Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan
IN the holy month of Ramadan, Canadian Muslims feel particularly grateful to Allah. They enjoy more freedom, prosperity, better education and health care systems, convenient lifestyle, security and the support of their fellow countrymen than do Muslims in many other countries.
Perhaps the most striking illustration of the goodwill they enjoy is the Ramadan message they received from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who also joined Muslim Liberal Members of Parliament for iftar on the first day of fasting. He sent greetings to Canadian Muslims in a video beginning with “Assalam alaikum.” He followed up with a written message that praised Muslims for their contributions to Canada. He said: “Ramadan reminds all of us to show appreciation for the countless blessings we enjoy and to put the needs of others before our own.
“Let us take the time to recognize, and show gratitude for, the invaluable contributions of our Muslim communities that enrich our national fabric each and every day. Canada’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and sources of pride.”
Several Liberal Members of Parliament arranged Canada’s first iftar at the Parliament which was attended by 600 people. Trudeau was out of the city that day but five Cabinet ministers attended, each speaking warmly about Canadian Muslims. They included Maryam Monsef, a Muslim of Afghan origin who holds the key post of minister for democratic reforms. Trudeau sent greetings and noted that he often visits mosques and did so even before becoming prime minister. It is not that Trudeau is showing favoritism toward Muslims. Rather, his approach is to bring Canadians together and treat Canadians of all religions and backgrounds with respect and fairness.
Trudeau’s election victory last October was also partly due to Canadian Muslims. They voted in large numbers and did so for Liberals whose policy differed sharply from the Islamophobia being promoted by then prime minister Stephen Harper. At the parliamentary iftar, Paramount Foods, which operates in several cities, provided the food. The function was co-sponsored by the National Council of Canadian Muslims, an advocacy group that promotes human rights.
Muslim organizations also arrange daily iftars. The Abo Ther Ghafari mosque has arranged iftars for several years where they invite, in particular, Sunnis including imams. Host Sheikh Mumtaz Ali asks Sunni imam Sheikh Samy Metwally to lead the Maghreb prayers, with Sheikh Mumtaz Ali and other Shias praying behind him. Now the Ottawa Muslim Association, which built the first mosque in Ottawa by the joint efforts of Sunnis, Shias and women, also invites Shia leaders and imams, in particular, to its iftars.
These functions are co-sponsored by the Muslim Coordinating Council of the National Capital Region. On Canada Day, the MCC also brings Sunnis, Shias, women and youth to the Parliament where they distribute free bottles of water to the multitudes who come from all parts of the country to celebrate their national day together. Canadians of diverse faiths see Muslims distributing free water on a hot day even though they themselves are fasting. A few years ago a television series, The Little Mosque in the Prairies, became quite popular with all Canadians. Now maybe they should have another series, the mosques in Canada’s north.
In 2010, Canada’s Northwestern Territories got their first mosque in Inuvik, which is in the Arctic Circle and is Canada’s northernmost city with some 3,600 people of whom about 100 are Muslim. It is believed to be the world’s second northernmost mosque, next only to the one in Siberia. Inuvik remains dark for 37 days in December and January. In the summer, the sun shines for 57 straight days. Inuvik’s Muslims follow the prayer and fasting times of Edmonton, Alberta.
The structure was built in Manitoba by the Zubaidah Tallab Foundation and was shipped through a hazardous 4,000-kilometer road and river journey at a cost of $300,000. Previously Inuvik Muslims used to pray in a one-bedroom trailer. Hussain Guisti, general manager of the foundation, said: “This is what Canada is all about. It shows the tolerance of Canada.” A mosque was also opened this year in Iqaluit, which has some 8,000 people, mostly Inuit, including 100 Muslims. In 2009, the Islamic Society of Nunavut was formed and started planning to build a mosque. It received help from the Zubaidah Tallab Foundation, bought land in 2012 and completed the mosque this year. It will also serve as a community center, food bank and clothes donation area.
In the 1960s, there was no mosque in Ottawa, the federal capital, but a church allowed Muslims to use its space for prayers, Eid prayers, fundraising dinners and its annual meetings. Then the Ottawa Muslim Association bought land next to the church and built a mosque. Recently the congregation decided to sell the Northwestern Church and pray in a nearby church. The church received several offers but preferred to sell it to Muslims with whom they have had excellent relations and who will use the property for spiritual purposes.
This shows the tolerance and beauty of Canada and why Muslims here feel so grateful.
— Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan is a retired Canadian journalist, civil servant and refugee judge.
