بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Kingston, Ontario
Friday, April 18, 2014 / Jumada al-Thani 18, 1435
This is a long weekend and many travelers have joined us here today. There was a time when I too would stop by this masjid, during my teenage years.
Four years and one week ago, this community kindly invited me as a guest khateeb and I gave my first khutbah here, something that I never imagined doing.
Following that, Allah blessed me with the opportunity to settle here in Kingston and I got to know all the wonderful people here, masha’Allah.
Alhamdulillah – all praise is due to Allah – the last four years have been an amazing experience, in many ways but especially as a learning experience.
You (the members of the Kingston community) have been extremely kind. May Allah reward you immensely.
I honestly say that I have zero complaints about anyone or anything, whether it be individuals, the community or the past and current management of the Islamic Society of Kingston. This city has been blessed with a wonderful community masha’Allah. May Allah increase this city in goodness and faith.
So it is with heavy heart I inform you today that, due to family reasons, I will be moving on to Ottawa as of June 1st of this year, insha’Allah.
My family and I did not take this decision lightly and it was very a difficult decision.
There was a lot of pressure from some of our dear brothers and sisters here to reconsider, which we did. However, this appeared to be the best path forward at this time. We try our best to make the right decision, but only Allah knows best.
I pray to Almighty Allah that He grants this community a new imam who is the best for this community and who can work harder and do a better job than what I have been able to do.
I have also offered to visit every other week for the next few months insha’Allah. I will be assisting and offering my full support in the transition and in finding new imam.
A committee has been formed to look for a new imam. One of our students suggested that perhaps we should have imam auditions (Canadian Imam instead of Canadian Idol), so perhaps that is something to consider!
We will continue to be in touch, insha’Allah. I hope I have not caused anyone to be upset or angry. Please forgive me for this and all my shortcomings and mistakes.
The most valuable gift we can give to each other is that of good wishes and prayers. I pray for the best for each of you and for the community, and request that you please do the same for me and my family.
Thank you for your kindness, support and understanding. May Allah bless you all.
-END-
