History of Islamic Traces in Canada
The earliest traces of Islam in Canada date back long before the founding of this nation. Several historical records indicate the first Muslim presence in Canada, but the clearest data date back to the late 19th century.
Early Arrival (Late 19th Century - Early 20th Century)
The first Muslim officially recorded as arriving in Canada was James Edward Rizk , a Lebanese immigrant who settled in Ontario in the 1860s. Then, in 1871, the Canadian census recorded 13 Muslims in the country. Most of them were immigrants from Lebanon and Syria , then under the Ottoman Empire. They came seeking economic opportunities and building new lives in a "new land."
During this period, the Muslim community was still very small and scattered. They generally worked in agriculture or small-scale trade. Without mosques or community centers, they practiced their religious services in their homes and maintained Islamic traditions privately.
Formation of the First Community and Mosque
A significant milestone occurred in 1938 with the founding of the Al-Rashid Mosque in Edmonton, Alberta . This mosque was the first mosque built specifically for worship in Canada, and indeed in all of North America. Its construction was led by a group of local Muslims, including Hilwie Hamdon , who raised funds from various communities, both Muslim and non-Muslim. The mosque's existence symbolizes the beginning of an organized Muslim community in Canada.
Following the Al-Rashid Mosque, the construction of mosques and community centers began to expand, albeit slowly. These mosques served not only as places of worship but also as social and educational centers for the growing Muslim community.
Post-World War II Immigration and Rapid Development
After World War II, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, Canada's immigration policy became more open. This triggered a large wave of immigration from countries with significant Muslim populations, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and countries in the Middle East and Africa . This wave of immigration drastically changed the demographics of Muslims in Canada.
The Muslim community became more diverse in terms of ethnicity, language, and sect. During this period, many national Muslim organizations were founded, such as the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Canada and the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) , which played a vital role in coordinating community activities and voicing Muslim interests at the national level.
The 21st Century: Recognition and Integration
Today, Islam is the fastest-growing religion in Canada. Canadian Muslims come from more than 80 countries and are spread across all provinces, with the largest concentrations in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver .
Despite facing challenges such as Islamophobia and discrimination, Canada's Muslim community actively contributes to society. Many Muslims are successful in various fields, including politics, science, the arts, and business. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are widely recognized, and Muslim institutions, such as schools and charities, have become an integral part of Canada's social and cultural landscape.