Full-Time Drop-In Centre
Our full-time drop-in centre was officially inaugurated in October of 2001 in the presence of hundreds of friends and supporters from the Muslim community, local community leaders, and government officials from local, provincial and federal levels.
In addition to being the headquarters for the Islamic Humanitarian Service and its administrative offices, our centre has two large halls for religious and cultural functions, and they can accommodate around 300 men and women in total. The entire building is equipped with a high-speed wired and wireless Internet connection, and we also have a copy, scan and printing machine. In addition, we offer satellite TV from the USA and the Middle East in English, Arabic, Farsi, and Turkish.
Youth who want to come and study in a peaceful Islamic atmosphere use our library and other areas of the building, and tap into resources on the Internet with one of our computers that they can use for research and other purposes. Our relaxation section offers a ping-pong table and a gaming console with a wide selection of games—permitting our youth to meet, interact and spend quality time with one another in a friendly environment.
EDUCATION AND INSTRUCTION
Our religious scholars and knowledgeable lecturers frequently visit public schools, universities, prisons, and other educational institutions and religious and cultural centres to teach the general population about Islam and its values, morals, and way of life, thus instilling awareness about the faith of Islam into their minds and hearts.
Interviews and discussions are carried out at our interfaith gatherings and through local radio, TV and print media in an attempt to answer questions that people may have in regards to Islam, and to clear any ambiguities about the faith of Islam that may be in the minds of the people. In addition, articles are prepared and circulated among the news media through our Al-Haqq newsletter, highlighting Muslim concerns and informing the society of special Islamic religious holidays.
TRANSLATION & PUBLICATION
One of best ways to learn more about the Islamic faith and science of the religion is through literature. In order to assist Muslims to better understand their faith and to permit non-Muslims to learn about the true teachings of Islam, the Islamic Humanitarian Service has taken a leading role in the writing, translation, and publication of Islamic literature in a wide variety of topics for various age groups, including:
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The Islamic Moral System: A Commentary of Surah al-Hujurat
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Me’raj: The Night Ascension;
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Istikhara: Seeking the Best from Allah
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Discussions Concerning Al-Mahdi
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A Mother’s Prayer
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The Tasbih of Fatima az-Zahra
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A Code of Ethics for Muslim Men and Women
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Rules Relating to the Deceased: Philosophy and Ahkam
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40 Ahadith Activity Book for Children
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Light of the Family of the Prophet—Coloring Book
and many more!
To date, the Islamic Humanitarian Service has translated and published 15 books, and co-published over 25 books in co-operation with other non-profit charities in the United Kingdom and with independent publishers in Canada, USA, Europe and Africa! These titles are available for sale in Canada, the USA, Europe, Africa and other countries and are also available for free reading and download in PDF from our website.
ISLAMIC RESEARCH LIBRARY
More than 1,200 books make up the Islamic Research Centre Library. Muslims and non-Muslims can visit the centre for school papers or to obtain a better understanding of Islam. Literature is available in English, Arabic, Farsi, French, Gujarati, German, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu and other languages. A wide range of subject matter guarantees something of interest for everyone.
SOCIAL WELFARE
Individuals experiencing temporary financial challenges are assisted under the social welfare division of the Islamic Humanitarian Service.
Rent, grocery, or medical subsidies are allocated to those affected by the current economic realities. A careful and thorough screening process is in place which ensures that each case which is approved is genuine while avoiding unnecessary personal interference.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We operate a weekly religious training school every Sunday in Kitchener, providing local children and young adults with basic religious education. Volunteer teachers follow a specially designed syllabus geared towards Muslim youth living in the pluralistic society of Canada, with an attempt at making the youth honest and upright Muslims and productive members of society - just as the religion of Islam teaches. We implement various contemporary forms of teaching, including the use of audio CDs, DVD movies, and multi-media computer software to aide in teaching the students through methods that work best for them.
SISTERS’ DIVISION
In the late 1990s, the United Muslim Women of Canada was formed to address the needs of Muslim women in the community. The mission statement of the U.M.W.C. calls for the upliftment of women through education, literacy, eradication of poverty, and the active preparation for the advent of Imam al-Mahdi. To achieve these goals, the United Muslim Women of Canada communicates with Muslim women throughout Canada and around the world to promote closer co-operation with one another and to speak with a united voice on issues specific to women.
In order to assist in the economic and social betterment of women and other needy individuals of the society, collections of food items, blankets, medications, clothing and other necessities are carried out throughout the year with its distribution taking place in various centres in Canada and select areas around the world.