Muslims throughout the world celebrate the birthday of the Prophet sallalaho alayh-e wa sallam (saws) with great love and affection. The day is referred to as Mawlid or Miladun Nabi.
Keeping to tradition, the Islamic Society of York Region (ISYR) celebrated this great event on Saturday September 14 at which Imam Muhammad al-Asi was the main speaker.
He highlighted the Prophet's life struggle in establishing social justice in society.
Imam Al-Asi also touched on some of the challenges Muslims faced after the Prophet (saws) left this earthly abode.
Given the situation in Ghazzah and the West Bank, it also came up for discussion.
Imam Al-Asi is the mufassir and translator of the meanings of the noble Qur'an, titled, The Ascendant Qur'an.
Copies of both the Arabic and English version as well as only English version were available for sale.
Other speakers included ICIT Director Zafar Bangash, Hassam Munir and Ahmed Khawaja.
Zafar Bangash urged Muslims to look at the Prophet's example beyond the mundane issues of tahara and najasa.
He pointed out that the Makkan mushriks did not oppose the Prophet (saws) and his small group of followers because they prayed in a certain manner.
Rather, their opposition was due to Islam's message as an ideological challenge as well as a challenge to the undeserved privileges of the Makkan mushriks in society.
Participants at the program obtained copies of the translation as well as interacted with Imam Al Asi seeking answers to various issues.
The event was a huge success as all the presentations were highly stimulating.
Zafar Bangash also pointed out that next year will mark the 1500th anniversary of the Prophet's birthday.
Proper arrangements must be made to celebrate this historic event in a manner to reflect the grandeur of Allah's beloved Prophet (saws) who was sent as a "mercy to all the worlds" .