The Inuit people of the Arctic are today threatened by modern mans endeavors of mining and other actions that have long lead him into the exploration of these areas of the world. However, much like the American Indian he has found these lands already inhabited and whom they have had to rely on for survival in many circumstances of their exploration. Yet, he finds no wrong with subjecting these people to his poisons in order to kill them off and weaken their independence of being hunter gathers in simplistic methods of otherwise peaceful living. Younger generations of Inuit are losing interest in old customs, and modernity entices them with Arctic night life which is making them more so dependent on modern customs of grocery store shopping and currency dependency. Yes, modernity is great but you have to consider the ways in which it is being introduced. Items that people buy in less rigid areas are just not needed in the Arctic. Of the 24 plus communities throughout the Arctic, in which most I have been don't consist of more than a few hundred people if that. I know of Inuit's who have brought brand new vehicles $30-40k plus to drive them around maybe a 5 mile range of roads. These enticements have driven them to spend their monthly government subsidies on imported foods which cost most, and with growing addictions many are broke again by the 3rd of 5th into the month. Today, In this inaccessible land for most parts of the year only by plane or ship in the short one month of spring...you find alcoholism and drug use to be at alarming levels considering the smaller populations. Teenage pregnancy, spousal abuse and a host of other problems that mimic the cultures of southern societies in lower Canada/ America. Alcohol nor the many drugs would even exist in this land if it wasn't flown in and administered!!! Privately owned planes that are flown in the region along with flight crews of the only two airlines that operate in the Arctic are largely responsible for the influx of these substances, and that is why the Truth needed to gain a footing in perhaps one of the few remaining regions and tribes of people to receive the Truth... As a result the Mosque will serve spiritual awakening, purpose, and truth about Allah and our purposes in life and In' sha' allah by that serve the community in alternative ways of combating substance abuses and societal ailments that will surely only lead to more devastating outcomes.
The building of a mosque is a way for a person to continue to earn blessings after death. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Among what continues to accrue for a believer of his good works after death are the following: knowledge that he learned and then imparted to others, a pious child whom he left behind, a copy of the Qur’ân that he bequeathed, a mosque that he built, a guest house he built for travelers, a river that he made to flow, and charity he spends from his wealth when he is in good health – all of this continues to avail him after his death.” [Sunan Ibn Majah and Sunan al-Bayhaqî – and graded as good (hasan) by al-Albânî] Al-Shawkânî comments on this hadîth in Nayl al-Awtâr (2/213), saying: “This shows that the blessings which are mentioned are for the actual construction of a mosque. It is not enough to designate land as a mosque – or to demarcate the land in some way – without building a structure on it.” And Allah knows best.
0 Comments
|
AuthorAlthough the Mosque is complete the society can still benefit from your contributions and other efforts for societal programs, lectures, etc. Visit Islamic Society of Nunavut more details. ArchivesCategories |