JNN 15 Jan 2011 : December 19, 2010 marked a special day for the Toronto Muslim community. For over two months, the Ahlulbayt TV team based in London, UK, with the help of dedicated volunteers in Toronto, had been working hard organizing and planning its first North American fundraising dinner at a prestigious local Golf Club.

With the hard work and passion demonstrated by the team, it was a sold out fundraiser. It was clear that the channel is much more popular than anyone had thought! There were quite a number of people who were disappointed for not being able to attend this special event. With the success and popularity of Ahlulbayt TV in Europe, as well as Africa, and the Middle East, this was an opportunity to assess its success in North America, while also discussing its future plans for the region and raise funds towards its broadcast and production costs there. One of the purposes of this dinner was to bring awareness to North Americans about this exclusively English television network, which is dedicated to delivering the pristine message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and his Holy Household (peace be upon them).

The program started with the beautiful recitation of verses of the Holy Quran and Hadith-e-Kisa. After a short presentation which included a special video ‘sneak peak’ of the channel’s programs, Sayed Mahdi Al-Modarresi, speaking on behalf of the Ahlulbayt television network and its sister channel, the Arabic Ahlulbayt Satellite Channel (based in Karbala), took the opportunity to explain the importance of spreading the message of Islam and answering the call of Imam Hussein at every step of our lives. Drawing from examples in the advertising industry, he illustrated how an industry that “sells death” such as tobacco companies can effectively market their products on such a wide scale using a combination of effective PR and massive injections of funds.

Similarly, Hollywood transforms the moral landscape of people around the world, yet even though we have the tools, the talents, and, above all, a message that is universally favored, we are yet to change the perception of Islam and harness the full potential of media. In a progressive, technology driven society, media has become an extremely powerful medium to spread the message, and the Ahlulbayt TV Network is the very first attempt at using television to our advantage, hence the importance of supporting this cause.

The gracious audience was also warmly welcomed via telecast by the special team that was sent to Kerbala during the twelve days of Muharram. This team was comprised of Dr. Rebecca Masterton, Dr. Fatemeh Jami, Br. Arif Chandoo and Sr. Amina Inloes. The Executive Producer of Ahlulbayt TV, Br. Amir Taki, speaking via video phone expressed his regret for not being able to attend the event, due to the extreme snow storm that had hit England.

After a delicious three course meal enjoyed by the guests, the next item on the agenda was a fundraising auction that had many exciting items such as sporting event tickets, professional photography packages, smart phones and beautiful Islamic artwork by artists from our community. The fundraising event was, Alhamdulillah, successful due to the generous donations of our viewers from around the world, with live pledges even coming from Nigeria, Kuwait and Lebanon. Alhamdulillah, the total amount raised was over $150,000.

One of the highlights of the event was a raffle draw for the grand prize of 2 tickets for Ziarat to Shaam (Damascus) kindly donated by Gala Travels!

Live interviews with some members of the audience as well as some of the volunteers energized the atmosphere with displays of sheer enthusiasm and support to the channel and some who hoped to one day be able to produce shows right here in North America.

The evening ended with the majestic congregational prayers, broadcasted live on Ahlulbayt TV and led by Sayed Mahdi al-Modarresi. If you missed the event a repeat telecast on the channel will be aired soon. Please stay tuned by visiting http://www.ahlulbayt.tv.

The gracious support of The World Federation, NASIMCO, Al Zahra Center, as well as the ISIJ of Toronto was a blessing to the event, which was attended by officials from these organizations among others in Canada.

The Ahlulbayt TV has teamed up with local providers, both in the USA and Canada, to install the satellite dish and receiver in people’s homes and allow them to benefit from the fantastic programming which caters for all, Muslims and non-Muslims, the religious and the non-practicing, submissive and inquisitive, young, old, and everyone in between.

With a one-time payment of roughly $200, this channel can be installed in your home, and you can experience “The Holy Household… In Your Household”.

Here are some of the testimonials that from guests who attended the evening:

“I believe that such events allow for the exchange and sharing of the values of faith and education, especially among the youth. It creates an environment of tolerance, understanding, and respect of different views and ideas. Most importantly, such events bring awareness of all the different Islamic and particularly Shi’a projects taking place around the world. The Ahlulbayt TV channel is truly remarkable and unique in its presentation and its mandate. It was a pleasure to be amongst Sayed Mahdi Modaressi and various individuals who all came together to support this noble project. Inshallah this is only the beginning of something big. Something that will create much change and awareness around the globe.”
Br. Kadhim Taki (P.Eng., President of Ecotherm Inc, Toronto)

“I am truly privileged to have had the opportunity to attend this event. Alhamdulillah the whole organizing committee, volunteers and all those who came out to plan as well as participate in this gathering made it a huge success, mashallah! Prior to taking part in this event, I had heard many positive reviews from friends and family residing in the UK about the Ahlulbayt TV Gala Dinner that took place last year. All I can say is that I am most definitely looking forward to more events like these in the future, inshallah!”
Sr. Fatema Nafisa Rahemtulla (Student in dental hygiene, Toronto)

“What I miss about living in Belgium, I think, without doubt I’d say, having the time to watch Ahlulbayt TV! From the day we discovered Ahlulbayt TV it became part of our life and part of our family. I would turn it on when I’d start my day and would not have the heart to turn it off, when I’d go to bed. We watched (almost) every talk show (and also called in with questions from time to time), every documentary, every interview, and loved how the TV productions improved as time went on. I pray Ahlulbayt TV prospers with every passing day and becomes a beacon of light for the whole world!”
Sr. Tahera (recently moved to Toronto).

For further information, please e-mail Sr. Sukeina Bhimji at sukeina.bhimji@ahlulbayt.tv or Sr. Isra Al-Salem at isra.alsalem@ahlulbayt.tv