ISNA Canada Helps Provide a Haven for Muslims to Practice their Faith Confidently
By Nazim Awan
Sep/Oct 2024
In the heart of Canada’s northern territories, the city of Yellowknife is witnessing the emergence of a significant symbol of faith and community: the Islamic Centre of Yellowknife.
This 2-storey, 7,500-square-foot center, which will include large worship spaces, a youth hall, a library and more, stands as a testament to this 600-member community’s resilience, dedication and unity in this remote part of the country. Yellowknife’s Indigenous population of 3,400 is the largest single community in the Northwest Territories (NWT). Yellowknife is part of the North Slave region: if its population is not included, Indigenous people make up 91% of the population.
Over time, Yellowknife has become home to many new Muslim immigrants and refugees who have cultivated a community flourishing with rich culture. For several winters, the Islamic Center partnered with Islamic Relief Canada to donate care bags of essentials and care packages to communities across the NWT. Other culture-sharing initiatives and events included Qurbani (Eid ul Adha meat sacrifice) donations to local organizations (e.g., the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and Native Women Society), as well as supporting protests, marches and public events in solidarity with Indigenous peoples, Black Lives Matter and Palestinians.
The new Islamic Centre will continue to be a place of worship, culture-sharing and community-building. The mosque, a haven where local Muslims can practice their faith freely and confidently, stands as a beacon of Islamic values such as charity, hospitality and compassion and offering services to anyone in need. It is also a learning center where the public can gain a better understanding of Islam and engage in promoting interfaith harmony and cultural exchange.
The Islamic Centre is more than just a mosque; it is a symbol of the community’s identity and a place where faith, culture and social bonds intertwine. It provides a dedicated space for daily prayers, jummah and celebrations like Ramadan and Eid. Beyond its religious functions, the new center will host educational programs, interfaith dialog and social events to foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding within the broader community.
As the community eagerly anticipates the opening of this spiritual and cultural hub, it’s essential to reflect on its brief history, the values it represents, and the challenges overcome during its construction.
The Islamic Centre of Yellowknife’s journey began over 25 years ago when ISNA Canada purchased and converted an old building into the city’s first mosque. This original center served the community faithfully for decades, thereby becoming a vital part of the local Muslim experience. However, as it grew and the building aged, a purpose-built mosque was clearly needed.
ISNA Canada’s Support
Driven by this vision, the ISNA Canada Islamic Centre of Yellowknife initiated plans for such a mosque. Fundraising efforts intensified, and the project gained momentum, especially with ISNA Canada’s steadfast support. This collaboration ensured that the dream of a new mosque would soon become a reality, promising a facility that could better serve both spiritual and communal needs.
The construction, a community-driven effort from the start, is the result of local Muslims’ financial donations, leading the project design, working with ISNA Canada and volunteering their time and skills. This collective effort strengthened community bonds, which fostered a spirit of cooperation. The encouragement provided by their neighbors further emphasized the project’s inclusive nature.
However, building this new center had several challenges such as the harsh northern climate and logistical difficulties in transporting construction materials to this remote location. Then there was the financial aspect, as the community had to raise substantial funds. They also had to face unexpected hurdles such as the COVID-19 pandemic and when regional wildfires necessitated evacuations.
But thanks to the support of the community and a dedicated team of volunteers, the project persevered. ISNA Canada’s involvement was a critical factor in overcoming the construction challenges. Several ISNA leaders played significant roles, including former chairs Syed Imtiaz Ahmad, Katherine Bullock, and Michael Singh, former executive director Taha Ghayyur, and the current executive director Fouzan Khan.
Their guidance throughout the construction process ensured that the project adhered to local regulations and the Muslim community’s specific needs. Thanks to their hard work and the local community’ resilience, the construction is on track to complete in spring of 2025. However, the community still needs help to ensure that the new mosque has adequate ablution, prayer spaces and resources for its overall maintenance and staffing.
As the center’s opening approaches, the excitement and anticipation within the community is palpable. The mosque stands as a monument to the perseverance and unity of Yellowknife’s Muslims and as a testament to the power of community involvement and support. It will undoubtedly also become a cornerstone of spiritual life and community development in Yellowknife, enriching the lives of all who enter its doors.
Please consider donating to the Yellowknife Mosque at isnacanada.com.
Nazim Awan (former chair, ISNA Canada Islamic Centre of Yellowknife) is a former manager, Trade and Investment at the Government of the Northwest Territories and currently a Senior Economic Development Advisor with the Federal Government of Canada.