News

Toronto businessman Mohamad Fakih pledges $20K to house refugees stuck on city streets

A Toronto businessman has personally pledged to donate at least $20,000 to house refugees who have been camped out in downtown Toronto for weeks. “They don't need a handout; they need a hand up. Those people are exactly like [me when] I came here and a lot

interfaith

Sid Ikeda: A tireless advocate for the common good and interfaith co-operation

Sid Kiyoshi Ikeda, age 88, passed away peacefully during the early morning of Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Providence Healthcare after a rapid decline stemming from a long battle with cancer. An engineer by trade and training, Sid worked for the T. Eaton Co. and retired in 1996 ending his

Reflections

Friday reflection: In search of sanctuary: The enduring quest for refuge

By Muneeb Nasir The migration (hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his companions from Mecca to Medina stands as one of the most significant events in Islamic history. Faced with persecution, these early believers were compelled to leave their homes behind. The hijrah holds significant historical

interfaith

Religion and Belief among immigrants to Canada

Immigrants to Canada are significantly more religious and more open to public religious expression than non-immigrant Canadians. By JOHANNA LEWIS Introduction Canada prides itself on being a country that welcomes immigrants. When asked what makes their country distinctive, many Canadians point to the diversity that comes from people from all

News

City of Toronto officially launches new ‘Toronto For All’ Anti-Islamophobia Campaign to celebrate acceptance without exceptions

The City of Toronto, with guidance from a Community Advisory Council and the National Council of Canadian Muslims, launched a new ‘Toronto For All’ public education campaign to raise awareness about the realities of Islamophobia present in our community and to help to remind Torontonians that acceptance comes without exceptions.

Reflections

Friday reflection: Journey Towards the Eternal - Navigating challenges and strengthening Faith

By Muneeb Nasir During the early days of Prophet Muhammad's, peace be upon him, messengership, Muslims faced constant pressure, threats, and abuse. Allah's early revelations aimed to fortify the early believers with eternal principles of faith. These revelations taught them and teach us that the power

News

MuslimFest returns to Mississauga: A vibrant celebration of Muslim culture and diversity

Prepare to immerse yourself in a lively cultural experience as MuslimFest, the highly anticipated festival, returns to the vibrant city of Mississauga. From July 7th to July 9th, Celebration Square will be transformed into a captivating showcase of Muslim culture, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to celebrate diversity and

News

Global Imams and Scholars Council (GISC) launches, uniting Muslim Leaders worldwide

GISC Inaugurates on the Day of Arafat, Promoting Unity and Collaboration within the Muslim Ummah The Global Imams and Scholars Council (GISC) announces its official launch, bringing together scholars and imams from around the world. Coinciding with the auspicious Day of Arafat, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, GISC aims to

Muslims Canada

Yusuf's Day of Hope 2023: Spreading Hope and Support for the Community

Yusuf's Day of Hope 2023: Join us on July 16 for a day of hope and support. Help raise funds for children's health. Learn more at ydoh.ca.

environment

Ibrahim Abdul-Matin - a trailblazer in environmentalism passes away

Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, a visionary leader and champion of environmentalism, social justice, and interfaith collaboration passed away suddenly this week. He leaves behind his wife and three young children. His funeral service (Janaza) takes place today at the Islamic Society of Orange County, Garden Grove, California following the Friday service (Jumuah)

News

Eid al-Adha to be celebrated on Wednesday, June 28 2023

According to the Islamic authorities in Makkah and the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA), the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) has announced that the first day of Dhul Hijjah will be on June 19. The Day of Arafah will be on Tuesday, June 27, and Eid al-Adha will

interfaith

Which religions are strong in Canada?

By Brian Carwana We often hear that religion in Canada is waning as the percentage of non-religious people has surged. But the story gets more complicated if we ask a different question: namely which communities are keeping their members best and which are struggling to retain their children once they

News

EradicateHate 2.0 toolkit released

By Samya Hasan We are excited to finally be able to announce the launch of the #EradicateHate 2.0 toolkit! In collaboration with the Anti-hate Community Leaders Group, the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) has launched an App for children and youth to combat online hate. The EradicateHate

News

Canadian Muslim charity secures settlement after false terrorism funding accusations

According to CBC News, a prominent faith-based charity in Canada has successfully reached a settlement in a legal case involving false accusations made against them. Islamic Relief Canada, one of the country's largest faith-based charities, had filed a lawsuit in December 2018, seeking $2.5 million in damages.

Reflections

Friday reflection: Building blocks for a flourishing Muslim presence

By Muneeb Nasir When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought refuge in the city of Madina, having migrated from his hometown of Makkah, it was predominantly populated by non-Muslims. However, the atmosphere in Madina was filled with anticipation and excitement as the residents eagerly awaited the arrival of the

News

Honouring the memory of Our London Family

By Stephen Brown, CEO of NCCM I know the next few days will be hard for many as we pause to remember. I don’t think any of us can ever forget the horror that befell the evening of June 6th, 2021. I know I won’t. And we shouldn’

Reflections

Friday reflection: 'My Lord! Let me go back'

By Muneeb Nasir We perceive time passing swiftly, reminding us that one day we will face God on the Day of Judgment. On that day, it will feel as if we have lived, dreamed, and aspired for merely a fleeting moment. Our worship of the Creator will appear incomplete and

environment

Inspired by her faith to be friend to the earth

By Patricia Lane & Iman Berry These in-their-own-words pieces are told to Patricia Lane and co-edited with input from the interviewee for the purpose of brevity. Iman Berry is inspired by her Islamic faith to energize others to care for the planet. This 22-year-old Western University business and political science

The public good: An interview with Olive Tree Foundation's Muneeb Nasir

Muneeb Nasir is a religious leader, writer, and interfaith activist. He is Chair of the Olive Tree Foundation, former Co-Chair of the National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee, Executive Director of the Cordoba Centre for Civic Engagement and Leadership, a member of the Muslim Advisory Board at Emmanuel College, and the

Reflections

Friday reflection: What leads to happiness?

By Muneeb Nasir What leads to happiness? Is it by acquiring wealth and having many luxury possessions? Today it seems as if there is no stop to the excessive greed and reckless living of people in societies around the world. One of the signs of these conditions is the relative

News

Olive Tree Foundation to fund Annual Indigenous Spirit Bear Award

The Olive Tree Foundation has announced that it will fund an annual award to support Indigenous young people through the Mohamed and Opheera Nasir Endowment Fund. “We are grateful to the Olive Tree Foundation (Mohamed and Opheera Nasir Endowment Fund) for their generous annual contribution to the Spirit Bear Award,

Reflections

Ethical concerns arise over Canadian Muslim relief agencies' voluntourism practices

By Muneeb Nasir and Irshad Osman Muslim Relief organizations are in overdrive, aggressively marketing to the Canadian Muslim community, and a new form of fundraising practice is cropping up among the larger charities - voluntourism, which combines tourism and volunteering. As a background on the extent of Muslim donations in

News Featured

`Eid Al-Fitr on Friday, April 21: Fiqh Council of North America

`Eid Al-Fitr will be on Friday, April 21, according to the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA), citing astronomical calculations. The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar’i method for determining the beginning of Lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. FCNA

Real Lives Featured

Dr Jamal Badawi receives the Annual Ummah Society Community Award 2023

Congratulations to Dr Jamal Badawi for receiving the Ummah Society Community Award 2023 for his outstanding service to the community! His Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, The Honourable Arthur LeBlanc, presented the prestigious award to Dr Badawi, in the presence of distinguished leaders of the city of Halifax

Reflections

Friday reflection: We all have a defined benefit plan

Good deeds are our investment for the everlasting future and the returns are defined – it is our defined benefit plan. All of us should be looking to live, not just ‘a good life’, but a life of goodness. ‘A good life’ is generally understood as having a successful career, a