The Need to know about Muslims in Canada
Canada is home to a rapidly growing Muslim community of approximately 600 000. Its members are diverse in race, culture and language, and live all across the country. Many are descendents of Muslims that came long ago – during the late 19th century and early 20th century, while others have only just arrived in Canada.
Between 1991 and 2001, the Muslim population in Canada had more than doubled. Immigration was seen as the primary factor, next to a higher than average birth rate (2.5 children per Muslim woman). For the most part, it is a young community – their population having only boomed in the 1960s, after a more inclusive immigration policy was implemented. That trend, however, continues to remain as more and more immigrants enter the country each year. There is also a steady growth in additional members to the Muslim community, that is, those accepting Islam as their new faith. It is for these reasons that Islam is now Canada's fastest growing religion and the principal non-Christian religion.
| Religion | 2001 | Percentage distribution (2001) | Percentage change(1991-2001) | Median age |
| Total population | 29,639,030 | 100.0% | 9.8% | 37.3 |
| Roman Catholic | 12,793,125 | 43.2% | 4.8% | 37.8 |
| No religion | 4,796,325 | 16.2% | 43.9% | 31.1 |
| United Church | 2,839,125 | 9.6% | -8.2% | 44.1 |
| Anglican | 2,035,500 | 6.9% | -7.0% | 43.8 |
| Christian not included elsewhere | 780,450 | 2.6% | 121.1% | 30.2 |
| Baptist | 729,470 | 2.5% | 10.0% | 39.3 |
| Lutheran | 606,590 | 2.0% | -4.7% | 43.3 |
| Muslim | 579,640 | 2.0% | 128.9% | 28.1 |
| Statistics Canada 2001 |
With more and more Muslims entering the workforce, attending public schools and post-secondary institutions, there is a need for educators, employers, collegues, neighbours, and community service personnel to learn about and understand their fellow Muslim Canadians – their beliefs, history, and contributions. Although the Muslim community is one of the largest faith communities in Canada, much is still unknown and misunderstood about their faith, Islam, and their way of life. Unfortunately, inaccurate and distorted information about Islam and Muslims are all too rampant and readily available in textbooks, print and broadcast media, and the internet. Even within the art and entertainment world, Muslims may be portrayed as detestable.
Introducing Islam & Muslims
Definition of "Islam" & "Muslim"
Both "Islam" and "Muslim" are Arabic words that come from a root word whose English equivalent is "s-l-m". More importantly, "slm" are letters that form the word "salam", which means "peace". Another related word, "aslama" means to submit and surrender. So, a Muslim can be defined as one who submits and surrenders to God by following Islam, the way to peace.
Sometimes, people may interchange the words "Islam" and "Muslim". But just as Christians follow Christianity and Jews follows Judaism, Muslims follow Islam.
One may ask why most terms used to describe the Islamic faith are in Arabic. The most significant reason has to do with the Qur'an, the Muslim holy book, and with Muhammad, a man and messenger whom Muslims believe received the Qur'an over 1400 years ago. Since Muhammad and his people spoke Arabic, the Qur'an was revealed in a language that everyone could understand,
…We have revealed the Qur'an in the Arabic tongue that you may understand. (Qur'an, 43: 2)
Preserving the Qur'an in the Arabic language is an essential part of Muslim faith because it is believed to be God's word verbatim. This does not mean that the Qur'an and the sayings of Muhammad cannot be translated into different languages. In fact, the Qur'an can be found in almost every language in the world, from French to Bengali. However, most Muslim scholars will agree that translations do not do justice to the original Arabic text. Rather, non-Arabic speaking Muslims are encouraged to use translations of the Qur'an to understand the meaning of the original scripture, and not to recite or memorize them for the formal daily prayers. (Reciting the Qur'an in Arabic is considered a form of worship for Muslims). Please refer to the Glossary for definitions of Arabic terminology founds throughout this guide.
Islam is Not a New Religion
Muslims will say that Islam is not a new religion and it was not founded by Muhammad, a man who lived in 7th century Arabia. Actually, the message and teachings that make up what Muslims believe and practice today as Islam were based on teachings that were given long ago since the time of the first human beings – Adam and Eve. Muslims acknowledge the guidance of God that was given to the people in the past in the form of scripture and prophets. The Qur'an is the final scripture and offers Islam as the religion chosen by God for all humanity.
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Muslims greet eachother by saying, "As-Salaamu Alaykum!" - "Peace be with you!" "Wa Alaykum As-Salaam!" - "And peace be upon you!" |
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"I AM A MUSLIM AND ISLAM IS MY FAITH" |
Basic Beliefs of Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion and has strong links to the Judeo-Christian tradition. A Muslim's belief in one God is central to his/her faith. "Allah", which literally means "The God", has no gender or physical imagery, and shares power and authority with no one.
There are six articles of faith:
- Belief in the One God
- Belief in angels
- Belief in the books, scriptures, and revelations of God
- Belief in the prophets and messengers
- Belief in the Day of Judgment
- Belief in the Afterlife (Heaven and Hell)
The "Five Pillars of Islam"
In Islam, there are five "pillars" or acts of faith which are considered compulsory for every Muslim to perform.
| 1. Shahadah | Declaration of Faith |
| 2. Salah | Prayer |
| 3. Sawm | Fasting |
| 4. Zakah | Charity |
| 5. Hajj | Pilgrimage |
Islamic Teachings
Justice, peace, mercy and compassion are the cornerstones of Islamic teachings.
Among the best of deeds considered in Islam is being kind, respectful, and obedient to one's parents.
Kindness and charity should be extended towards all people in need: family, neighbours, travelers, orphans and the poor. Visiting the sick and helping those in distress are highly encouraged.
Even animals and plants have a right to kind and gentle treatment, according to Islam.
Islam teaches respect and love for all human beings, despite differences in gender, age, race, culture or ethnicity. Islam strictly condemns racism and bigotry.
Islam emphasizes good, equitable treatment and respect for women. Women are equal to men spiritually and intellectually, and are equal as contributing members of society.
Honesty, sincerity, justice, compassion and mercy are operating principles for Muslims in business dealings and other interactions, whether with Muslims or non-Muslims.
Islam encourages people to strive and struggle for what is right and just and to forbid what is unjust, unethical and morally wrong.
Islam makes obligatory the pursuit of knowledge for men and women and makes knowledge the basis for faith.
Islam, as a way of life, requires purity of mind, body and soul.
Modesty and moderation are the characteristics of a Muslim.
