Equality As Reality, Not Cliché, in Toronto

By Farzana Hassan-Shahid

It was a warm, sultry afternoon on July 1, 2005, Canada Day, when a diverse group of 218 Muslim women and men gathered behind a female imam in the upper story of the first ever mosque to host the historic female-led Friday communal prayer.

The mosque, run by the courageous Imam Jabbar Ally and his colleagues from the United Muslims Association, was undoubtedly a fitting venue for the equally courageous Pamela Taylor, co-chair of the Progressive Muslim Union, to deliver her Jum’ah sermon.

As the crowd's excitement subsided, the dignified and calm, but determined, Muslim woman began to share her unique insights and perspectives, followed by the ritual prayer service and du’a (supplication) for Muslim and non-Muslim people of the world alike-- a novel and commendable gesture.

During her learned Khutba, Pamela Taylor reinforced the cherished Islamic ideals of equality, love for all, tolerance and universal brotherhood. Engrossed in the magic of her words, the crowd sat silently absorbing the wisdom they reflected. Only occasionally was the silence broken by barely audible whispers and murmurs commending this remarkable woman for both her courage and her wisdom.

None of the sexist fear-mongering around women's sensuality or its purported negative impact on prayer services ever materialized. While maintaining the utmost decorum, the Muslim men present at that auspicious gathering, faithfully accorded their learned sister in Islam, the utmost courtesy, listening to her words attentively and respectfully.

While the men and women occupied both front and back rows of the prayer hall, there were no artificial or external barriers, such as walls or curtains to restrain "lusty" glances. There were none! What was prevalent instead among the men and women present was an innate and strong sense of propriety towards each other, a powerful barrier in itself!

Even more heartwarming to observe was the unity within the diverse crowd of Muslims. Ismailis, Ahmedis, Ithna Asharis, Sunnis, Gay and Lesbian Muslims, all sat together under one roof, under one leader, upholding only one message of peace and love for all.

And here, equality was no longer just a cliché to be applauded at dinner parties and then conveniently forgotten later. Rather, it was a reality reflected in the practice of Muslims on that warm sunny afternoon in Toronto. Respect for women was not just a matter of idle talk any more, but an accomplished goal made possible by the vision, efforts and bravery of men and women from the United Muslims Association, the Muslim Canadian Congress, the Progressive Muslim Union and all those, who in spite of the opposition, the vitriol, and dire warnings of impending hellfire, came out to support them. My heartiest congratulations to all!