News!

NEW PICTURES AND UPDATES!
Monday, September 23, 2002:

Until further notice, Jum'ah prayer is being held in the North Building in RM134 on Friday afternoons.  Two times are held in order to best allow for as many students as possible to attend.  Usual start time is about 1:15pm for the first Jum'ah, and 2:20pm for the second.

On Saturday, September 14, 2002, a large number of TMA members from around the GTA went to see the Toronto Blue Jays defeat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays by a score of 8 - 4! We took some pictures, so if you're interested, head on to the Pictures section.

During the week of September 16 - 20, 2002, TMA had a booth during Club's Week at the UTM campus in the Student's Centre.  In case you missed our booth, we took pictures, so again, they're located in the Pictures section.  Also, if you missed signing up, please feel free to contact us at anytime.

NEW WEBSITE FOR 2002 - 2003!
Monday, September 09, 2002:

After much diligent work and and effort, the Thaqalayn Muslim Association at the University of Toronto at Mississauga is proud to unveil its new website for the 2002 - 2003 academic year!  Over the next several months, we will be working hard to bring you the information and support that you need. Please stop by often and don't forget to check back for our latest updates.

The TMA @ UTM website now offers an easier to use format, with the links now conveniently located on the left panel.  After much user feedback and suggestions, we felt that it would be appropriate to address navigational concerns with our site.  Moreover, we decided to take advantage of  advanced web technologies including PHP and CSS to not only enhance the user experience, but also make the site more manageable.

We hope you enjoy the new look and feel of the site.

LAST CALL TO FREE BLUE JAYS TICKETS!
Sunday, September 08, 2002:

If you are still interested in obtaining FREE Blue Jays Tickets, this is your LAST CHANCE. Email tma@thaqalayn.org by midnight of Monday, September 09, 2002 to reserve your tickets today. Make sure to state how many you want (bring your friends and family). The game will take place on Saturday, September 14, 3:30 pm, at the Sky Dome. Tickets are vanishing fast so reservations are made on a first come basis.

EDITING PAMPHLETS: VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
Sunday, September 08, 2002:

About a year ago, Thaqalayn Muslim Association produced a series of 12 pamphlets with a total of 12,000 copies. Today, we are left with a handful. These pamphlets were extremely popular and have been distributed primarily to those who have not felt the rays emitting from beautiful Islam and the teachings of the Ahlul-Bayt (as). Besides the mass distribution at UofT and by TMA members at other institutions, these pamphlets have been distributed by Muslims at the University of Michigan, the MSA at McMaster University, and youth groups in Africa just to name a few.

Now, before printing a second batch, we would like to extend the chance for all to contribute in the editing of the originals. (Originals available in the Product and Services section of our website) Have you noticed a typo? Do you think that some of the content should be removed, reworded, or replaced with something better? How about the aesthetics? Do you have ideas to additional pamphlets you feel would be important (Misconceptions of Ashura, Science in the Qur'an, etc.) Jazakum Allahu Khairun - May Allah (swt) reward you with the best of rewards.

JUM'AH PRAYER: UNITED WE STAND
Sunday, September 08, 2002:

TMA would like to encourage you all to attend Jum'ah (Friday) Prayer at the university/college/high school that you attend. We cannot stress enough how important it is to be visible at the MSA led prayers. The benefits in doing so is multifold:

• First and Foremost, the promotion of Muslim brotherhood and unity.

• It dispels the misconceptions of some of your peers that we don’t believe in Jum’ah prayer.

• This is an opportunity to discuss your school of thought, if you feel like it, and dispel other preconceived notions.

- From past experience, the presence of a number of Shia's at the prayer prevents khateeb's from spreading anti-Shia propaganda. Furthermore, it has encouraged the MSAs to be more considerate of Shia feelings and needs, and they have been very cooperative in this regard. Dear brothers and sisters, Shia presence in Jum'ah prayer is virtually non-existent. Please make a sincere effort to attend, as you will benefit both yourself and Islam. Remember that Islam requires Unity, particularly in these difficult times. Extend your hands to your fellow brothers and sisters in Islam.

Locations of Jum'ah prayers at the University of Toronto are:

• St. George: Hart House -> Debates Room (2nd Floor)

• UTM: Spigel Hall

• UTSC: Multifaith Prayer Room R3054 (http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~msa/map.jpg)