Message from the President – Executive
November 15, 2022 |
Assalamu alikum warahamtualla Wabrakatu,
According to the most recent demographic data from Statistics Canada, the Muslim population in Canada has more than doubled in the last 20 years, reaching 4.9% of the population and just under 2 million people.
From humble beginnings in 1851 when James and Agnes Love settled in Canada to the early Lebanese immigrants of the 19th century, the community has come a long way. Today, Muslims are leaders in every sphere of our society, practising every profession, running successful businesses, and serving as elected officials. Muslims in Canada are highly represented in all spheres of society and are known to have a high level of education and participation in public life. Muslim families and communities are flourishing today, and young Muslims are actively practising their faith and taking pride in their identity.
Challenges no doubt still exist. Refugees from impoverished and war-torn areas often face a reality of poverty and disenfranchisement once they arrive in Canada. Islamophobia remains rampant and disproportionately impacts our black and hijabi sisters. Atheism, extramarital relationships, and gender fluidity are just some modern social issues that challenge our Islamic faith. While we can be proud of our progress, we still have a long way to go to ensure that Canadian Muslims can freely, and without compromise, practise their faith in our pluralistic society.
With your support, MAC will remain at the forefront of inspiring young men and women to ground their faith in a comprehensive understanding of our deen and positively put their faith into action. We will inshaAllah continue to be an authentic voice of our community. We will continue building the institutions and services that form the bedrock of our communities, and that educate, empower, and inspire Muslims to be devoted to Allah, and to live meaningful lives of service.
The Muslim community must continue to play a vital role in ensuring Canada’s long-term prosperity. With firm belief, deep purpose, hard work, and mutual support, we will inshaAllah see our community grow into a source of good and a great beacon of light, making our world a better place.
We ask Allah to grant us the honour of continuing to serve His deen and gain His pleasure.
“كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّه”
“You indeed are the best nation brought forth for people, You enjoin good and forbid indecency, and you believe in Allah” (3:110)
Your brother,
Abdullatif Bakbak
MAC President – Executive
