The Moeen Centre: Compassion in Action
It is our duty both as Muslims and as Canadians to help those in need, and this principal is demonstrated exquisitely by the big hearts at the Moeen Centre in Scarborough, Ontario. Founded in 1996, the visionaries behind the centre strived for a full decade before they were able to finally open a physical location in 2006, and their dedication has paid off already.
Their stated mission is “to facilitate the removal of barriers to the participation of the physically disabled and developmentally challenged young adults in their community and provide services that promote greater independence and reduce isolation,” and we all have a part to play in their success.
Filling in the Gaps
The centre was first envisioned in the memory of Moeen Alam, an 18 year old physically disabled man who tragically died in a house fire, may God grant him paradise. His mother, frustrated by long waiting lists for disabled people in her community, decided to build a community service to fix a simple but vital problem that she saw around her.
In striving to assist and socialize the physically disabled and developmentally challenged, the Moeen centre provides programs, resources and support for the individuals as well as their families, focusing their efforts on young adults over 21 because this demographic is not well provided for. They educate and create awareness in the larger community about the challenges that these people face, and they co-ordinate with similar organizations to work toward even higher goals.
This centre epitomizes what Muslims need to be doing, they are a paradigm of good deeds, and heroes in our community. In my experience working in various Muslim communities I constantly see young men and women shooting for the stars, for unattainable ideals, as they are told in school. In reality, you should do what you know, and do it beyond all expectations.
The other fantastic thing that is embodied by the Moeen centre, something desperately needed in our communities at large, is a sense of perseverance. It took 10 years for this idea to come into fruition, but never was it abandoned. They didn’t receive charitable status for seven long years, and it was not until three years after that that they finally had a location.
But now they have a location, and now they are ready for you.
Next Steps
I first heard about the Moeen Centre at a fund raising event that they hosted, where they described the programs they would be launching this year, and they called for volunteers to help them.
I say they can do more to help us.
They are ready to offer the opportunity to get volunteer hours, to network, and to learn from a success story, and all they ask is that you reach out and take the opportunity.
And most importantly, they are a cause that we can be sure is rewarding in this life and the next, your donations are simply an investment, so donate now.
I’m not a member or affiliated with the centre in any way, I am simply telling you as a brother in faith and fellow Canadian that you need to take advantage of this great opportunity. Help the Moeen Centre Now.
