We Look To The Next Generation to Lead Us Onwards

By Alia Hogben

March 2020

I spoke at a national gathering of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women in Toronto, March 2020. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the organization by a review, as well as future planning by individual geographic chapters.

It was such a pleasure to be with the 60 or so women from across the country. They are an inspiring group of women leaders who are committed to the values of CCMW - the equality, equity and empowerment of Canadian Muslim women. 

At this meeting, the national board provided several training sessions, such as on media training; countering cyberhate; the use of the internet and fundraising. There was also the opportunity for chapters to discuss their future work plans.  

Here is part of what I spoke about.

“Although the Muslim population has increased dramatically in the last 50 years, we must remind ourselves, and our fellow Canadians, that Muslims have been in Canada since the 1850s, more than 160 years. 

The Canadian Council of Muslim Women was founded in 1982, that is 38 years ago, by a group of farsighted women whose vision still holds true.

Those of us who are old, look to the next generation to lead us onwards as Canadian Muslims rather than Muslims in Canada. We must identify as Canadians, as at times, Muslims have identified more strongly with the “Ummah” or the community of world Muslims.

In addition, CCMW members as leaders must have clarity and consensus about certain concepts such as Sharia; gender equality within Islam; feminism; women’s choices; religion in the public space; and integration versus segregation. Another important factor to remember is the diversity of race, ethnicity and cultures amongst us, and that this can only be strengthened by adding other cultural practices we use as Canadians.

I dislike labels but I would be happy to identify as a “cosmopolitan” someone who celebrates the various aspects which are part of my identity. As Canadian Muslims, we acknowledge that Islam is not limited to any one global area, and we are as much a product of the West as of the East.

I am sure CCMW will continue to ensure that its projects and outreach further their values and objectives. For example, which projects are creating positive changes in public policy? Has there been an increase in partnerships with other organizations so that there is sharing of mutual goals?

Most importantly, have there been any projects which have encouraged greater critical thinking about Islam?

Within Muslim communities, outside and inside Canada, sadly there is conflict and a lack of consensus. Added to this are the political and economic realities of instability caused by wars, poverty and by lack of democracy in many Muslim majority countries.

As Canada has accepted refugees from these countries do these individuals need any help from CCMW? I know there are local specialized settlement services, and many chapters are involved with these refugee families. Could more be offered?

There are some Muslims who espouse a vision of political Islam which may conflict with those of CCMW and of other Muslims. Their values are based on patriarchy with male dominance, while those of CCMW accept human rights as articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I firmly believe these are also based on the Islamic values of social justice, equality and compassion.

You may already know these historical facts, but they are worth remembering in this world of negativities.

It is inaccurate when some Muslims claim that the Prophet Mohammad, peace be on him, initiated the idea of an Islamic state. What he did was to make a couple of important treaties, in 622 C.E and 628 C.E, one with the citizens – pagans and Jews - of Medina and the other with the Christian monks of St Catherine of Mount Sinai. These were about peace and good relations.

The treaty states that Mohammad, makes a covenant with Christians to defend them and their rights. He commits to protecting their judges and their monks, and that no one is to destroy a house of their religion. If a Christian woman marries a Muslim, she is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray. Their homes and churches are to be protected by Muslims and no Muslim is to disobey this covenant till the Last Day of Judgement. 

Another example of this early tolerance is the story of Omar, who when the Muslims conquered Jerusalem, refused the invitation of a Christian monk to pray in his church because he did not want his followers to take over churches for Muslim use.

So how come some Muslims preach such intolerance and insist that their interpretations are the true ones?

All of us are keenly aware of the preachers on the internet who are difficult to ignore. They become powerful and manipulative, and vulnerable individuals, esp. women, fall under their spell. It is people like us who cede power to them by remaining silent and by not challenging them.

Current example of the abuse of male power is the secret, illegal practice of polygamy. Using spurious quotes, women are persuaded to accept this practice as sanctified by men.

CCMW, as the collective of us should hold firm to its values of human rights for women and girls.

A reminder that what we demand for ourselves should also be demanded for others. A quote worth repeating is from the German Lutheran pastor, Martin Niemoller, who wrote this during the war in Europe.

“First they came for the socialists, I did not speak out as I was not a socialist. They came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out as I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, I did not speak out as I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.”

In conclusion, I derive great comfort in what God has promised in the Quran, that God has willed the law of grace and mercy on himself, not justice nor retribution.

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Alia Hogben is an Order of Canada recipient and the former Executive Director of CCMW