About Awliya Community Services
Awliya Community Services is a Canadian not-for-profit charitable organization that was established in January 2010 in order to respond to the growing social service needs of diverse and marginalized communities living within the municipalities of the Golden Horseshoe of Ontario, Canada. The programs and services offered by Awliya Community Services exist for the benefit of all eligible individuals, families, and communities, regardless of background.
Our Identity: Meanings and Metaphors
Awliya
The word "awliya" is the plural form of the Arabic word "wali", which carries the literal meaning of friend, supporter, protector or guardian.
The word is commonly used to refer to saints - people that love God, and whom God loves in return.
Awliya are believed to be able to perform works of great wonder because of their close relationship with God.
The Heart
The heart is the source of love, care, and compassion. Similarly, the heart-shape is a universal symbol for love.
The goal of cleansing the heart from spiritual impurities so that it radiates love, care and compassion is at the centre of all Islamic belief and practice.
Saints or the "awliya of God" have pure hearts, containing only love for God and His creatures.
The heart is also the source of courage: the ability to maintain moral strength in the face of hardship. Courage is also an attribute of the awliya of God.
In the English language, the word "heart" can be used to mean love, care, compassion or courage.
The Rays
The rays emanating from the heart reflect the forces of love and mercy. Like sunrays, these originate from a single entity but reach all to give and support life.
The Eight-pointed Star
The star is a "heavenly body" and a source of navigation and guidance for travelers.
The eight-pointed star, commonly found in Muslim art and architecture, reflects an operational framework guided by Islamic principles.
The Flower
Taken altogether, the heart's rays split the eight-pointed star into petals representing all at once the optimism, beauty, reassurance and kindness of a flower.
The Awliya Community Services logo is a registered trademark of Awliya Community Services.