Asset Mapping of Muslim Resources in Pickering region

The following document was prepared by Sharmila Jaihindraj, MSW Intern at the University of Windsor

In Canada, the first presence of the Muslim population (13 members) was recorded in 1871, and the population has since grown exponentially, it is also the fastest growing population in the country. (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2011). The majority of the Muslim population comes from South and Central Asia, the Middle East and East Africa (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2016). Muslim follow the teachings in the Book of Allah, the Qur’an. They are guided by a legal-ethical system that is guided by the Halal (permissible) and Haram (prohibited) rules. In Canada, change in immigration laws, the Second World War, the need for skilled workers and unrest in many countries, from 1871 to today, has brought in Muslims from Lebanon, Albania, Syria, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Indonesia, Palestine, Morocco, Egypt, Iraq, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Iran, Afghanistan and the Balkans has brought in hundreds of thousands of Muslims. The early settlers concentrated in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, however statistics now show Muslim populations have thrived in all parts of Canada, with an overwhelming majority of new immigrants settling in the GTA (Bakht, 2016).

According to Muslim Canadian researchers, there are two different Islamic denominations. The large majority of Canadians belongs to Sunni Islam, while the remainder follows shi’i Islam. This division stems from the religious-political divisions in Islamic history and has slightly different spiritual practices and beliefs. There are also other denominations within this division, such as Twelvers, Ismallis (followers of Aga Khan), Sufis (followers of the mystic traditions of Sunnism and Shism) and subsects such as Druze, Alawis, and the Qudyanis (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2011). These sects have cultural differences however follow the same teachings of Islam. Many Islamic organizations also formed since the 1950, the oldest of the being the Islamic association of Canada, Muslim Students Association, Council of Muslim Communities in Canada, and the Islamic Society of North America. Many social service agencies also began servicing Muslim communities specifically after identifying Muslim immigrants as being subjected to highest number of hate crimes (Statistics Canada, 2006), mostly based on their perceived restricted clothing, dietary needs, prayer needs and so forth. Over the course of the years Muslims have negotiated and worked with the Canadian government to recognize their needs and make accommodations accordingly (Bakht, 2016).

This Asset mapping identified many agencies operating within Scarborough, Pickering and Markham, with an overwhelming incomparable number of services in Scarborough. The largest number of Muslim specific service provided in these areas are places of worship (referred to as Mosque and usually has one head, known as the Immam). Some mosques, also provide Islamic education and since recently has been approved for private Islamic schools which follow the Ontario curriculum with certain exceptions that are religion specific. Social service agencies provide services such as Halal Food Banks, Prayer assistance, Quran classes, Youth groups, Marriage (Nikkah) and Burial Services.

It is also interesting that no agency maintained statistics on the different Muslim Ethnic population it served and nearly no agency acknowledged the cultural differences between their populations. Almost all agencies stated, they serve the Muslim population and certain administrators and Immams attempted to provide a ballpark figure – since these numbers were subjective, it is not included in this report. There was also only a couple of community and social agencies that identified with a specific community or country of origin, and geared their services towards a certain ethnic population. There was one agency that provided shelter for victims of violence (Women and children) and even though this shelter is located outside of the scope of this paper it was still included. There was no agency that serviced men and or women with addiction issues, child welfare specific, employment specific, settlement and so forth.

This Writer visited two mosques in random to visit, one in Scarborough and one in Markham. The mosque in Scarborough is called Central Mosque Scarborough, and is located between Lawrence and Markham. The place of worship was decorated with mats on the floor and one individual, who identified himself as Asif Akbar stated he was the Immam and the person in charge. When asked about specifics populations he provided an estimation from memory was about 6000 individuals, weekly – 50% from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, 30% Arabs and Europeans and 2-3% Africans (Note: this population does not add to a 100%, but was the estimation shared). He stated there was no referral process and anyone who needs help should drop in, due to nature of the changing staff and population. The Immam, made it clear that what brings them together is their faith, anything that separates them (such as race and backgrounds) is “insignificant”.

The other mosque this Writer visited was the Islamic Society of Markham in Markham (Denison and Middlefield). This building looked more like the traditional mosques with the crescent and star. The receptionist was a gentleman named Kaim Ingar, he stated their Immam only comes in on Fridays and there is not consistent person presently . He walked me to the section where women are allowed to in a mosque and he stated men and women are segregated in the mosque to avoid distraction. There were no specific programs, he stated they were working on starting a youth group and other programs that would benefit the Muslim community. Overall it seemed that all centers that served Muslim population had a standard practices. For instance, none of the Muslim centers (Mosques, schools, community centers) had records that were ethnicity, sex or age specific. The referral process was to drop in, or call the main number (with the exception of schools, which required calling the reception and scheduling an appointment). Fridays seemed to be the busiest day and the programs and building seemed to be highly dependent on the funding received and seemed to be well connected between the community.

Muslim Agencies in Scarborough

Name of agency Description of agency Services provided Other contact information
Scarborough Muslim Association – Jame Abu Akbar Siddique Masjid A non-profit organization since, 1981 that serves over 6000 individuals a week. Country of origin ranging from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Arab countries, African countries and European countries.
Five times daily Prayers

Programs & Bayans for Holy nights and occasions

Tafseer of Quran every Saturday after Zuhr

Guidance, counselling, interpretation of Quran and Ahadith

Marriage/Nikah ceremonies

Funeral & Burial Services

Quran Classes for Adults

Youth Programs

Fully Accessible – Wheel Chair Ramp and an Elevator

Islamic Education: Full time School, Evening Madrasah, Sunday School, Alim/Alimah Course – Higher Islamic Studies, Full Time Hifz Class, Summer School Immam Kasim Ingar.
Tel: (416) 750-2253
Ext: 12665

Office contact:-

Tel: (416) 750-2253

Fax: (416) 750-1616

Email: info@smacanada.ca

Web: www.smacanada.ca

Lawrence Ave. East
Scarborough, ON
M1P 2S2
CANADA

Masjid Al Jannah – Srilanka Islamic Foundation of Ontario Individual and Group Counselling

Food and Clothes Drive Programs

Start up – Senior Program

Diabetes Workshop – English, Gujarati and Tamil

Janaza – Funeral Services

Financial Aid Tel: 647 342 7544

Email: info@slifo.ca

Web: www.slifo.ca

2201 Ellesmere Road
Scarborough
Ontario, M1G3M6 Canada

Islamic Institute of Toronto Established in 1996, the Islamic Institute of Toronto is a premier Islamic Educational Institution, located in Toronto Post-secondary courses in Arabic Language, Islamic Jurisprudence, Ethics and Spirituality, Islamic History and Civilization, Comparative Religion and Civic Engagement amongst others. Admin: Nazreen Shaffee

Tel:416 335 9173

Email: Secretary@iitacademy.ca

Web: www.Islam.ca

1630 Neilson Rd, Scarborough, ON M1X 1S3

Islamic Social Services – and Resources Associations MCS is a group of diverse professionals dedicated to enhancing newcomer community engagement. Our agency was established in 1987 as a nonprofit organization to serve and work with newcomers to facilitate their settlement and integration into Canada. We offer a wide range of services and learning opportunities to connect newcomers to a better future in the ever changing Canadian society.
Community Information and Referrals –
support to new immigrants and refugees – settlement work

Community education/advocacy –
Community information sessions, and Cultural Sensitivity Training

Heritage classes are held once a week to provide cultural sensitivity to Muslims about the Canadian society and to non-Muslims about Islamic heritage and practices.
ESL Classes
We have on going classes for our clients who have difficulty in understanding and speaking English.
Volunteer program
The volunteer program is designed to provide placement for members of our community to assist and support other members of our community who would benefit from a volunteer’s assistance. We offer:
New Mother’s or Pregnant Mother’s Visitor
Sick child’s Visitor
Homework Tutoring program
Senior’s Visitor
Nutrition Group
We have an ongoing nutrition group in which Public Health teaches the clients about healthy eating and meal planning
Youth Program
The Youth Program focus on providing an opportunity for youths to participate in activities and discussions that are relevant to them
Homework Club
The Homework-club offers Tutorial assistance for students in both Toronto District School Board and ESL learners
Program for Women and Children:
A support network for women and children that are changing their lives to live free from violence in their homes, families, and local communities Manager: Joanna Athely
(416) 767-9358

Office
(416) 767-1531
Fax
(416) 767-0328
Email
issra@issra.ca
Address:
2375 St. Clair Ave. West
Toronto
Ontario,
M6N 1K9

Salaheddin Islamic School Operating since September 1998, is a private Islamic Elementary and Secondary school operating in the city of Scarborough, Ontario Canada. Elementary Program – courses taught in regular Ontario public schools, except music, dance and drama. In their place, we offer Islamic classes.
Secondary Program –
In our secondary school, we primarily offer Academic, Mixed and University prep courses, all leading to university and college. During the 2012-2013 academic school year, we saw our second graduating grade 12 class into post secondary studies.
Abdul
(416) 264-9495
abdulabdul100@yahoo.ca

Web: www.salaheddin.org/

741 Kennedy Rd. ON M1K 2C6 CANADA

Islamic Society of Willowdale Our Brothers and Sisters have the choice to gain knowledge of our Darz Nizaamie course, a Classical Arabic and Islamic Shariah program that offered worldwide without having to leave their full time responsibilities. Prayers
New Muslim Support

Islamic Educational Institutes

Muslim Marriage
Matrimonial Services
Qadi / Marriage Officers for Nikah

Muslim Media / Publications
Community Newspapers
Local Muslim Radio Shows
Local Muslim TV Shows
Muslim Media Groups
Muslim Women

Muslim Youth

Relief work

Accessibility Organization

Family Counselling

Food Banks

Funeral Services

Muslim Senior Groups

New Immigrants

Sports & Entertainment
Tel:
416-495-9021

Web: http://www.torontomuslims.com/listing/islamic-society-of-willowdale/

3551 Victoria Park Ave, Scarborough, ON M1W 2S6

Agincourt Muslim Association Mosque and community center Prayers

Quran (Holy Book) reading for children, youth and adults:
1) Basic Quran Qaida
2) Nazira Quran (Learn to read Quran)
3) Tajweed (Learn Quran with rules of tajweed)
4) Tahfez-ul-Quran
5) Arabic Duas from Quran and Sunnat
Phone: (416) 901-9659

3599 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1T 3K8

Al-Huda Muslim Society Is an Islamic non-profit organization. Its goal is to promote the teachings of Ahlul Bayt as well as to create a safe and Islamic atmosphere for its members. Mosque – Prayer

School

Youth centre

social hub
Funeral service

Cultural Center

Educational centre
Phone: 416 446 0935

Address: 975 Kennedy Rd. Scarborough, Ontario, M1P 2K5

Central Mosque Scarborough Central Mosque Scarborough has renovated its hall for the growing community of Scarborough
Five times daily Prayers

Two Friday Prayers

Qurbani available

Providing
Ramadan Huffazh to other Masajid (mosques)

Taraveeh Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha Prayers

Programs & Bayans for Holy nights and occasions.

Tafseer of Quran every Saturday’s after Maghrib

Guidance, counseling

Interpretation of Quran and Ahadith

Marriage ceremonies

Community Hall

Youth Programs

Youth Counselling

Accessible to disabled – Wheel Chair Ramp

Islamic Education: Evening Madrasah, Alim/Alimah Course

Higher Islamic Studies

Full Time Hifz Class

Summer School
Immam: Asif Akbar
Phone: 416 439 3737

Address:
PO BOX 90595 Cedar Heights Plaza
Scarborough, ON
M1H 3G7
Baitul Mukarram Islamic Society Mosque – prayers
Summer School Registration Form
Evening School (Madressah) Registration Form
Volunteer Opportunities

Phone: 416 686-3037

Address: 3340 Danforth Ave, Scarborough, ON M1L 1C6

Jamiah Qasimul Uloom
Jamiah Qasimul Uloom is an institute established in 2015 to provide the Muslim community with traditional Islamic education Mufti Ahmed Bemat (1932-2004) and Molana Asad Bemat (d.1993) saw a vision of starting an Islamic Seminary in Toronto which benefits the community. Prayer Phone: 416 431-2589
Address: 3482 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1H 3E5
Gawsul Azam Masjid Muniria Juba Tabligue Commitee Canada’ is a non profit, non-political, tarikat-based, spiritual organisation within the framework of Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama’ah. Newcomers assistance

Volunteers

250 Warden Ave,Toronto, On, M1N-3A1, Canada
1-416-828-5787
Muslim Welfare Centre
The center is guided by the belief that service to humanity is service to Allah. We are committed to serving those in need, irrespective of religion, nationality, caste or creed
Halal Food Bank

Regent Park Lunch Service

Child Sponsorship program – in war torn Muslim countries

Free Medical Clinic for refuges and uninsured individuals

Halal Meals on Wheels – both for seniors and homeless individuals

Public School Nutrition Program

Muslim Welfare home – A safe haven for women and children fleeing violence

Project Ramadan – Help families in need during the months of Ramadan
Toll Free Tel: 1-866-754-3111

Tel: 416 754 8116

Fax: 416 754 4468

Email: muslim@muslimwelfarecentre.com

100 McLevin Avenue, Suites 4 & 4A
Scarborough, ON M1B 5K1

Sakinan Community Center The Sakinah Community Center is a new multi-purpose community space which provides both members and casual users an opportunity to participate in a variety of religious, educational and leisure activities (416) 615-1550

1430 Birchmount Rd (Birchmount and Lawrence) Scarborough, ON M1P 2E8

info@sakinahcenter.com

http://www.SakinaCenter.com

Muslim Agencies in Markham

Name of agency Description of agency Services provided Other contact information
Islamic Society of Markham ISM’s mission is to provide a uniform platform of expression for Islam, to develop educational, dawah and social services that translate the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah into everyday living, and to enhance Islamic identity in the society. Islamic Education School

Prayers

905 294 7866

2900 Denison Street, Markham. Ontario. L3S 4J8

Islamic Centre of Markham / Masjid Darul Iman

Masjid Darul Iman was founded to serve the the town of Markham’s rapidly expanding Muslim population, with the intention of offering vital Islamic services to the community and to please Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’ala.
Islamic School and Educational Program
Evening Hifz School Program for Boys
Weekly Quran Tafseer & Hadith Halaqa

Phone: (905) 209-8200

Address: 1330 Castlemore Ave, Markham, ON L6E 1A4

Muslim Agencies in Pickering

The Council of Islamic Guidance The Council of Islamic Guidance is a charitable non-profit organization and its mission is to safeguard, promote and foster the understanding and observance of religion among its Members, their families and others.
Al Mahdi Madrassah – Islamic School
Muslim Burial Plan (MBP) as a cooperative organization to help the grieving families at their time of distress.

Al Mahdi Sports & Recreation – Sports activities were arranged for kids during summer vacation.

Phone:
416.283.5492

Email:ec@cig.ca

510 Concession 3 Road,
Pickering, ON. L1X 2R4

Pickering Islamic Centre
A new initiative to service the blooming Pickering Muslim population Senior Social Circle

Youth Islamic Classes

Summer programs

Womens – Sisters Committee Immam: Asif
Phone: 905 426-7887

Address:
2065 Brock Rd, North (9.58 mi)
Pickering, Ontario L1V 2P8
Ethnicity Specific Agencies

North American Muslim Foundation Pakistani Matrimonial Services – Muslim Mates is NAMF’s own matrimonial service that aims to help Muslim singles find an appropriate spouse within a comfortable and halal environment.

Orphan Walk – Annual event that brings people of all ages, nationalities, and faiths together around a common goal: supporting orphaned children around the world

Halal Food Bank – Open Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM,

Speech competition –
NAMF’s annual Speech Competition

Family Fair -The NAMF Family Fair started in 2008 and is an annual event focused on bringing families together on the statutory holiday of Family Day in Ontario.

Zakat Distribution – Throughout the year, the North American Muslim Foundation collects and distributes the special religious donation – Zakat.

Marriage Services

Family Counselling

Youth Counselling

Legal aide

Settlement programs

Arabic language classes

Health and welfare program

NAMF Islamic Academy

Summer Islamic camp
North American Muslim Foundation

Phone: 416 299 1969

Fax: 416 299 4890

Email: info@namf.ca

Web: https://www.namf.ca/

kanada turk – Islam Vakfi Turkish –
Canadian Turkish-Islamic Cultural Association was established in April 1983 Funeral Services

Religious and Official Marriage Services

Prayer
Tel: (416) 469-2610E-mail: info@papecami.comAddress: 336 Pape Avenue, Toronto, ON M4M 2W7
Gashanti Unity Somalian –
Gashanti Unity is a group of young Somali women in Toronto. Our mission is to provide girls and young women a safe atmosphere to develop their gifts, abilities, and positive relationships. 365 Bay Mills Blvd. Toronto, Ontario. M1T 2G5

info@gashantiunity.ca
Albanian Muslim Society of Toronto Albania
Mosque and Social service agency Forgiveness of Five Hours of Prayer.
Prayer of Jumu’ah Prayer.
Islamic teaching every Sunday for children.
Lecture for women (First Saturday of every month).
Religious consulates.
Terror Forgiveness, iftar in the mosque, Quran reading, religious lectures.
Forgiveness of two Eid and Bajram’s Dinner.
Islamic Marriage.
Mortal services.
Mevlude on the occasion of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and the New Year of AI.
– Address:
564 Annette Street,
Toronto, ON, M6S 2C2
– Phone:
(416) 763-0612
– E-mail:
xhamia@albmuslim.ca
Canadian Arab Federation Employment

Immigration

Refugees assistance
Womens and senior rights

Website says services are offered however there is not much information. Not reachable by phone. Phone: 416 493 8635

Fax: 416 493 9239

Web: www.caf.ca
Address: 1057 McNicoll Avenue, Toronto.
Reference

Canadian Encyclopedia (June, 2016) Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/islam/

Natasha Bakht, ed, Belonging and Banishment: Being Muslim in Canada (2008)

Muslim Agencies in Scarborough

Muslim Agencies in Markham

Muslim Agencies in Pickering

Ethnicity Specific Agencies

Reference

Canadian Encyclopedia (June, 2016) Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/islam/

Natasha Bakht, ed, Belonging and Banishment: Being Muslim in Canada (2008)

Asset Mapping for Muslim Population in

Scarborough, Pickering and Markham

ASET Group Consulting and Counselling Services

Prepared by Sharmila Jaihindraj

MSW Intern

March 2018

Content

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………1

Muslim agencies in Scarborough…………………………………………………………………7

Muslim agencies in Markham…………………………………………………………………..13

Muslim agencies in Pickering…………………………………………………………………..14

Ethnicity specific agencies……………………………………………………………….……..14

Reference……………………………………………………………………………………….18

Introduction

In Canada, the first presence of the Muslim population (13 members) was recorded in 1871, and the population has since grown exponentially, it is also the fastest growing population in the country. (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2011). The majority of the Muslim population comes from South and Central Asia, the Middle East and East Africa (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2016). Muslim follow the teachings in the Book of Allah, the Qur’an. They are guided by a legal-ethical system that is guided by the Halal (permissible) and Haram (prohibited) rules. In Canada, change in immigration laws, the Second World War, the need for skilled workers and unrest in many countries, from 1871 to today, has brought in Muslims from Lebanon, Albania, Syria, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Indonesia, Palestine, Morocco, Egypt, Iraq, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Iran, Afghanistan and the Balkans has brought in hundreds of thousands of Muslims. The early settlers concentrated in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, however statistics now show Muslim populations have thrived in all parts of Canada, with an overwhelming majority of new immigrants settling in the GTA (Bakht, 2016).

According to Muslim Canadian researchers, there are two different Islamic denominations. The large majority of Canadians belongs to Sunni Islam, while the remainder follows shi’i Islam. This division stems from the religious-political divisions in Islamic history and has slightly different spiritual practices and beliefs. There are also other denominations within this division, such as Twelvers, Ismallis (followers of Aga Khan), Sufis (followers of the mystic traditions of Sunnism and Shism) and subsects such as Druze, Alawis, and the Qudyanis (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2011). These sects have cultural differences however follow the same teachings of Islam.

Many Islamic organizations also formed since the 1950, the oldest of the being the Islamic association of Canada, Muslim Students Association, Council of Muslim Communities in Canada, and the Islamic Society of North America. Many social service agencies also began servicing Muslim communities specifically after identifying Muslim immigrants as being subjected to highest number of hate crimes (Statistics Canada, 2006), mostly based on their perceived restricted clothing, dietary needs, prayer needs and so forth. Over the course of the years Muslims have negotiated and worked with the Canadian government to recognize their needs and make accommodations accordingly (Bakht, 2016).

This Assert mapping identified many agencies operating within Scarborough, Pickering and Markham, with an overwhelming incomparable number of services in Scarborough. The largest number of Muslim specific service provided in these areas are places of worship (referred to as Mosque and usually has one head, known as the Immam). Some mosques, also provide Islamic education and since recently has been approved for private Islamic schools which follow the Ontario curriculum with certain exceptions that are religion specific.  Social service agencies provide services such as Halal Food Banks, Prayer assistance, Quran classes, Youth groups, Marriage (Nikkah) and Burial Services.

It is also interesting that no agency maintained statistics on the different Muslim Ethnic population it served and nearly no agency acknowledged the cultural differences between their populations. Almost all agencies stated, they serve the Muslim population and certain administrators and Immams attempted to provide a ballpark figure – since these numbers were subjective, it is not included in this report. There was also only a couple of community and social agencies that identified with a specific community or country of origin, and geared their services towards a certain ethnic population. There was one agency that provided shelter for victims of violence (Women and children) and even though this shelter is located outside of the scope of this paper it was still included. There was no agency that serviced men and or women with addiction issues, child welfare specific, employment specific, settlement and so forth.

This Writer visited two mosques in random to visit, one in Scarborough and one in Markham. The mosque in Scarborough is called Central Mosque Scarborough, and is located between Lawrence and Markham. The place of worship was decorated with mats on the floor and one individual, who identified himself as Asif Akbar stated he was the Immam and the person incharge. He asked if this Writer was of the same faith, when this Writer replied no, he politely requested to remain on spot as other areas were restricted – this Writer respected. explained it was a holy place for people of faith, programs did not have handouts or pamphlets, and participants in youth Qu’ran reading programs were from within the community. When asked about specifics populations he provided an estimation from memory was about 6000 individuals, weekly  – 50% from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, 30% Arabs and Europeans and 2-3% Africans (Note: this population does not add to a 100%, but was the estimation shared). He stated there was no referral process and anyone who needs help should drop in, due to nature of the changing staff and population. Overall there was no formal record keeping of numbers attending, ethnic backgrounds, referral processes, formal reception setup and so forth. The Immam, made it clear that what brings them together is their faith, anything that separates them (such as race and backgrounds) is “insignificant”.

The other mosque this Writer visited was the Islamic Society of Markham in Markham (Denison and Middlefield). This building looked more like the traditional mosques with the crescent and star. The receptionist was a gentleman named Kaim Ingar, he stated their Immam only comes in on Fridays and there is not consistent person presently . He walked me to the section where women are allowed to in a mosque and he stated men and women are segregated in the mosque to avoid distraction. There were no specific programs, he stated they were working on starting a youth group and other programs that would benefit the Muslim community. When asked for statistics, he replied the majority  (he estimated about 5000/weekly) of the ‘men’ were from Pakistan but that is all he would say, as he said keeping track of records was not part of the Mosques’s mandate.

Overall it seemed that all centers that served Muslim population had a standard practices. For instance, none of the muslim centers (Mosques, schools, community centers) had records that were ethnicity, sex or age specific. The referral process was to drop in, or call the main number (with the exception of schools, which required calling the reception and scheduling an appointment).  Fridays seemed to be the busiest day and the programs and building seemed to be highly dependent on the funding received and seemed to be well connected between the community.

Muslim Agencies in Scarborough

Muslim Agencies in Markham

Muslim Agencies in Pickering

Ethnicity Specific Agencies

Reference

Canadian Encyclopedia (June, 2016) Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/islam/

Natasha Bakht, ed, Belonging and Banishment: Being Muslim in Canada (2008)

Our appreciation for Sharmila on her work in initiating this project, and hope we can continue work in improving service connection and navigation to families and individuals of Muslim faith.

Asset Mapping for Muslim Population in

Scarborough, Pickering and Markham

ASET Group Consulting and Counselling Services

Prepared by Sharmila Jaihindraj

MSW Intern

March 2018

Content

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………1

Muslim agencies in Scarborough…………………………………………………………………7

Muslim agencies in Markham…………………………………………………………………..13

Muslim agencies in Pickering…………………………………………………………………..14

Ethnicity specific agencies……………………………………………………………….……..14

Reference……………………………………………………………………………………….18

Introduction

In Canada, the first presence of the Muslim population (13 members) was recorded in 1871, and the population has since grown exponentially, it is also the fastest growing population in the country. (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2011). The majority of the Muslim population comes from South and Central Asia, the Middle East and East Africa (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2016). Muslim follow the teachings in the Book of Allah, the Qur’an. They are guided by a legal-ethical system that is guided by the Halal (permissible) and Haram (prohibited) rules. In Canada, change in immigration laws, the Second World War, the need for skilled workers and unrest in many countries, from 1871 to today, has brought in Muslims from Lebanon, Albania, Syria, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Indonesia, Palestine, Morocco, Egypt, Iraq, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Iran, Afghanistan and the Balkans has brought in hundreds of thousands of Muslims. The early settlers concentrated in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, however statistics now show Muslim populations have thrived in all parts of Canada, with an overwhelming majority of new immigrants settling in the GTA (Bakht, 2016).

According to Muslim Canadian researchers, there are two different Islamic denominations. The large majority of Canadians belongs to Sunni Islam, while the remainder follows shi’i Islam. This division stems from the religious-political divisions in Islamic history and has slightly different spiritual practices and beliefs. There are also other denominations within this division, such as Twelvers, Ismallis (followers of Aga Khan), Sufis (followers of the mystic traditions of Sunnism and Shism) and subsects such as Druze, Alawis, and the Qudyanis (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2011). These sects have cultural differences however follow the same teachings of Islam.

Many Islamic organizations also formed since the 1950, the oldest of the being the Islamic association of Canada, Muslim Students Association, Council of Muslim Communities in Canada, and the Islamic Society of North America. Many social service agencies also began servicing Muslim communities specifically after identifying Muslim immigrants as being subjected to highest number of hate crimes (Statistics Canada, 2006), mostly based on their perceived restricted clothing, dietary needs, prayer needs and so forth. Over the course of the years Muslims have negotiated and worked with the Canadian government to recognize their needs and make accommodations accordingly (Bakht, 2016).

This Assert mapping identified many agencies operating within Scarborough, Pickering and Markham, with an overwhelming incomparable number of services in Scarborough. The largest number of Muslim specific service provided in these areas are places of worship (referred to as Mosque and usually has one head, known as the Immam). Some mosques, also provide Islamic education and since recently has been approved for private Islamic schools which follow the Ontario curriculum with certain exceptions that are religion specific.  Social service agencies provide services such as Halal Food Banks, Prayer assistance, Quran classes, Youth groups, Marriage (Nikkah) and Burial Services.

It is also interesting that no agency maintained statistics on the different Muslim Ethnic population it served and nearly no agency acknowledged the cultural differences between their populations. Almost all agencies stated, they serve the Muslim population and certain administrators and Immams attempted to provide a ballpark figure – since these numbers were subjective, it is not included in this report. There was also only a couple of community and social agencies that identified with a specific community or country of origin, and geared their services towards a certain ethnic population. There was one agency that provided shelter for victims of violence (Women and children) and even though this shelter is located outside of the scope of this paper it was still included. There was no agency that serviced men and or women with addiction issues, child welfare specific, employment specific, settlement and so forth.

This Writer visited two mosques in random to visit, one in Scarborough and one in Markham. The mosque in Scarborough is called Central Mosque Scarborough, and is located between Lawrence and Markham. The place of worship was decorated with mats on the floor and one individual, who identified himself as Asif Akbar stated he was the Immam and the person incharge. He asked if this Writer was of the same faith, when this Writer replied no, he politely requested to remain on spot as other areas were restricted – this Writer respected. explained it was a holy place for people of faith, programs did not have handouts or pamphlets, and participants in youth Qu’ran reading programs were from within the community. When asked about specifics populations he provided an estimation from memory was about 6000 individuals, weekly  – 50% from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, 30% Arabs and Europeans and 2-3% Africans (Note: this population does not add to a 100%, but was the estimation shared). He stated there was no referral process and anyone who needs help should drop in, due to nature of the changing staff and population. Overall there was no formal record keeping of numbers attending, ethnic backgrounds, referral processes, formal reception setup and so forth. The Immam, made it clear that what brings them together is their faith, anything that separates them (such as race and backgrounds) is “insignificant”.

The other mosque this Writer visited was the Islamic Society of Markham in Markham (Denison and Middlefield). This building looked more like the traditional mosques with the crescent and star. The receptionist was a gentleman named Kaim Ingar, he stated their Immam only comes in on Fridays and there is not consistent person presently . He walked me to the section where women are allowed to in a mosque and he stated men and women are segregated in the mosque to avoid distraction. There were no specific programs, he stated they were working on starting a youth group and other programs that would benefit the Muslim community. When asked for statistics, he replied the majority  (he estimated about 5000/weekly) of the ‘men’ were from Pakistan but that is all he would say, as he said keeping track of records was not part of the Mosques’s mandate.

Overall it seemed that all centers that served Muslim population had a standard practices. For instance, none of the muslim centers (Mosques, schools, community centers) had records that were ethnicity, sex or age specific. The referral process was to drop in, or call the main number (with the exception of schools, which required calling the reception and scheduling an appointment).  Fridays seemed to be the busiest day and the programs and building seemed to be highly dependent on the funding received and seemed to be well connected between the community.

Muslim Agencies in Scarborough

Muslim Agencies in Markham

Muslim Agencies in Pickering

Ethnicity Specific Agencies

Reference

Canadian Encyclopedia (June, 2016) Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/islam/

Natasha Bakht, ed, Belonging and Banishment: Being Muslim in Canada (2008)