Dear readers,

Since the beginning of time, thinkers and philosophers have spilled a lot of ink trying to answer questions related to the existence of God, the origin of mankind and the meaning of life, without necessarily providing convincing answers, at least for those which were not enlightened with divine light. As Muslims, we firmly believe in the existence of God the Creator of the heavens and the earth, that to Him we will return and that He will judge us according to our actions - good and bad - even if they are as small as the size of an atom.

However, in the increasingly complex life that we live today - in an era of technology and fast information flow, in a world where consumption is the driving force of the economy, where fashion dictates the way to dress, where advertisements make up the consumption habits to adopt and the “stars” inspire the manners and behaviours to follow - it is easy to forget the simple reality of our lives, which is: God created us, to Him we will return and He will question us on our actions.

In order to succeed in this test of life, God revealed the books to direct us and sent down prophets and messengers to guide us and gave us means, namely the prescriptions, to help us in our journey towards the straight path. Thus, from this standpoint, the month of Ramadan must represent for us a month of reminder and renewal of our faith, a school of perseverance and personal reform in order to control our passions and to break ties with the over-consumption that makes us forget the meaning of life, in order to collect the fruit of the fast, namely “taqwa” (piety and reverential fear). Inshallah we will all reap the emotional, physical and spiritual reward of another Ramadan.

Continuing on the important theme of Ramadan you will find in this issue, an article by Sh. Ismael Mukhtar, a renowned Winnipeg da3iya, sharing acts of virtue recommended during this blessed month. You will also find the opinions of some youth regarding the timely and important issue of the niqab ban in Quebec as well as an article by Rania Lawendy, Al-Huda weekend school Principal and a well knwon youth activist from Waterloo. We are also pleased to introduce to you an emerging Islamic singer living in Sweden, Maher Zain. In the “Understand Islam” section. Dr. Ahmed Deif, MAC Youth head, gives examples from history about the watchfulness of God. You will also find an uplifting article on “Hope and Fear” by Dr. Wael Haddara, a member of the Board of Directors of MAC and CAIR-CAN.
You will find in the subsequent section an article on the virtues of milk (your mom wasn't lying: it does a body good!). Then, in the “Are You Aware?” section, several articles are presented: the MAC Give newsletter, the power of decisions as well as an article on writing techniques. In the “Youth in action” section you will find precious advice on how to avoid overspending. In the "Entertainment" section, a movie review for “Shrek Forever After”, a poem, a car review, comics, jokes and more! Finally, in the “Advice Corner”, Br. Omar Sallam, with a Bachelor in Social Services, answers some questions on issues you may be facing.

We wish you a beneficial read throughout this issue which commemorates our second year in print, alhamdulillah! We look forward to hearing your feedback that you may send us through our web site www.MuslimYouthVoice.ca or our e-mail editor @ muslimyouthvoice.ca

Lotfi Benachenhou