Editorial-Make our Masjids more vibrant!
Since the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Masjids have been the centres of activities throughout the Muslim Ummah. In our opinion Masjids can again play a big role in shaping the character of youth by becoming a more inviting place for them. In order to do that, Masjids will have to move on from being a place strictly for prayers, to a community centre for adults and a drop-in centre for the youth and teenagers. Our youth is our future. Recently the Muslim community has consciously recognised that the youth will become the eventual flag-bearers, as the older generation will pass away, or be too old to help out more actively. Considering that they are the ones who will eventually take charge of our affairs in Canada in particular, and in the world in general, we have to focus on activities that will raise a group of young Muslims
who are well versed in the language and dynamics of the contemporary society, well educated in the current sciences and technology, and have a sound knowledge of Islam.Identifying a need is only the first step towards achievement. Like any other success story, the attainment of this project will need long term planning and action. It’s a fact that the majority of our Masjids are not utilized to their full capacity; some are used for the daily prayers (with a handful of worshippers) and many more for Friday prayers only. The rest of the time, they are either empty with just a caretaker at the premises, or they are simply locked up for the week. It’s also a fact that most Masjids are built in the areas where there are considerable number of Muslim families with high-school-age children and youth. After school, these kids have no place to get together, whether
for socialising, getting help with their homework, or just having a quiet place to spend some quality time with a book. Living in crowded apartments, without any meaningful interaction with their peers and a lack of direction, most end up hanging out in malls and wasting their time. Some may fall into harmful activities such as smoking and drugs; or get in trouble with the law enforcement authorities. This is an obvious waste of our future. This time could be spent in a Masjid, if there is something for the youth — more than just lectures. In order for the Masjid to be more viable and inviting to the youth, it should have an area as a drop-in centre for these young kids. There should be homework clubs, book clubs, and maybe, peer tutoring. An adult volunteer should be appointed to supervise the kids. Retired professionals can spare a couple of hours a week to talk to them and inspire love for learning. The regular prayers with Jama’at will come as an added benefit. The non-threatening and non-judgemental Islamic surroundings will elevate their character. As they see role models from their own community, they will follow the path and develop leadership ability.Many high school students have difficulty with Math. As a result, they just drop this important subject and close a thousand doors upon themselves. The management can arrange a math club with a paid tutor. That will have a two-way benefit: someone can get paid, and the kids can have a cheap tuition. Most teenagers have a part-time job and can afford
to pay a nominal fee for better grades! The same thing can be done with English by having writing or reading club. A computer lab can be set up on a pay-as- you-use basis. The horizon is infinite and options are unlimited.In respect of the Masjid, and to avoid any activities that can be deemed unacceptable, the sisters’ and brothers’ area can be separated. The centre can operate two evenings per week in the beginning. If it brings in more youth, it can be expanded. Building a mosque is important but building a future is even more important. We will have to make our Masjids the focal point for the community, especially for the youth. It’s a huge undertaking for the Masjids’ management, but if we fail to do that, there won’t be any Masjids left after we depart.
Asma Warsi
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