HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS

We asked some of our past leaders and younger people what their hopes & aspirations for the community in the future are. Here’s what they said: –

I would like to see some of the expenses go down. And our membership should be affordable to all. We should encourage our local reciters. Alhamdulillah, we have many amazing youth reciters in our community. They should get the opportunity.
Taki Jeraj Merali
Director of Religion and Mukhi (1970’s, 1980’s 1990’s)
I am very positive about the future of the ISIJ of Toronto. JCC is being fully utilized for religious programs, social programs, sporting events, school and Madrasah. I recommend engaging the youth of the community now for other projects. The youths are very resourceful and will get things done. This way, they will also have a connection with the Jaffari Village
Razak Damani
President (2007-2011)
Every member of the community to be self-sufficient, resourceful and a good contributor to the welfare of the greater society.
Ali Raza Rajani
President (1999-2003 and 2011-2013)
Here is to wish this great organization of ours and its future leaders a very bright and promising journey ahead. With a very solid foundation and resilient structures in place, the challenge will always remain in how to make future endeavors all encompassing and relevant while optimizing the full potential. Inshallah, expect to see a huge growth with a very vibrant and inclusive membership working under a different set of rules of engagement and needs than what we experience today
Shabbir Jeraj
President (2013-17)
In the next 50 years I would like to see our community have a Jaffari City. This vision encompasses state of the art facilities inclusive of multi-purpose complexes, Islamic school/college and continuum of care of seniors comprising seniors’ residences, assisted living and long-term care. Our community should be advanced in our spiritual growth and our operations should be run effectively and efficiently through AI and other technology enhancements
Habib Meghjee
President (2017-2022)
My vision is to see our community encourage our future generations on the importance of education and hope to see them get involved in the country’s political movement. Hope to see our younger generation serve our community at large, Inshallah.
Shirinbai Sumar
Head of Ladies Committee (1984-1988), Chairlady (1999-2001)
Imaan (faith), volunteerism and technology has undoubtedly strengthened our well-knit Canadian community which has multiplied in our 50 years in Canada. We need better representation in the political arena where we lack presence, and we need to dream big and aspire to become leaders in our local – and national communities
Shabnees Siwjee
Chairlady (2009-2011, 2015-2019)
Over the past decades, our community has been blessed to see growth, not only within our population but also within our properties, enabling us to have events that grow us spiritually and physically. Moving forward, we need to heed the call of Imam Hussain A.S. “is there anyone to help me”, by standing with the oppressed not only locally but globally, so we can continue to gain Allah’s blessings. With this in mind, may we earn the opportunity to serve in our Imam’s army.
Murtaza Panju
Chair of MIC Management Committee (1999-2004 and 2006-2007)
Al-Ḥamdu lillāh, over the last 50 years, our leadership, with the contribution of our members, have done an incredible job in wonderfully equipping our centres with required amenities as well as completing the important work of incorporating the ISIJ of Toronto along with the creation of its General Operation By-Laws. At this point in our community’s journey, we are perfectly positioned to prioritize our focus on uniting and preparing ourselves for the reappearance of our awaited Imam al-Mahdi, Muhammad b. al-Hasan al-‘Askari (AS), may Allah (SWT) hasten his reappearance.
Bashir Muraj
Chair of MIC Management Committee (2006 – 2013, 2015 – 2019)
My aspiration is for our community to remain a nurturing haven, especially for the younger generation. Here, they can freely explore their beliefs, pose questions, and discover guidance in a world that evolves swiftly. Education and mentorship stand as vital pillars, ensuring that our traditions are passed down with profound understanding and contemporary relevance.
Mehboob Siwjee
Director of Centre/Mukhi (2009 – 2011, 2014 – 2018, 2020 to current)
In the next 50 years, I am looking forward to the continued evolution of ISIJ in ways that reflect the timeless wisdom of the Ahlulbayt (AS). In this regard the future holds strong with the ISIJ becoming more interconnected with the development of Jaffari Village, fostering stronger bonds among diverse individuals, embracing technological advancements, and prioritizing sustainable practices to ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
Salman Hussein Hasham
Age 27
Looking forward to building a stronger community that increasingly upholds our spiritual values. We shouldn’t just work for the present but focus on the hereafter rewards to building a stronger ISIJ community. As Marhum Syed Asad Jafri said, “The result of the test of this world is serenity in the hereafter. Wait for that over there, work for that over here”
Saarah Kermali
Age 16
As the ISIJ stands as a pillar to meet the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the Muslim community, in the next 50 years, I look forward to the continued growth of the Centers and the expansion of educational programs and social services to address the evolving needs of our community and society at large. I look forward to looking at ways we can increase interfaith understanding with others in society and develop stronger community bonds to help us unite as one Ummah.
Sakina Panju Hasham
Age 24
My vision for this community in the near future is to establish a place which is a sanctuary for the youth. A place where it’s easy to go there and be there with someone who is always there to keep us on track and put a smile on our faces. The youth are the future of our community and we have to continue to plan for our future.
Ali Jivraj
Age 19
I envision our Jamaat continuing to enhance programming for members as well as the wider community, to support our development and role in Canadian society. I pray that we soar to new heights while continuing to espouse our core Islamic values.
Fatimah Zahrah Jaffer
Age 34
Over the last 50 years, our elders have sown many seeds within the Shia and broader communities across the GTA, with the hope for us to nurture and witness the flourishing of these seeds. Each of us has an obligation toward one another as part of our journey to Allah, and true flourishing will only occur when we fulfill this responsibility. In 50 years, this collective should uplift its members, integrate the community into their daily lives, and foster a sustainable approach to nourishment, ultimately enabling each individual to realize their full potential.
Mohamed Abbas Walli
Age 33