Fun fact: filing your taxes affects your opportunity to buy a home. And since we’re a month away from the tax filing deadline in Canada, knowing how to properly prepare your papers makes the home buying process simpler and less, er, taxing.  Helping us with this article is Sayem Hasan of 786 Venture CPA, a Calgary-based CPA firm offering professional tax filing services in Canada.   Tax Filing Deadline in Canada  This year, the personal tax filing deadline falls on April 30th. Individuals must submit their returns indicating total income, expenses, and other relative finan ..read more

Ramadan is here – which means long hours of fasting. While a warm and hearty Iftar sounds good, it must also be good for the body. Let’s look at some recommendations to make your sundown meal more filling and nourishing.  What is Iftar and Why is It Important?  Enjoyed at sundown, Iftar or sunset meal is how Muslims replenish lost energy and nutrients after fasting for the whole day. Strategically planning one’s Iftar is vital for sustaining oneself during the month-long Ramadan season.  Key Food Items Every Iftar Table Should Have:  Don’t Forget the Date!  A staple ..read more

Many of us look forward to a hearty iftar to end the day of fasting well. And while home-cooked meals are great, preparing one for you and your family can further drain your remaining energy. This is when you call for takeout or visit your favorite halal restaurant. While many halal restaurants focus on serving traditional foods from Muslim regions, like Arab or Pakistani, there is a viable alternative when you feel like something different but still halal.   Check out Cluck Clucks, a Toronto-based Halal chicken and waffles store and franchise that brings this comfort food to the Mu ..read more

Ramadan is more than just fasting and Eid – it’s a great time to restore your body, mind, and spirit. So, for this sacred month, let’s look at some tips you can consider to make the season more fruitful, preparing you for another year ahead.    Mental Health is #1 This Ramadan Today’s generation has given a greater focus to mental health, with various practices aimed at improving a person’s mental well-being. The holy season offers several ways to develop your mental health, whether with your local community or yourself.  Remember to prioritize your mental health dur ..read more

Man and Woman Unpacking Near Our First Home Welcome Mat, Moving Boxes and Plant. After five years, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the country’s main administrator of the National Housing Act, rolls the curtain to the First-Time Home Buyers Incentive Program. What does this mean for Canadian home buyers? Moreover, what will happen to recent applications? Let’s look at some important details in this article.  What is the First-Time Home Buyers Incentive?  Introduced in September 2019, the First-Time Home Buyers Incentive Program aims to help Canadians buy their first home ..read more

Owning a small business can be a life-changing experience filled with a lot of ups and downs. As a Muslim-based non-profit, we want to inspire budding entrepreneurs with success stories on their small business journey. We recently talked to Dr Salma Kiani, owner of Edmonton-based Greater Edmonton Eye Care, and shared her story on how her business came to be.  Aligning Passion and Opportunity  Dr. Kiani started her business as an answer to a growing market need for reliable and affordable eye care services. Being in the field for many years, she saw how many patients require eye car ..read more

False Creek in Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Taken from an aerial perspective during a colorful sunset. If you are moving to another place, whether for a career, education, or a fresh start, many countries will provide you with some or all of those things. Known for job opportunities, incredible landscapes, and progressive thinking, Canada is an excellent country to move up north.  Why Move to Canada?  Canada has been a destination to many for many reasons, and here are some.  Diversity and culture  Quality of living  Amazing nature sites  Job opp ..read more

Orlando, Florida, USA aerial cityscape towards Eola Lake. Are you planning on moving from your hometown to a city or place for a better life? Whether you are alone or have a family, where to relocate is one of the biggest questions. With living conditions and job security as your priorities, here are some cities we highly recommend for you to look at.  Boulder, Colorado  Known for its food, beer, and the outdoors, Boulder is one of the best cities in Colorado to start anew. For people who love nature and sightseeing Boulder’s 155 miles of hiking trails, and more than 60 parks would ..read more

Modern and low-rise brick house or condo built in a quiet natural area. Apartment in green forest. Concepts of building construction industry. Investment in private ownership of real estate Recent numbers in the real estate world show a significant rise in interest in newly constructed homes. Many new homeowners risk buying newly built homes over buying existing properties in the market. In this article, we shall discuss the reasons, pros, and cons of building a house.  The Sudden Trend of Constructed Homes Home listings are scarce in many states due to economic conditions and surging mo ..read more

View from CN Tower of Downtown buildings One of the most popular provinces in Canada, Ontario has a lot to offer families looking to settle down. From impressive living conditions and access to amenities to excellent employment opportunities, several cities in Ontario rank as some of the best options available. Let’s explore these places and give you an idea of which place in Ontario you would want to live.  Burlington, Ontario  Located on the northwestern shores of Lake Ontario is Burlington, a hidden jewel of a city. With low crime rates, good schools, and excellent living standard ..read more