What is Masjid Tawbah?
The idea of calling this mosque Masjid Tawbah is related to developing a foundation, a structure; suggesting that when you develop something, you build from the roots. This is the idea of origins. The foundation of this building are based on two concepts: Taqwa and Ridhwan.
In verse 109 of Surah At-Tawbah, God sets up a comparison between one who builds a foundation on Taqwa and Ridhwan as opposed to one who builds their foundation on the edge of a cliff.
Which then is best? He that lays his foundation on his duty to Allah (Taqwa) and His Good Pleasure (Ridhwan)?
Or he that lays his foundation on the brink of a crumbling, overhanging precipice so that it topples with him into the
fire of Hell? And Allah guides not people who do wrong.
The Holy Qur’an, Surah At-Tawbah
(Chapter 9–”Repentance”): v. 109
God is saying in this verse that anyone who wants to build an enduring structure that will last and survive through all adversities–both human and natural–must build it on Taqwa and Ridhwan. By careful observation we find that Surah At-Tawbah is the only chapter in the Holy Qur’an that discusses building a foundation based on Taqwa and Ridhwan. No other chapter links these three – Tawbah (foundation), Taqwa and Ridhwan.
Therefore, we envision Zawiyah Foundation to be built on these two and hence Masjid Tawbah to also be built on these two. Masjid Tawbah is to be the location where people will come to provide themselves with Taqwa and Ridhwan as they set out in life to pursue their quests. As the Holy Qur’an illuminates how the cave was the location where many prophets (Peace be upon them all) and people of faith found retreat in God to build Taqwa and Ridhwan in their hearts, likewise the intention of Masjid Tawbah is to be a cave of retreat for anyone seeking Allah’s Mercy and Ridhwan. Masjid Tawbah will thus be a frequent point of return for people from different walks of life as they prepare for their journey through this life.
- Photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/aphrodite
The Need for Masjid Tawbah
Our goal in building Masjid Tawbah is unique to multicultural Canada. Our vision, unlike any other masjid in British Columbia, includes reaching out to all faith communities and people from all walks of life by establishing the World Institute for Peace.
Metro Vancouver, formed by 21 nearby sister-cities, is home to 2.3 million people and a growing number of 75,000 Muslims. Vancouver is the primary city within this District – with its clean air, fresh water and snow-capped mountains, it is consistently ranked one of the three most livable cities in the world. However, while the city is considered to be a very desirable place to live, and is home to nearly 15,000 Muslims, there are only several musallahs. Vancouver city itself has no masjid built from the ground up!
Here is an opportunity to build Masjid Tawbah in a world renowned city. Building Masjid Tawbah in Vancouver city would give Islam a positive and visible presence that insha’Allah will continue to draw Muslims and people from all over the globe and from all walks of life to come learn, share, and grow. Presently, our multiethnic community draws people from nearly every continent and over 40 countries from all across Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, South America, North America, and Europe.
Photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/kervinchong
Increasing the visibility and presence of Islam in one of the world’s most desirable cities, would no doubt empower Muslims and further establish the confidence and identity of Muslims throughout Metro Vancouver. Without fear of negative cultural and school influences, youth can preserve their Muslim identity and Islamic values, and families can share a stable, secure place to come for all their needs.
By also actively sharing the beauty of Islam with friends (and even our own families for those who are converts!), and engaging side-by-side in interfaith dialogue and projects, there are ample opportunities to dispel fears and negative perceptions not only of Islam, but of many of the diverse faiths represented in Metro Vancouver. Come be a part of this vision!