Development of Muslim Lifestyle in Canada

Thirteen years before the formation of Canadian Confederation, in 1854 the first Muslim child James Love was born to Scottish parents Agnes and James Love in Ontario. He was named after his father. The youngest son, Alexander, of the Love couple was born in 1868 (one year after the formation of Canadian Confederation). Another Muslim couple John and Martha Simon, who were known in government documents as 'Mahometans', settled permanently in Ontario after migrating from the USA in 1871. Coincidently this couple was also of West European origin like that of the Love couple, John was English whereas Martha was French.

Among the first Muslim immigrants, the story of teenager Ali Abouchadi is noted in the history of Canada. Popularly known as Alexander Hamilton, this Lebanese youth walked on foot from Lala to Beirut, a distance about 50 km, and then boarded a boat to Montreal in the first part of nineteenth century in search of gold. Though his luck did not favor him, having got no goldmine, he opened a new era of successful trade and commerce. Following his footstep, during the first decade of the same century a number of construction workers began to settle in Ontario and Quebec, and later on in Alberta and Saskatchewan and thus a Muslim population began to grow.

A new era of Muslim history in Canada began with the immigration of skilled professionals such as teachers, technocrats, businessmen and people with technical education. Consequently, Muslims proved themselves to be essential human resources for Canadian society by playing significant role in mainstream Canadian economy. McGill University opened the Department of Islamic Studies in 1952. A decade later the University of Toronto adopted a new strategy of appointing Muslims scholars from different countries in various departments to attract foreign Muslims students.

Though Muslims had to endure hard struggle to cope with the new environment, they never neglected the effort to maintain their Islamic Roots. The Al-Rashid Mosque of Edmonton is the fine example of that effort. This is the first masjid (mosque) in North America, which was established in December 12, 1938. The then Mayor of the City along with the translator of the Holy Qur'an Allama Yusuf Ali's rare presence in the inaugural ceremony will remain immortal in the history throughout the ages to come. The Masjid, with a slight change in its appearance, is now used as a museum of Islamic art. Over one and a half century old and rapidly increasing, this Muslim community has turned into a skilled, educated and important part of Canadian society. Although Muslims make up less than two percent of Canada's Population, the community has made enviable progress in terms of acceptability and importance than many other minorities. Today the numbers of masjids are reaching to a thousand with which more than sixty percent of the community members maintain regular or occasional contact.

Muslims are not lagging behind in the mainstream political life of Canada as well. A good number of MPs and councilors are elected in every national poll. Even non-Muslims also voluntarily come forward to talk on Muslims' behalf. Though the presence of the Muslims is not noticeable the media (especially in TV channels), they are not absent altogether. "The Little Mosque on the Prairie", the comedy series that debuted in February 2007 and written by 39 years old film producer Zarqa Nawaz became the most popular show of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

More than one Friday Congregation is held in nearly all masjids in Canada. Yet they are filled with Muslims of all ages, and color and gender. Though Friday is not a weekly holiday, they manage to get time off from their work and attend the congregation. It shows that the Muslims belong to a community with unique characteristics of fraternity and social cohesion.

In most mosques, the sermon (Khutba) is delivered in English with modern styles. Progressive minded Scholars, well versed in Islamic and secular knowledge, deliver the sermons on various contemporary issues that make them unavoidable to Muslims. The experts of the Islamic world living in different countries especially in the Middle East, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India deliver the sermons by turns. The African-American reverts are not lagging behind in this regard. Their rare presence and extraordinary styles usually attracts attention. The sermon here does not reflect the wishes of the kings or dictators, like those of the Middle East. Unlike the subcontinent, khutbas in Canada are not delivered from the book called '"Khutbah of Twelve Months", which are boring, irrelevant and incomprehensible. There is no restriction for the females in praying in the mosques in Canada. On the contrary, Bangladeshi immigrant women educated in modern education finds new touch of Islam. Moreover, the interesting and attractive programs arranged for the females and children turn the mosques essential for them. So they along with their families do not like to miss the different taste of the Friday prayers. Islamic Organizations like ICNA, and ISNA among greater Canadian population and MCC (Muslim Circle of Canada) among Bangladeshi immigrants, organize regular and easily comprehensible Islamic programs that are making Islamic teachings ever attractive to the community.

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