NEW MOSQUE GIVES LOCAL MUSLIMS A PLACE OF WORSHIP

When the Istiqlal Islamic Centre of Toronto (IICT) began searching for a location for a new mosque, the main goal was to help serve Muslims who were driving long distances to pray and attend events.

And when they found a 140-year-old church for sale in Ballinafad, they knew they had the right location.

"It was a church already, which was a significant point. It was already a place of worship," said Umar Farooq, the mosque's imam. "We very much believe the legacy continues in a place of worship, so that gave us the incentive to purchase it."

The church was originally built in 1878 as a Presbyterian Church and later became a United Church of Canada in 1925. A community of Indonesian Muslims raised funds and through those donations, IICT purchased the church in May 2021. The IICT spent a year doing renovations converting it to a mosque while respecting the building's heritage designation.

The mosque will serve as a community centre for religious, social and cultural events.

"For Muslims in the area, having a local community that is close to home is fantastic," Farooq said.

Farooq conducted his first sermon at the new mosque last October

"The very first time I was there for a Friday sermon, there were maybe 10 people. I was there last month for a sermon and there was a congregation of 40 to 50 people. I asked where they're from, I heard from Acton, Georgetown, and Erin. People

mentioned that they were driving to Milton to have a place to pray."

"I think we'll grow in an organic fashion by word of mouth, as neighbours start to tell each other,

families start to share information with one another."

Farooq said he is looking forward to the mosque hosting its first Ramadan Mar. 22-Apr. 20.

In addition to hosting events, the mosque will provide religious counselling services and moral support to members of the congregation, lead prayers, deliver Friday sermons and conduct religious classes and seminars for the community.

Subhan Bumi, chair of the board for the IICT, said the mosque is also planning to offer a free tax service, managed by a certified accountant, that will be open to the public. It is also making plans to start a food bank for those in need.

"We want to show the programs we can offer to the community and build relationships and fellowship with other faiths and churches," Bumi said.

There will be an open house on May 13 where members of the public can visit the mosque.

"Our neighbours have been very welcoming, and we want to continue bridging an understanding of Islam," Farooq said. "If somebody wants to know about Islam, we'll be here to answer their questions."