Mawlana Hazar Imam has approved a set of new guidelines for our uniformed volunteers who render service day in, day out, in Jamatkhanas and beyond, including a revised motto, badge, and uniform.

The ethic of voluntary service has a long-enduring history in our Jamat. Besides reflecting the values of our Tariqah, this centuries-old tradition of giving of one’s time and resources encourages initiative, develops leadership capacity, and offers opportunities for an individual’s personal and professional development.

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To help newly arrived individuals and families access online educational programs and services, we are seeking donations of new or gently used chromebooks and laptops.

Donations will be picked up by volunteers at a designated, prearranged time. To donate a device, please email The Ismaili Council for Edmonton.

We are currently looking for energetic and passionate Family Navigators, who will provide support in building individual and family plans. The Family Navigator will offer extensive, direct one-on-one support to build a plan that addresses each individual or family's needs, and identify access to resources.

Family Navigators can be based anywhere in Canada and will report to the Local Council Member. This is a one-year commitment, and candidates must provide the Vulnerable Police Reference Check/ the Vulnerable Sector Screening clearance in order to be considered. Fluency in speaking/writing both English and French is an asset.

For more details and to apply, please refer to Opportunities to Serve.

Learn more about Future Ready Initiative.

Meet Salim, 37, and Nasim, 35, who have two children: Jayden, 7, and Sarah, 5. Salim and Nasim were always arguing, but it elevated during COVID-19 as they were both working from home. Both Salim and Nasim agreed that separation was best, but they still argued over a visitation schedule and decisions relating to Jayden and Sarah.

Jayden’s teacher noticed he was being disruptive at school, while Sarah’s teacher noticed she was being very quiet. Both teachers talked to their parents, who had not realized the impact on their children.

A friend of Salim’s suggested that he try mediation to obtain a secure visitation schedule with his children, as the court process could be very costly. Nasim also agreed to mediation since the conflict was impacting her children.

The Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB) was established by Mawlana Hazar Imam based on the ethics of Islam, including tolerance, compassion, honesty, and integrity. CAB provides free mediation services to help the Jamat resolve disputes.

CAB mediators receive extensive training   throughout their term. The CAB process is completely voluntary – all parties mutually agree to come to the table to resolve their dispute. Our Imam has repeatedly asked that the Jamat should seek to resolve conflicts through compromise so that each party may retain their dignity. CAB helps parties find solutions that are mutually beneficial to all.

Since 2012, CAB has managed over 1,100 cases across the country; these involved  matrimonial and business disputes, helping Jamati members reach agreeable settlements and saving a significant amount in legal fees. During the last term, CAB successfully resolved 70% of the cases that were brought to them.

When an individual is in a dispute, despite their best intentions, emotions and anger can take over. This may negatively impact the relationship with their children and other family members. Having a neutral third person can help to resolve disputes in a fair manner. In matrimonial disputes, as in other disputes, there are emotional, financial, legal, and various other costs on all parties. CAB can help address issues that couples in conflict face, as well as address the concerns regarding child custody, access, parenting plans, child and spousal support, and property division.

While conflict is a normal part of life, we must all think about dispute prevention strategies. For matrimonial matters, this includes improving non-defensive communication, active listening, and sincere dialogue to avoid misunderstandings and disputes.

In the case of Salim and Nasim - their mediator from CAB, Salma, in collaboration with other Jamati Institutional support, helped them  understand their concerns, consider their children’s needs, and develop a solution that worked for everyone. Salma also helped Salim and Nasim to develop a parenting plan.

“The kids are definitely happier and more settled now,” said Nasim. “Salma from CAB helped us create a solution that worked for us. This wasn’t easy, but we did what was best for the children. Mediation helped us move things in the right direction.”

For more information on how CAB can be of assistance, please visit the CAB website.

For more information or support services, please contact the Access Line at 1-888-536-3599.

Every year on December 3, we are reminded of the importance of disability inclusion and how we can play our part in ensuring our communities thrive by virtue of their diversity.

The Special Kin Inclusion Program (SKIP) provides social support for individuals with physical/developmental disabilities as well as their families.

Learn more about our SKIP community members and their aspirations by watching this video entitled: #thisability.

For more information on the program in your region, please contact your SKIP representative:

• Ontario 
• Prairies 
• Ottawa 
• Quebec and Maritimes 
• Edmonton 
• British Columbia 
• National 

Learn more about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Challenges are a normal part of life, which individuals can address and cope with in various ways. When facing them, these trials can test all aspects of life, including our romantic relationships.

In this recorded webinar, registered psychologists Alshaba Billawala and Shezlina Haji share insights on how to effectively navigate the difficulties that couples often face and maintain healthy relationships.

View the full webinar: “Connection and Disconnection in Love – Working Through Relationship Conflict”.

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Alshaba Billawala is a registered psychologist working in private practice in Calgary. She works with adolescents as well as adult individuals and couples on various issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, marital and relationship difficulties, grief and loss, and experiences with abuse.

Shezlina Haji is a registered psychologist working in private practice in Calgary. She works with adult individuals and couples, helping them work through everyday life challenges. Some of her areas of interest include relationship difficulties and emotion regulation.

November is Family Violence Prevention Month, a time to promote awareness and education about this important social issue.

Family violence can take many forms and affects all members of society regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, culture, education or financial status. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened pressures on the family unit and as a result we are seeing an increase in domestic violence across Canada. We invite you to strengthen your family connections this month and learn what you can do to support those in need.

Throughout the month of November, several informative webinars on various ways to strengthen family relationships, address family violence & domestic abuse, and access support and resources, were introduced to the jamat.

Watch the latest webinar that aired this week: 

Let’s Talk About Abuse: Love Shouldn’t Hurt

Other recorded webinars:

• Languages of Love
• Connection & Disconnection in Love: Working Through Relationship Conflict
• Love Under Lockdown
• Love Shouldn’t Hurt: A Journey to Safety

Until November 30, Ismaili CIVIC will be hosting a donation drive to collect items for NISA Homes, a not-for-profit charity organization that provides shelters across Canada to Muslim women, children and families experiencing domestic and/or family violence and homelessness. Take part in this virtual drive by purchasing items from their Amazon wish list until November 30, to be delivered directly to your local shelter.

To find out more about the webinars and donation drive, or to access a list of local resources and support available to you, visit Ismaili CIVIC.

These unprecedented times continue to affect on many of our relationships. In this webinar, Dr. Saira and Faizan talk about getting back to the basics in relationships, and re-focusing on commitment, consideration, and connection as a pathway to re-establishing respect. It will enable viewers to gain more clarity on making relationships stronger, as well as developing a new-found gratitude for them.

Watch Love Under Lockdown to learn more. 

November is Family Violence Prevention Month.

One in four Canadians has experienced domestic or family violence. With the emotional and financial impacts of the pandemic, domestic and family violence is on the rise. This month, we come together to raise awareness, break down the myths, and destigmatize the topic of family violence within our community. By educating ourselves and shining a light on this important topic, we support victims, strengthen families, and strengthen our Jamat.

When abuse is present, people may turn to shelters and reach out for support. The Jamat is invited to join Ismaili CIVIC to support local women's shelters across Canada. This year we are partnering with Nisa Homes, a safe haven and support service for women, with or without children, who are fleeing domestic violence. You can help by purchasing items from their Amazon Wishlists to get Nisa Homes the supplies they need to assist victims staying at their shelter or transitioning to long-term housing. All the items will be directly delivered to Nisa Homes.

Please email us should you have any questions.

Visit the Ismaili CIVIC website to learn more about how to donate and where!