Colours of the autumn fruit

The harvest

Dusk reflections

Web of seasons

Lost in its thought

Of all the meals eaten during Ramadan, the Suhur (the pre-fajr morning meal) is the most diverse amongst Muslims all over the world. We thought to ourselves, wouldn’t it be interesting to see what others are eating? And we did just that. The Western Muslim is presenting “The Art of Suhur”, a photo album on our facebook page showcasing suhur meals. This project was inspired by the exploration of food and photography within issue 9 of UPPERCASE magazine (www.uppercasegallery.ca). The album allows for a small glimpse into each others lives as we curiously take a look at what the other is eating for Suhur. There’s usually a story behind every meal; perhaps you were late for suhur and could only chow down on a bowl of cereal as you rushed to grab a few gulps of water before sunrise or perhaps you had ample time to test out your new recipe on your little brother. But capturing the essence of the food is in a way another ball game all together.

“It’s no easy task; a mediocre food photograph is flat - unappetizing, without spark. An exceptional photograph of food, however, is full of life - the butter on that biscuit looks as through it could drip at any moment, the curl of steam ...coming up off a bowl of pho seems to twist and rise as you stare at the frame. Styling and photographing food is the craft of making the viewer not only want to taste the food that’s presented, but making them believe they can already.” - UPPERCASE magazine (issue 9)

“The Art of Suhur” is just another addition to a long growing list of Western Muslim traditions to follow. We hope that it will bring people together, allow them to share personal experiences, and at the very least, put a smile on their faces.

So what did you have for Suhur? Share it online in an attempt to convey taste, texture and aroma in a two dimensional image. Send your pictures to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). And don’t forget that all food is usually part of a larger story.

It’s happening slowly, but it’s definitely happening. The youth driven Muslim social development movement. At least in Alberta, that is.

They are all different in scope but have a similar purpose of empowering young Canadian Muslims to become entrepreneurs of social change. We would like to share the following initiatives with you. Have a look at them, as each of them are quite innovative and perhaps if one or more strikes a chord, send the organization a note of support or simply to learn more.  It is always wonderful to hear words of encouragement or to discuss topics with someone who has heard of your organization.

1. THE MOSQUERS AWARDS :: EDMONTON, AB

Heading into its fifth year on October 29, 2011, The Mosquers is a video contest encouraging Muslims (and Non-Muslims alike) to “grab a camera and send a message” about Muslims or Islam in Canada. The Mosquers has been very successful in addressing stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam to the media and general public.

    CONTACT
    Website :: http://www.mosquers.com/
    Facebook Group :: http://www.facebook.com/mosquers.edmonton
    Twitter ::
twitter.com/themosquers

2. UNVEILING YOUTH POTENTIAL :: CALGARY, AB

Four Muslim women asked Bridges Social Development if it would be interested in conducting their empowering Unveiling Youth Potential (UVP) workshop for university aged Calgary Muslim women. Bridges said yes!

On October 15-16 and October 29-30 2011, Bridges Social Development will be offering its unique program, UVP, to the successfully selected Muslim young women. Bridges Social Development, a Calgary based organization with worldwide reach, offers a unique program called Unveiling Youth Potential (UYP). It is designed as a youth empowerment program aimed at realizing people’s potential by supporting their leadership roles in building strong communities.

Stay tuned for information on how to apply. You don’t want to miss this!

    CONTACT
    Register for Oct 2011 UYP :: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
    Bridges Social Development :: http://www.canadabridges.com

3. MUSLIM SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE :: CALGARY, AB

This is a shiny new organization started by two young professional women. The vision of MSDI is to ensure seamless social service delivery to Muslims within spiritual, emotional, social, and physical realms. If there is a need identified within the community, then the group hopes to address that need in a timely, organized, and professional manner.

    CONTACT
    Facebook :: http://www.facebook.com/groups/214052145299279?ap=1

4.  TRANSITIONS: WELLNESS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (WEP) :: CALGARY, AB

As one of 39 mental health promotion projects in the province funded by Alberta Health Services, WEP works exclusively with Muslim children, youth and their families within Calgary Islamic School and Almadina Language Charter Academy. The team of three school counsellors and an occupational therapist work to promote positive mental health in every possible aspect, through building skills, making connections with community agencies, supporting students through transitions, and empowering the school communities. Since starting in 2008, the three year pilot initiative has led into three additional years of funding, resulting in extension of WEP until 2014!

    CONTACT
    Facebook ::  http://www.facebook.com/TransitionsWEP

Inspiration occasionally catches us in an up draft when we least expect it. June 2011 has been rife with inspirational winds– something I’d really like to share with you.

We started off the month with Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa who shared personal path of self reflection and ultimately coming to the conclusion that if you want to change you have to get your hands dirty. He created THE 99 comic with the simple idea of creating positive roles models for his children and those children in the Middle East, it has now morphed into a unique tool for interfaith and intercultural dialogue. What truly resonated with us the most when The Western Muslim Initiative had lunch with Dr. Al-Mutawa on his last day in Calgary was how passionate he is about change; about using our personal strengths to make big plans and inspiring others to do the same.

That same week, the founder of Bridges Canada, an inspirational woman herself, invited me to TEDx Calgary. I can say without hesitation that the one-day conference was pulsating with confidence, personally telling each individual attendee, “you have the power and responsibility to make the world a better place.”

As we move speedily into the holy month of Ramadan and slowly towards the end of the year we hope that all of you (and us) will continue to think big and make positive changes in your own lives and those of others.