MUHAMMAD FARIS BIN ZAIDI

Experience Canadas beauty, diversity and hospitality

From the 18th of October until 27th of October 2012, I was given the once in a life time opportunity to visit a country that I had only dream of going, The Great White North of Canada. It was a student exchange program organized by my university.

To be honest, I did not know what to expect when I went there. I know very little about Canada. Yet my journey was amazing. From the very first day we departed, I felt as if I had landed in heaven. I had learned new things, I discovered new discovery, and I gained new experiences. Canada was far better from what I had imagined.

Yet, the best thing about Canada to me was the hospitality. When the day to fly finally came, my heart was pumping, my feeling was full of nervousness and my mind was full of curiosity yet at the same time, the feeling of joy and excitement filled me. After 22 hours of flight and a transit at Abu Dhabi, we finally reached Toronto and were greeted by Mr Farhad Khadim, the President of the Islamic Institute of Toronto and our host families.

Wallahi, they had been amazing hosts. I had never imagined such hospitality. They treated us as if we are visiting Kings and Queens. No, maybe even better. They treated us as if we are their own flesh and blood. Every single day in Canada, I felt as if I am at home. I felt as if I had never left Malaysia and Canada had forever been my home. I felt in debt with their kindness. It is not easy treating a guess that you had never known before and accepted them as your own child. I too take them as my family. All of them were like my mother and father, my brothers and sisters. For the very first time in my life, I can really imagine what Islamic Brotherhood is all about. I can imagine how the brotherhood was like during the time of the Prophet. I never thought I would actually discover the true Islamic Hospitality in Canada.

Canada is not just famous for their beauty of the Niagara Falls and the chilly and cold weather but also for their people. Everyone that you meet will ensure that you will feel welcome in Canada, even from non-Muslims. The best example was when we were in Ottawa visiting the Museum of Civilization. We wanted to find a place to pray and we asked the staff if there is any place to do so. They told us that they will open up a conference room and set it up for us so that we can pray comfortably. MasyaALLAH. I cannot believe such generosity and hospitality. It is something that amazed me that they will go up to that level in taking care of their tourists. I really have a high respect on their attitude in respecting others. They will ensure you that everyone is welcome in Canada regardless of your race or religion.

Today, I might be half across the world. Yet, I NEVER felt Canada was far from me. As from that day, Canada is very close to my heart and soul. If I were given another chance to visit Canada for just ONE DAY and to go through a long hours of journey hustle and bustle, I would definitely do it. This is because my family is there and forever, they will be a part of my life.