About Thaqalayn Muslim Association

Thaqalayn Muslim Association (TMA) is a non-profit student organization that currently has chapters at all three campuses of the University of Toronto, York University, University of Michigan at Dearborn as well as Queens University.

Its name, derived from al-thaqalayn (the two precious things), reflects the foundation on which TMA rests, namely the teachings of the Qur’an and the Ahlul-Bayt (as). Existing in a diverse arena and rich with a multiplicity of thought, TMA traces its roots back to the era of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as) whose university was an institution of openness and his relations with others was one of dialogue.

Thus, while catering to the academic, social, and recreational needs of Shi’i students, TMA also shares a common platform with their Sunni brothers, as well as their non-Muslim friends. The organization’s philosophy, derived from Imam Ali (as), is that if one is not a brother in faith, then certainly he is a brother in humanity. To this effect, amongst its prime objectives, TMA aspires towards working with the university community in promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding. Our Objectives can be summarized as follows:

 Objective 1: Unity through Diversity

- Uniting Shi’is
- Uniting Muslims
- Uniting Humanity

Objective 2: Developing Awareness

- Disseminating the teachings of the Qur'an and Ahlul-Bayt (as)
- Counter Islamophobia through education

Objective 3: Student Services
- Academic
- Spiritual
- Social/Recreational

Objective 1: Unity through Diversity

TMA strongly believes in and aspires to contribute towards the increase of peace, coexistence, harmony, understanding and tolerance across the university. Though TMA caters primarily to the needs of Shi’i students, it is an organization that is open to all, and strives to work with other groups for common humanitarian and spiritual goals. To this effect, TMA adopts the motto “Uniting Shi`a! Uniting Muslims! Uniting Humanity!”

Uniting Shi`a! By catering to Shi`i students above all else, TMA works towards bringing them together in every activity and project it engages in. To facilitate this, TMA has adopted the policy that it functions independently of any other organization. As a result, TMA finds itself in the best position of providing the platform on which students from a diverse array of communities may come and interact. Moreover, TMA also acknowledges that Shi`i students in addition to coming from a mosaic of cultures and nationalities, will also exhibit a multiplicity of thought. Consequently, TMA is not in the business of endorsing any marja’ or scholar over another, but instead acknowledges and respects them all.

Uniting Muslims! TMA also acknowledges that there are other schools of thought apart from the School of the Ahlul-Bayt (as) or more commonly known as the School of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as). We believe that unity does not require uniformity. Therefore, our hands are always extended to our Sunni brothers and sisters.

At a Glance In this spirit, TMA has enjoyed the participation of Muslims from various schools of thought at its events. Additionally, many of our regular activities attract a large number of Sunni brothers such as UTM TMA’s Muslim Basketball Association as well as their weekly discussion circle, Siratul Mustaqeem. Various TMA chapters have also had the pleasure of co-organizing Ramadhan Iftaars with the Muslim Students Association.

Uniting Humanity! Imam Ali (as), whom the Shi`a believe was selected as Prophet Muhammad’s (s) successor, had eloquently advised one of his governors that people are of two kinds. Either they are your brothers in faith or they are your equals in creation/humanity. TMA takes this maxim to heart and as a result, has become an active participant in promoting universal values within the university community.

At a Glance TMA has had many highlights in this regard. To begin, the U of T Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science had hosted an event on September 20, 2001, entitled, “A Campus Discussion on Peace and Tolerance: Responding to the Events of Setember 11th”, in which TMA actively participated by inviting Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi as a Muslim representative in the distinguished panel of speakers. Additionally, in promoting the theme of “Unity through Diversity”, Queens TMA held a lecture entitled, “The Unity of the Abrahamic Faiths” with Dr. Hussein Khimjee (March 1, 2003). Dr. Khimjee also lectured at the St George TMA event, “The Majesty of the Qur’an: The Qur’an on Tolerance” (November 10, 2004). St. George TMA also participated in Peace Week 2004 by chairing the Islam portion of the multifaith service. Their presentation moved the audience to the extent that several chaplains requested a repeat at numerous churches in the GTA. As part of Black History Month, UTM TMA had organized and co-hostied with Caribbean Connections the symposium, “Black History: A Page from Humanity” (February 9, 2004). The panel of speakers consisted of Dr. Diyaa al-Mawlawi, Dr. Liyakatali Takim, Dr. Njoki Wane, and Joel Moody.

Objective 2: Developing Awareness

Until quite recently, the world has largely been unaware of Shi’ite Islam. Orientalists of the past have inaccurately portrayed Shi`ism as a heterodox element that had departed from the mainstream Sunni sect. However, Western scholarship is now revisiting Islamic history, culture, and civilization with the realization that Shi’ites are just as orthodox as Sunni Muslims and that the two ideologies developed in relation to one another from the day Prophet Muhammad (s) passed away.

TMA realizes that by and large, the Western world is eager to learn more about Islam and Shi`ism. What little is known by the lay person often comes from mainstream media, which focuses more on sensational headlines often involving negative images. As a result, advertently or inadvertently, the media perpetuates and fosters, through its choice of words and phrases, an attitude of suspicion and intolerance towards Muslims.

TMA strongly espouses the belief that Islam and the West can peacefully co-exist and that the notion of “A Clash of Civilizations” is a myth that serves only as a catch-phrase for the media to spin. Islamic civilization laid the groundwork for “the enlightenment” and has contributed immensely in bringing the West out of its Dark Ages. Moreover, there are many examples from history, such as Islamic Spain (711-1492), in which Muslims, Christians, and Jews co-existed peacefully and productively. TMA is proud to be a Canadian organization, and its members actively work to promote Canadian-Islamic relations.

Awareness and education are important ingredients to peace and tolerance. To this effect, amongst TMA’s objectives is to disseminate the teachings of Islam, through the Qur’an and the Ahlul-Bayt (as), and make every effort to counter Islamophobia amongst non-Muslims and misconceptions amongst Sunni Muslims through dialogue and by setting a positive example. The Qur’an instructs, “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation” (an-Nahl, 16:125). Moreover, the Qur’an states, “It is of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. Were thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from thee” (Al-e-Imran, 3:159). Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as), the 6th Shi`ite Imam counsels, “It is easy to gain people’s hearts: just do not talk bad about them. Differences in opinion can be solved by wisdom and dialogue”.

At a Glance In developing awareness of the Qur’an, UTSC TMA has initiated weekly Qur’an classes as well as an annual Qur’an Week in which any student may obtain a translation of the Qur’an free of charge. This program has been immensely successful with a high demand from students in religion classes. 400 Qur’ans have been distributed to date at UTSC alone.

Continuing York U’s tradition of commemorating the Tragedy of Ashura, the Shi`ite new year and a period of mourning, on March 2005, TMA at York U will explore the powerful role of women in the events that took place in Karbala. Their goal this year is to address the misconception that women are oppressed in Islam and have unequal rights compared to their male counterparts. 

Objective 3: Student Services

The basic purpose of Thaqalayn Muslim Association is to cater to, and provide for, the various needs of Shi`i university students. This constitutes the day-to-day operations of TMA. We have broadly categorized these needs as academic, spiritual, and social/recreational.

Academic

University life is a whole new experience for students coming from secondary school. It involves preparation in the final year of high school and making many adjustments in first year. To ease the transition, TMA offers peer counseling, which involves senior students who offer their experiences like older brothers and sisters. However, TMA goes well beyond catering to the academic needs of senior high school and junior university students. It also offers peer counseling to students who wish to pursue higher education or professional colleges such as law, medicine, pharmacy, and more. Alhamdulillah, many of our members have been accepted to these prestigious programs and are happy to give direction and examine applications.

At a Glance Each and every TMA chapter provides various orientation programs in September. In the final weeks of the summer holidays, all the chapters get together and organize an annual Orientation BBQ. UTM TMA has also had the unique opportunity of being involved in a project that furthers the universities’ goals of diversifying the curriculum. Since 2004, three new courses have been initiated by various departments that involve content that deals with Islam and Islamic civilization.

Spiritual

Contrary to common perception that university merely provides secular education, one may be delighted to find that there exist many avenues for spiritual development. The university community has acknowledged and supported students seeking spirituality while pursuing their academic goals. To this effect, administrators and faculty members have made special provisions in the case of religious holidays, such as Eid or Ashura, as well facilitated the observance of religious duties by providing prayer areas and halal food on campus. In its fundamental support of the freedom of speech, the university allows student groups access to rooms and many other resources.

At a Glance All of the TMA chapters have taken advantage of university facilities to provide for spiritual growth. Activities include providing iftaars during Ramadhan, A’maal on Laylatul Qadr (Queens TMA), Du’a Kumail on Thursday nights (Queens and York U TMA), Qur’an classes (UTSC TMA), Du’a Tawassul every Tuesday (York U TMA), Dhuhr prayers in congregation (St George TMA), and much more.

Social/Recreational

A wholesome university experience balances academics and spirituality with an enjoyable social and recreational experience. University life is unique and many regret not making the most of it. TMA offers halaal alternatives for students to make new friends and have a good time!

At a Glance UTM TMA has offered a plethora of such activities as promoting women-only gym time, martial arts seminars for brothers and sisters, women-only horseback riding, soccer games, an entire basketball league, trips to watch the Toronto Blue Jays, and much more. St George TMA is new on this scene and has initiated a TMA Ski excursion, as well as regular film nights that showcase international films as well as films closer to home that give a glimpse into Islamic civilization and Muslim people.

Source: TMA Info Guide 2004-2005