and in front of the doors of the Parliament’s Library. My parents were amazed by how open our government and parliament is to the point that we can walk through the heart of it without any barriers or scrutiny from the security.
All this has changed!
On that day, Ottawa was shut down. The government offices, universities, schools and all public transit were under a lock down. The sense of terror and anxiety had reigned over the population and Canadians watching the news unfold there.
As a mother, a Canadian, and a Muslim, I was appalled by what I have seen. Any lunatic can terrorize this vast majority for no other reason than his/her own beliefs and fanatic perception. I felt dismayed that the attacker belonged, by name, to my religion. While he is responsible for his own actions, it unfortunately paints a grim and deceiving picture to our Muslim population and our religion everywhere. It was a sad day for all of us Muslim Canadians who had nothing to do with his radical beliefs or horrid actions.
Islam is a tranquil religion that encourages peace, good manners and good will towards the rest of the population and among ourselves. It has been victimized by all those hijackers who claim to do whatever they believe is right under its name and banner.
This tragedy has been growing for so many years now, tarnishing the reputation of Islam and Muslims all over the world. From the 911 attacks to the ISIS atrocities, the actions and violence is overwhelming. While I don’t feel apologetic for their crimes, I am deeply saddened by them.
The Islam that we teach to our young generations, here in Sarnia and all over the world, is about one’s relationship with God Almighty. We teach them, as we have been taught, to be good people, to observe their duties towards God, their parents, their families, their neighbours and their communities. We teach them to live in harmony with the rest of the creation and with their environment.
Islam is a way of life, not a set of acts of worship. Islam encourages us to feed the hungry, help the needy and provide for those who don’t have the means. Islam does not encourage us to transgress against any non-Muslims or Muslims alike.
It does not grant us paradise when we kill non-Muslims or blow ourselves to bits. That is not our religion!
Sahar Nasr

Principal
Sarnia Muslim Association Friday School​

Monday, July 7, 2014

"Sarnia woman fined in death of cyclist Gerald Plain"

Life of 64 year old cyclist worth only $2500 fine for careless driving....... WTF?

At a minimum, it should have been a loss of driving privileges for life and at least 1 year behind bars!

Cyclists, beware of the crazy drivers around here!

 

From the Sarnia Observer......


http://www.theobserver.ca/2014/07/07/sarnia-woman-fined-in-death-of-cyclist-gerald-plain


Sarnia woman fined in death of cyclist Gerald Plain 

Observer Staff


The driver involved in the Nov. 19, 2012 fatal collision with cyclist Gerald Plain has been fined $2,500 for careless driving.
Christine McEwen, 39, of Sarnia, pleaded guilty to the charge Monday in Sarnia court.
McEwen had originally been charged with criminal negligence, but based on evidence heard during an earlier preliminary hearing it was determined there was no prospect of a conviction.
The fine was not a reflection of Plain's life or the loss suffered by his family, said Justice Deborah Austin.
Plain died Nov. 19 from injuries sustained in a collision with a vehicle on LaSalle Line in St. Clair Township.
He was riding his bicycle at the time, in the correct lane and wearing an orange reflective vest.
His death is one of several incidents that has spurred local cyclists to advocate for better conditions on Sarnia-Lambton roadways.
The 64-year-old was affectionately known as "Shuggie Otis" and regularly cycled to his daughter's house, always cautious, with a reputation as someone who followed the rules of the road.
A victim impact statement described Plain as "careful Gerry" due to the care he took in riding his bike. The statement by his sister said he would forever be in the minds of his family.