Happy New Year from the Council for Ontario & Committee for Toronto

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Ya Ali Madad,

On behalf of the Jamati Mukhi and Kamadia Sahebs and Mukhiani and Kamadiani Sahebas and all Jamati institutions, I would like to wish the Jamat a Happy New Year and a healthy, happy and prosperous 2023.

This past year has again looked very different in Jamatkhanas across our region. We have had many changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and I am very glad to see a gradual return to normalcy, including in our Jamatkhana operations as well as in-person programs.

I would like to express our deep gratitude to the Jamat for your cooperation and incredible support in 2022 of the work of the Jamati Institutions. I also want to thank all our Jamati leadership and our volunteers for your outstanding service to the Imam and the Jamat.

Our rich history clearly illustrates that through the guidance and love of the Imams of the Time, the Jamat has been experiencing perpetual growth enabling us to contribute in building a better world. In the current uncertain times, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s continued guidance and blessings help light the path forward. This past year also brought us immense pride as our beloved Imam was recognized by the City of Toronto and bestowed with the Key to the City and the ceremonial renaming of Wynford Drive to Aga Khan Boulevard.

As we move into 2023, it will be a challenging year economically and prudence will be required as the economy slows down. This is not a time for speculative investments or extending ourselves financially. The Jamati institutions are here to support you and we have a variety of program offerings as part of the Future Ready Initiative. Starting in January, we will also provide opportunities for dialogue with the Jamat on the economy and I encourage members of the Jamat to participate.

Looking ahead, my hopes and aspirations for 2023 are for the Jamat to be resilient in the practice of the faith, in the connectedness of family and friends, helping newly arrived murids to successfully resettle and in taking care of our mental health. Let’s continue to be unified, be strong, be agile in our responses and be generous with our words and actions. Let’s continue to show respect and affection for each other as brothers and sisters.

Once again, I wish you all a Happy New Year, with prayers for good health, much success and barakat.